Ii Kings 7:1
God's promise of provision and deliverance can be met with unbelief, but faith and risk-taking can lead to discovery and blessing.
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.
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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!
Sermon Outline
- GOD MADE AN UNBELIEVABLE PROMISE points: - Famine and inflation to end overnight - Promise met with unbelief - Unbelief results from two factors - The results of unbelief
- THE DISCOVERERS OF GOD'S WORK 4 LEPERS points: - Lived outside walls in area where city refuse was dumped - The reasoning behind discovery
- THE REACTION OF UNBELIEF points: - Lepers found camp empty - began to fill their stomachs with food and hide treasure - Went back to city and called to porter on the wall - Porter ran to king with good news 'It's a trap!'
Key Quotes
“If God would open windows in heaven might this thing be?” — Chuck Smith
“We are dying. If we don't do something, we shall die.” — Chuck Smith
“What can you lose casting yourself upon God's mercy?” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must be willing to take risks and trust in God's mercy, rather than staying in our comfort zone and missing out on God's blessing.
- Unbelief can lead to spiritual starvation, but faith and risk-taking can lead to discovery and blessing.
- We must not be limited by our concept of God and human logic, but instead trust in God's promise and provision.