Chuck Smith discusses the siege of Samaria and the incredible promise from God to end the famine, emphasizing how the people's unbelief stemmed from their limited understanding of God and human logic. He illustrates the consequences of this unbelief, where the citizens remained trapped in their fears despite being free, while four lepers, desperate and willing to act, discovered God's provision. The lepers' decision to seek mercy led to their salvation and the eventual good news for the city, highlighting the importance of faith and taking action in the face of despair. Smith encourages believers to trust in God's promises and to step out in faith, as inactivity can lead to spiritual death.

Intro: The siege of Samaria by Ben-Hadad. A donkey's head selling for 60 pieces of silver. King blamed God and sought to kill His servant. I. GOD MADE AN UNBELIEVABLE PROMISE. "THUS SAITH THE LORD." A. Famine and inflation to end overnight. 1.8 gallons of fine flour selling for 65 cents 16 gallons of barley for 65 cents. B. Promise met with unbelief. 1. "If God would open windows in heaven might this thing be?" C. Unbelief results from two factors. 1. Concept of God. 2. Human logic. a. I can't figure out how God can do it so I conclude He can't. D. The results of unbelief. 1. They locked themselves within the city and set the watchmen on the wall. a. They were free but they did not know it. b. All night the guards watched for an enemy that did not exist. c. They draw their sashes tighter around their starving stomachs and went to sleep, when within a sling's throw there was more food than they could eat d. Tormented with hunger pangs when they might be feasting. e. See what unbelief can do! 2. Sad parallel. a. God has routed our enemy and set us free. b. God has made ample provision for our spiritual development and enjoyment. II. THE DISCOVERERS OF GOD'S WORK --- 4 LEPERS. A. Lived outside walls in area where city refuse was dumped. 1. Within city, refuse being sold at premium prices. B. The reasoning behind discovery. 1. "Why sit here until we die?" a. We are dying. b. If we don't do something, we shall die. 2. No use going into Samaria. 3. Cast ourselves upon mercy of Syrians. Logic: a. If they kill us, we're going to die anyhow - nothing to lose. b. A chance they might be merciful. c. Let's go. a. If you go on in sin, you are going to die. b. What can you lose casting yourself upon God's mercy? c. He has promised grace, mercy, pardon, forgiveness. a. Maybe there is another kind of need in your life. b. Danger of Inactivity. c. Take the promise of God's word and launch out in faith. 1. Do your best and commit the rest. 2. If it is your best, it will be God's blest. 4. These 4 lepers had given up - what a blessed stage. a. As long as I have another avenue I'm prone to try - b. A man who struggles as he sinks is hard to rescue. c. Shut up to Christ - how blessed. III. THE REACTION OF UNBELIEF. A. Lepers found camp empty - began to fill their stomachs with food and hide treasure. B. Went back to city and called to porter on the wall. C. Porter ran to king with good news "It's a trap!" There must be a catch!