The Wretched Exchange
By: M. Allen
FILING INFORMATION:
97032
07/06/97 -
Cyclone, KY
I. Introduction
A.
2 Kings 5 contains the story
of Naaman. Naaman was the
commander of the army of Syria - a very powerful man.
1.
v.1 identifies him as a
mighty warrior & someone who was greatly esteemed in his nation because of
the many battles he won
2.
but he was a leper
3.
Following story is referred
to quite often to show the necessity of obedience according to what God wants.
B.
But this AM, we wish to
focus upon Gehazzi - the servant of Elisha. After Naaman restored - asks Elisha to receive a gift. (v. 15) v.16 - tells us he refused this
gift.
1.
After this Gehazzi pursued
Naaman to acquire some of his wealth.
2.
Title of today's sermon is The Wretched Exchange
a.
"Wretched" defined as "Miserable, woeful, grievous"
by Webster's Dictionary.
b.
The word is synonymous with
words such as: "beggarly,
worthless, miserable, paltry, pitiful, unhappy, inopportune, shabby, deplorable
3.
The story about this
wretched exchange is given to us in v. 20-27. (notice esp. v. 26-27) Before the exchange:
a.
Gehazzi in fine physical
health
b.
Gehazzi had fine home, good
master, always a blessing
c.
Gehazzi had good companions
- prophet Elisha and his associates
d.
Gehazzi had
"security"
e.
As a servant of a prophet of
God, had great spiritual hope and promise.
4.
but he exchanged all that
for a life of misery
5.
Story we should all take
notice of.
II. Character of Gehazzi & His Case
A.
His is a sad case - but not
that unusual. A man who was in close contact with the highest form of moral and
spiritual influence - God's servant Elisha. Gehazzi throws away good influence for a low standard of
life, conduct, and morality.
1.
His actions reveal an
attitude of covetousness.
a.
Probably upset with Elisha
for refusing to take a gift of Naaman.
1.
this was his chance to get some
"big money"
2.
He wanted that gift really
bad!
b.
Wanted to take advantage of
this guy - someone who he would probably never see again.
2. He lied.
a.
vivid imagination to make up
a story
b.
A lie is never pleasing to God. Even if it seems
like it is not that really that bad.
1.
Some today - by the world's
standards might not consider what he did all that bad. Might even be condoned.
a.
Some might even say he was
being "resourceful."
c. Some have suggested that it is possible that Elisha knew of
the character of Gehazzi in the first place.
1.
Such skill in lying &
embezzlement doesn't come at once.
2.
Too clever to be an amateur.
3. Was prejudiced. V.20 - prejudiced against Syrians - the enemy of Israel.
a.
careless of his master's
honor; secretive; shameless
b.
Had no sense of God's
watchful eye, or continual presence.
c.
No love or respect for his
master - no care as to what might Naaman or the Syrians might think of Him -
didn't care if he ruined the works of Elisha
d.
All things centered upon
getting that money from that Syrian.
4. All of this lay the foundation for his wretched exchange.
5. Such is the nature of sin.
a.
One sin leads to
another. Sin like cancer. Moves forward devouring everything in
it's path.
b.
Imagine his
rationalization: "What harm
could it do to Him? He'll never
miss it, he's got plenty." He
coveted the great wealth of Naaman.
c.
He disdained his master's
service to God. He wanted a share
of that money.
d.
Builds of a big story about
prophet's sons & then sells it to Naaman.
1.
Then comes into Master's
home & bold & confident like he did nothing wrong. V. 25
B.
He had to face the Music -
stand up/answer for what he had done.
1.
Gal. 6:7-9 - All men who
engage in sin will have to do this.
2.
2 Kings 5:25 - another
lie. Where had he been?
a.
As I did when I was a child
= "What are you doing, Matt?" Reply: "Nothing."
3.
v. 26 - Elisha knew. Confronts him on His error.
C.
v. 27 - wretched exchange a
reality.
1.
Got what he wanted. Got the things which belonged to
Naaman. BUT, he didn't get what he
bargained for.
a.
Often the case with sin.
b.
Carries around unforeseen
baggage. Consequences, which were
minimized, or unseen before the sin was committed.
c.
Luke 15 - story of the
prodigal son.
2.
Became unclean. Law of Moses contained strict rules for
lepers. Lev. 13:45-46
3.
Prov. 20:17 - Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards
his mouth shall be filled with gravel. Other tales of wisdom we have heard: "stolen
fruit" often turns bitter on the lip.
a.
Evil actions will come back to haunt a person.
b.
Look what we give up in
exchange for sin:
1.
peace of mind
2.
Confidence before God - Heb.
10:26-31 comes to mind.
3.
hope of heaven
c.
All would agree he made a
"wretched exchange."
III.
What Gehazzi Exchanged.
A.
A definite exchange took
place. Look at what he gave up.
1.
Fine physical health - for a
life of ill health. No cure for
leprosy. Would be a constant
reminder for to him for the rest of his life.
a.
Sin is often been referred
to as "the leprosy of the soul." Makes one "unclean" before
God.
2.
Exchanged home for
"valley of lepers."
3.
Exchanged honorable position
with a man of God for the life of a beggar to live among his own kind.
4.
Exchanged "security"
of fine home & surrounding for wandering and no certain future except that
of an outcast.
5.
Exchanged the rewards &
spiritual hope of a servant of God's own spokesman for a "hopeless
existence" and no spiritual hope.
IV.
Some exchanges today which
are in Reality - "Wretched."
A.
We think of people who
embezzle to acquire more wealth - and get caught - make a wretched exchange,
but what about:
B.
Some exchanges we see today
in other realms
1.
young people exchange great
potential for life of drugs, booze, sex, sin
2.
men change good wife for
short association with some "fine young thing" & forget about
what is written in Mt. 19:9
3.
Some who profess to be
children of God exchange hope of eternal life for the fun & pleasures of
this world. What wretched
exchanges!
C.
Other exchanges:
1.
For riches. Some haven't time to be Christians. Business prevents or some jobs take
them away where serving the Lord becomes impossible.
a.
How many put themselves
needlessly in danger of falling away?
b.
What a wretched exchange in
the end?
2.
Some exchange hopes in Christ
for social distinction, etc.
a.
Many feel they have to
"look good" in the eyes of the world.
b.
As a result they are willing
to give into social sins
3.
Some exchange New Testament
Christianity for patterns of men.
a.
family has always done it
this way
b.
Don't want to conform to the
teaching of the Scriptures.
V. Christ Drives the Point Home in Mk.
8:34-38…
A.
Danger of wretched exchange
is real. v.27
1.
Christ's words in Mt. 10:28
need to be considered. Those who
go against God will find their eternity to be spent in hellfire.
2.
Too busy? Consider Luke 10:41-42 - Mary & Martha
3.
Careless of whom we
associate with? Notice 1 Cor. 15:33;
5:6
4.
Careless of what we
believe? Notice Mt. 15:9; Gal.
1:8-9
B.
It will take effort to
resist such wretched exchanges.
1.
We can do it. All things are possible with Almighty
God.
2.
When one realizes the
importance of the kingdom of heaven - he is willing to resist the temptation to
succumb to sin - Mt. 13:44
VI. Conclusion
A.
We have seen clearly that
Gehazzi made a terrible mistake. Let us not fall into his trap.
B.
Beware lest you make the
"wretched exchange" for yourself.
C.
Exchange wretched condition
of sin not for one in Christ.
1.
Christ is willing, ready
& able to make you a child of God!
2.
All you have to do is come!
3.
Come before it is too late!
4.
Don't continue to exchange a
life of sin for the home of heaven. It is not worth it.
D. Fellow Christians, please look at where you stand before
God. If you have need of
correction - please make it and quit exchanging the hope of heaven for the
carnal pleasures of this world.