Outlines of Sermons by a London Minister 2 Kings 5:27 The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall stick to you, and to your seed for ever… The sin which led to this punishment suggests — I. THAT IT IS A MARK OF THE HIGHEST CONTEMPT OF THE HOLY GOD TO LINK HIS NAME WITH OUR SINFUL PURPOSES. "As the Lord liveth," said Gehazi, "I will take somewhat of him" (ver. 20). To stamp base metal with the image and name of the king is regarded as a great crime against the country and the monarch. How much greater the crime of stamping upon our evil actions the name of God. Yet some of the most diabolical acts that stain the page of history have been wrought in the name of the sinless Redeemer. II. THAT THE TRANSGRESSION OF THE FIRST TABLE OF THE MORAL LAW IS A STEP TO THE TRANSGRESSION OF THE SECOND. The man who will speak lightly of a good master will find it an easy matter to misrepresent the character of his fellow-servant. The child who dishonours a good parent will not be likely to be a kind brother. Those who "fear not God," will as a rule "regard not men" (Luke 18:2). The sin against the less, comes easily after the sin against the greater. Gehazi first profaned the name of God, and then wronged his earthly master. III. THAT THOSE WHO WILL LIE IN ORDER TO DECEIVE, MUST LIE IN ORDER TO CONCEAL. Gehazi's lie to Naaman was soon followed by another to Elisha. It has been said that "a lie has no legs." There are men in the world who have no limbs upon which they can walk, and are indebted to the artificial help of crutches to make their way in the world. So a lie must be kept up by the crutches of other lies. The punishment for the sin teaches — That those who sin and seek to cover it by concealment, will be compelled, in time, to be the means of its revelation. (Outlines of Sermons by a London Minister.). Parallel Verses KJV: The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow. |
    |