Experiencing true grace produces deep change! This weekend Pastor Steve Andres concluded our NAAMAN series with a message called SIGNS OF LIFE.
2 Kings 5:15
Naaman stood before Elisha and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.”
Naaman is showing signs of new life as he responds to the work God is doing in him. What do we see in his story of transformation?
1) Pain is the symptom, pride is the sickness.
Every step forward that Naaman takes toward his healing is a step of humility. Why does this matter?
James 4:6
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Naaman’s affliction is the very thing that saves him by creating humility and hunger for change.
2) Self-pity is self-sabotage.
Naaman’s pain magnifies his already self-centered way of living. The self-pity that results almost causes him to miss his miracle!
3) A new heart creates a new way.
The evidence of a new heart is clear by how differently Naaman is operating. This conquering warrior who took whatever he wanted is now humbly asking for dirt to carry with him.
Ezekiel 36:26-27
And I will give you a new heart—I will give you new and right desires—and put a new spirit within you. I will take out your stony hearts of sin and give you new hearts of love. And I will put my Spirit within you so that you will obey my laws.
Naaman did not deserve his healing, but God showed him grace, and that grace changed his heart! It is this same grace that we experience in Christ which produces transformation in all who receive Him!
