Chuck Smith preaches on the story of Naaman, illustrating how leprosy symbolizes sin, which is incurable by human efforts and progressively fatal. Despite Naaman's honorable status as a captain, he was still a leper, highlighting that no amount of personal achievement can save us from sin. The sermon emphasizes the simplicity of God's grace, as Naaman was initially insulted by the prophet's instructions but ultimately found healing by obeying the command to wash in the Jordan. Smith warns against pride and the tragedy of missing out on salvation due to unwillingness to accept God's simple solution. The message encourages listeners to trust in God's grace and take the step to be cleansed.

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.