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Sermon Notes

You Shall Be Clean
2 Kings 5:1-19
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor

Overview: Elisha’s ministry has proven effective among political figures and ordinary people; now, he is used by the Lord to impact an international figure. Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, is a man of valor who experienced great military success but faces the daunting reality of being a leper. He hears a word of hope through a young Israelite girl who mentions there is a prophet in Samaria who can cure him. Naaman confers with the king of Syria, who inadvertently sends him with a letter and gifts to the king of Israel. Naaman is then redirected to Elisha, who responds by sending a messenger instructing Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times. Naaman thinks he deserves more attention or a better method than what is prescribed and turns away in a rage. His servants speak to him, insisting that Elisha’s words are his only hope for healing. When Naaman obeys the word of the prophet, his flesh is restored, and he acknowledges there is no God in all the earth but in Israel. This remarkable healing provides a simple but profound illustration of how the Lord can cleanse us from our sins and make us new.

01. Naaman’s situation back then is the same as our situation right now. Despite our accomplishments, character, or resources, we all have a stain we cannot cleanse on our own.

02. Naaman’s solution back then is the same as our solution right now. We need to be directed to the right person; humble ourselves before the Lord; and respond by faith in order to be cleansed.

03. Naaman’s reaction back then is the same as our reaction even now. Once we are cleansed, we will recognize Christ as King; we will worship without being told; and we will learn as we grow.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY

1. What characteristics are highlighted in verse 1 that depict Naaman as a man of great accomplishments and character? How does the single phrase, “but he was a leper,” change the entire equation? What does such a remark teach us about our own vulnerability before the Lord?

2. Consider the life circumstances of the unnamed young girl in verses 2-3. Would anyone have blamed her if she chose to remain silent about the possibility of her captor’s health being curable? How does her situation in exile reflect the original audience of 1-2 Kings, which was also living in exile at this time?

3. What was Naaman’s understanding of how he might be healed, according to verse 5? How does this initial attempt to exchange gifts for healing picture our attempt to merit salvation? What types of things do people rely upon to impress God with in times of need? Is there anything we can give to the Lord that can compare to His gift of salvation to us in Jesus Christ?

4. Why was Naaman put off by Elisha’s instruction to dip himself seven times in the Jordan River? How does this simple instruction mirror the simplicity of the gospel, namely that we can be saved by the blood of Christ? How does this text underscore the fact that alternative ways of salvation do not exist?

5. What changes were immediately evident in Naaman’s life after he was cleansed from leprosy? What changes occurred in your life when you first came to know the Lord?

For Further Reading: D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Old Testament Evangelistic Sermons (Banner of Truth, 1996).