WASH AND BE CLEAN
Intro: The story of Naaman.
I. IN THE SCRIPTURES LEPROSY IS USED AS A TYPE FOR SIN.
A. By human efforts it was incurable.
1. The only hope was a divine act of God.
2. Note the king's reaction to Naaman's coming - vs. 7
"Am I God."
3. To remove sin or guilt impossible by human effort.
a. Wishes are vain.
b. Resolves are futile Rom.7
c. Promises are empty.
B. Leprosy was progressive.
1. It began at the extremities and progressed until it
reached a vital organ.
2. So sin is progressive.
a. You cannot just sin in moderation.
b. No one taking the first fix intended to get
hooked.
c. None of the 51/2 million alcoholics in the
U.S. today planned to be.
d. "Just once won't hurt"-deadly type.
C. Leprosy was always fatal.
1. It was like a death sentence hanging over you.
a. In a matter of time it would be executed.
2. so the soul that sinneth shall surely die.
a. The sentence is already given.
b. Jesus said He did-not come into the world
to condemn the world, it was condemned
already.
II. NAAMAN WAS A LEPER.
A. He had a lot of great traits.
1. He was the captain of the Syrian army.
a. Was very courageous and had brought great
victories.
2. He was highly respected by the king.
a. He was a very honorable man.
b. A "Mr. Syria" the all-Syrian boy.
B. But he was a leper.
1. Despite his bravery he was doomed.
2. Despite his honor his days were numbered.
3. Desperate men will grasp at straws, so he carne
to Israel in hopes of healing.
C. Note his response to the prophet of God.
1. He was insulted and angry.
a. His presence always respected, people bowed to
him. This prophet didn't even come out, but
sent his servant with simple message.
2. Just was in Jordan.
a. Ridiculous.
b. what good can that do?
3. Cod doesn't always do things the way we anticipate.
a. Naaman was expecting a little show.
b. He would have thrilled at some great challenge.
4. Grace is so hard to accept.
a. Just simply believe on Jesus. Christ and be
saved.
1. "Lord, I'll buy my way in."
2. I'll work my way in.
b. No! Just wash and be clean.
III. NAAMAN'S CLEANSING.
A. He was finally persuaded to just try.
1. So it is simple.
2. So you can't figure it out, just try it.
3. And the 7th time his flesh came as a little child, baby
skin, and he was clean.
B. What a tragedy if he had not tried.
1. Had he gone back to Syrla with his pride off ended and
angry Hell is full of people too proud to be saved.
2. Returned still a leper. What happened Naaman? He
couldn't heal me.
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Chuck Smith (1927 - 2013)
Pastor Chuck was used in the Jesus People revival where he was used along with others to minister to the hippy young people. They saw a work of the Spirit where many were added to the church and discipled. He has raised up many pastors who are a part of the Calvary Chapel movement now and where he pastors the large Costa Mesa church in California.The Calvary Chapel movement is based of simple principles that Chuck Smith taught over the years such as: The priority of agape love, Simple fellowship amongst the saints, the breaking of bread, the teaching of God's word chapter by chapter and verse by verse. And lastly and most importantly the principle not by might nor by power but by my spirit saith the Lord.