The Evangelistic Little Girl and Naaman the War Hero
James Jennings illustrates through the story of Naaman and the evangelistic little girl how faith, humility, and God's power bring healing and salvation to the lost.
This sermon delves into the story of Naaman from 2 Kings 5, focusing on the evangelistic little girl and our powerful God. It explores the characters of Naaman, the lost man with false views, the faith-filled evangelistic little girl, Elisha the preacher, and Naaman's response to God's healing. The sermon challenges listeners to examine which character they identify with and emphasizes the importance of faith, evangelism, humility, and true repentance.
Sermon Outline
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I. Introduction and Context
- Read and overview of 2 Kings 5
- Introduction of main characters
- Question posed: Which character do you identify with?
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II. Naaman: The Lost Man
- Naaman's worldly status and leprosy
- Leprosy as a symbol of sin
- God’s sovereignty in Naaman’s victory
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III. The Evangelistic Little Girl
- Her faith amidst trials and captivity
- Her love and forgiveness towards enemies
- Her credible testimony and boldness
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IV. Lessons and Application
- Faith can come from unexpected places
- God uses humble servants to bring healing
- Call to examine personal faith and response
Key Quotes
“Naaman was a great man, but he was a leper; and just like him, many are great in the world but condemned by sin.” — James Jennings
“This little girl’s faith survived a serious trial, and she loved her enemies by telling Naaman about the prophet who could heal him.” — James Jennings
“The physical, disfiguring, and rapid destructive power of leprosy is just a subtle picture of sin; sin’s consequences are far more destructive.” — James Jennings
Application Points
- Trust in God’s power to heal and restore, even when circumstances seem hopeless.
- Emulate the faith and courage of the little girl by sharing the gospel boldly regardless of your status.
- Examine your own heart for pride or unbelief that might hinder your obedience to God’s word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Naaman and why was he significant?
Naaman was the commander of the Syrian army, highly respected but afflicted with leprosy, symbolizing sin and spiritual need.
What does the little girl represent in the sermon?
She represents faith and evangelism, showing how even the least can be used by God to bring others to healing and salvation.
Why is leprosy used as a metaphor in the sermon?
Leprosy symbolizes the destructive power of sin that isolates and damages, highlighting the need for spiritual cleansing.
What is the main spiritual lesson from Naaman’s healing?
That humility and obedience to God’s word lead to healing and salvation, and God’s power surpasses human expectations.
How can listeners apply this sermon to their lives?
By recognizing their own spiritual need, embracing faith like the little girl, and trusting God’s power to heal and restore.