Why Are We Sitting Here Until We Die? 2 Kings 7:3

Jehoram, son of Ahab is king of Israel (2 Kings 6). Evil! Background Jehoram, son of Ahab is king of Israel (2 Kings 6). Evil! Elisha prophesies and power of God manifested. But there is no real repentance.

Syria besieges Samaria – 2 Kings 6:24 Background Syria besieges Samaria – 2 Kings 6:24 Famine in the city – donkey’s head sold for 80 shekels of silver (about $400). Dove’s dung for 5 shekels (about $25) 2 women commit cannibalism The king mourns in anger, threatens Elisha. Elisha promises relief the next day

Four lepers at entrance of gates of Samaria – 2 Kings 7:3 Background Four lepers at entrance of gates of Samaria – 2 Kings 7:3 “Why are we sitting here until we die?” 3 options – 1) Do nothing and die 2) Go into city and die 3) Go to camp of Syrians where they might die, but who knows?

Four lepers decided to go to camp of Syrians (best option) Background Four lepers decided to go to camp of Syrians (best option) As they arrive, the camp is deserted. It was an act of God As they feast and enjoy the spoils, one says, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news…” (2 Kn. 7:9) “IF we remain silent…” Let us tell the house of the king

The lepers proclaim the good news Background The lepers proclaim the good news While there is some doubting among the king’s servants The people go outside the city and are saved by the spoil The servant of the king who mocked Elisha dies at the gate

Why are we sitting here until we die? Sometimes we find ourselves in dire circumstances. IT seems there is little or no hope! Caught in a life of sin Churches that are dying Christians languishing What do we do? WHY are we sitting here until we die?

Why are we sitting here until we die? Do something! The gospel is about action Mark 16:15, Matt. 10:7 2 Tim. 2:15 Matthew 7:21-23 Sometimes, no matter what we do, there will be consequences.

Why are we sitting here until we die? Do something, Let God deal with the results 1 Corinthians 3:6 Matthew 13:3, 18 – the sower’s job was to sow the seed (as wisely as possible)! Matt. 6:31-34 – God knows what you need, don’t worry!

Why are we sitting here until we die? Even if every alternative seems hopeless, DO something! Often times, results are not as bad as we think they will be. 1 Corinthians 5:4-6 – withdrawing from a brother Matthew 18:15-17 – going to a sinning brother (4 steps) Ezekiel 3:16-21, the watchman Doing nothing GUARANTEES failure!

Why are we sitting here until we die? Everyone can DO something! 4 lepers – outcasts who became the source of salvation Everyone has a part Ephesians 4:16 Romans 12:3-8 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 Don’t dismiss the efforts of others Do what you can – Matt. 14:3-9

Why are we sitting here until we die? This day is day of good news As Samaria languished, the 4 lepers had the solution. They could not keep it to themselves. Neither should we!

Why are we sitting here until we die? This day is day of good news WE have the best news for this lost and dying world – Romans 1:16 The world is doomed – Matt. 7:13-14, 2 Thess. 1:8

Why are we sitting here until we die? This day is day of good news WE have the answer! Real hope! Colossians 1:3-5, 1:23 WE have been redeemed 1 Peter 1:18-19, Acts 22:16, 2:38, etc. Are we sharing our hope?

Why are we sitting here until we die? This day is day of good news We cannot keep silent! Why would we want to? Luke 24:32, Jeremiah 20:7-10, Psa. 39:1-3 We realize fate of the lost 2 Cor. 5:9-11, 1 Cor. 9:16 Are we accountable?

We are all sinners. We are dying! We have 3 options! An invitation! We are all sinners. We are dying! We have 3 options! Do nothing and die! Turn to the world and die Turn to the “enemy” (cf. Jas. 4:4) and be saved. Make Him your ally!

Do something! Or die!