“Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper. 2 And the Syrians had gone out on raids, and had brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman’s wife. 3 Then she said to her mistress, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.” 4 And Naaman went in and told his master, saying, “Thus and thus said the girl who is from the land of Israel.”……. 9 Then Naaman went with his horses and chariot, and he stood at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.” 11 But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, “Indeed, I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.’ 12 Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. 13 And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” 14 So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. 15 And he returned to the man of God, he and all his aides, and came and stood before him; and he said, “Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; now therefore, please take a gift from your servant.”
2 Kings 5:1-4,9-15 (NKJV)
Discussion Questions:
- Which parts of Naaman’s story stand out most to you? Although leprosy seemed to be Naaman’s main problem and challenge, it was through this experience that he received God’s healing and salvation. What similar experiences in your own life does this bring to mind? When facing various challenges or difficulties, how do you discern God’s purpose and guidance in the midst of them? (2 Kings 5:1,15; Ephesians 2:11-13)
- Reflecting on Abraham’s example, what is something you hold dearly that God may be calling you to refocus on Him? How can we respond with faith and humility when facing trials or restrictions that challenge our beliefs? Share an example that serves as a faith-filled guide in your life, pointing you back to Jesus during tribulations, and how can you cultivate such supportive relationships? (Genesis 22:2; James 1:2-3; 2 Kings 5: 3,13）
- How can you cultivate a simple faith that rests fully on God’s Word—believing from the heart even when circumstances or your senses suggest doubt? In your current life situation, are you facing a trial, a tribulation, or a test, and how can you intentionally approach it with faith in God’s timing and promises?（Hebrews 11:1,6；Matthew 8:8,10；Romans 10:17）
Sermon Summary
This week’s sermon highlights the power and simplicity of faith in God. Through the examples of Abraham and Naaman, we see how God tests our hearts, calls us to surrender what we hold dear, and invites us to trust His Word—even when instructions seem simple or unexpected. Trials, tribulations, and tests refine our character, cultivate perseverance, and strengthen a heart-based faith. True faith goes beyond mental agreement; it rests fully on God’s promises, believing from the heart even when circumstances or senses suggest doubt. Faith-filled friends, reminders from Scripture, and reliance on God’s timing help us navigate life’s challenges. Just as Naaman was healed by obeying God’s simple instruction, we too experience God’s power when we trust and act on His Word. Faith anchors us in God’s love, transforms our character, and deepens our relationship with Him.