One Giant Step For God

STEP OUT AND DO SOMETHING

2 Kings 7:3-9; 13-16

The children of God (living in Samaria) had been surrounded by the enemy. The enemy was using tactics to conquer this people.

Besieged = to crowd around, surround, with the purpose of making harsh demands.

Vexed = to afflict, to annoy, to torment or plague

Acts 12:1

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

2 P. 2:7,8

7 ¶ And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)

How do we react and respond when the devil corners us in on all sides and begins to hammer on us relentlessly?

-these began to turn on each other

-some were turning to canabilism

-survival mode set in with a self-centered mentality

This all started with COMPLACENCY

The idea was that things would continue on as they had before and all would be okay.

AVERAGE IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH !

4 LEPERS = Unlikely Heros

These are the outcasts, the unwanted, the disdained.

Undesired by even their own people, but cared for by God.

(Sort of like the holiness people; considered a stench by the majority of christianity)

LOCATION = At the gate of the city. Possibly a multi-gated city; they would have to dwell between the realms of the city-dwellers and the brave wilderness.

A distinct group; isolated by necessity.

Nevertheless, their plight was a real one, and their location placed them in a strategic position.

The gate of the city would be considered a vulnerable place when the enemy is attacking.

I. FAMINE

This is a real problem, not something imaginary.

Healthy, spiritual food is lacking in many of our congregations.

PRESSURE can be a good thing.

II. FAITH, not FATALISM

They placed themselves in the hands of God; recognizing that they had to make a move.

Fatalism would have been to do nothing and starve to death.

A. A Pity Party or Move to Satisfy your HUNGER

Options were limited.

1. Go back into the city and confront people who are dying and going ballistic, with no hope or resources.

2. Stay where they were and continue to die.

3. Step out into the unknown, even though it looks bleak.

B. Power of Unity

The number is unimportant (whether 4 or 40). A key to victory is that there be some UNITY.

God specializes in using small things and small amounts.

C. Methods without Logic is what God uses very often.

This plan would not convince too many people, but it was faith inspired.

When it makes perfect sense, it is probably man's plan and not God's.

III. FORTUNE

Jer. 49:14a

I have heard a rumour from the LORD

God let the enemies hear something that shook them in their socks. They took off like lightning and left their goods behind.

This all happened when 4 lepers stepped out in faith.

God is waiting on you.

IV. FRUIT

The 4 lepers enjoyed the blessings, but soon were convicted about not SHARING the life-saving supply from heaven. (v. 9)

The Spirit led them to go back into the city and share the good news. (We have an obligation to share this true deliverance message to those who have all but kicked us out.)

HOLY CONVINCING ---It was not an easy task, but the lepers went back into the city to persuade the people that their help and supply was awaiting them. God had run off the enemy. No need to continue holed up.

SEND AND SEE (v. 13)------persuasion

GO AND SEE (v. 14)------------the proof is in the pudding

Things the Lepers found upon obeying and stepping out:

1. Security -- vs. 5-7

2. Strength --v. 8

3. Supply --v. 8

4. Spirit --v. 8 (clothes to put on their persons; the Spirit clothes or envelops us)