Sick of Greed?

2 Kings 5:14-16, 20-22, 24-27

Introduction: The lesson today is about how those of us that are saved have to be careful about attitudes and temptations that strike the unsaved as well.

The lesson deals with the later part of Elijah’s ministry. There was much fighting in the area. The Syrians were a mighty nation that had captured some Jews. One of the Jews was a maiden that was taken into the home of Syria’s mightiest general, Naaman, to be a handmaiden for Naaman's wife.

Naaman was a mighty general, but he was also a leper. The handmaiden told her mistress that there was a prophet in Israel named Elijah that could help cure the disease. The mistress told her husband and Naaman went to see Elijah.

Elijah would not even come out to see Naaman even though Naaman had brought his entire entourage and gifts to show respect to Elijah.

Elijah did not want to seem beholden to this foreign general and so he simply sent word to the general to go bath in the Jordan seven times and he would be cured.

Naaman was angry and left but a servant of his convinced him to try the cure. What had he to lose? The lesson opens with Naaman going to the Jordan as directed.

Grace is not for Sale 2 Kings 5:14-16 “14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. 15 And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.   16 But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.”

1. Naaman went to do as he was told but with no great conviction or faith

2. He was told to wash but instead he dipped himself lightly in the river

3. Apparently, this pleased God who honored the act and He cured Naaman

4. V. 15 Naaman declare the God of Israel the true God

   1. NOTE: This sums up the Gentile world. By having many gods they had no god at all

   2. Had he seen it done to someone else he may not have believed so strong, but he had happened to him personally. NOTE: Those that have experienced Grace themselves are the best speakers about Grace

5. He offers Elijah payment for the service

6. V. 16 Elijah refuses

   1. Elijah did not want to be beholden to this foreigner

   2. Elijah did not want people to say Naaman had made him rich—that would take glory from God

   3. Elijah was teaching the new convert that riches of this world were not to be treasured

Thoughts of a profit 2 Kings 5:20-22 “20 But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.   21 So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?   22 And he said, all is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.”

1. Though Naaman had many good servants, Elijah had only one—and he brought shame to Elijah. NOTE: Even Jesus had a Judas

2. This was a complicated sin:

   1. Gehazi coveted the money even though his master had shown how worthless it was

   2. Gehazi blamed Elijah for not taking the money—he felt the Syrian got off too easily

   3. When Naaman met Gehazi, Gehazi told him an outright lie

   4. He misrepresented his master, making Elijah look like he couldn’t make up his mind—this was a terrible testimony for a new convert

   5. He could have alienated Naaman from his new conversion and turned him once again back to idols

3. Naaman gives Gehazi the silver, two talents worth and clothes

No good comes from greed 2 Kings 5: 24-27 “24 And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed.   25 But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.   26 And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?   27 The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.”

1. Gehazi hid the silver—one can never completely hide sin

2. V. 25 He was confident in his management of the situation as most sinners and liars are. He lied to Elijah

3. V. 26 Gehazi forgot about the Elijah’s ability to discern

4. V. 27 Gehazi is punished with leprosy

   1. Gehazi had worked with Elijah for years, yet had learned nothing

   2. All our carnal desires are open to God’s eyes, nothing is missed

5. Gehazi lost:

   1. His health

   2. His honor

   3. His peace

   4. His service or livelihood

Conclusion: Christians are not immune to every temptation there is, especially greed. We must rely on God’s spirit for help and guidance when we run into temptation.

A wise prayer warrior told me once, “ You can’t help it if a bird flies over your head but you can help it if it builds a nest there.”