Neto GregórioNeto Gregório

Elisha, the man of God

Sermon Outlines
A woolen mantle on a plowed field, with a wooden yoke beside it
I am sure this man who stops in from time to time is a holy man of God. 2 Kings 4:9

Introduction:

  • Elisha is called a "man of God" dozens of times in the Bible.
  • He never introduced himself that way. Others were the ones who recognized it (2 Kings 4:9).
  • Man of God is not a title you give yourself. It is what others see in your life.

1. He does not look back. Whoever puts a hand to the plow keeps going (Luke 9:62).

  • Israel left Egypt, but Egypt did not leave Israel: "Let's choose a new leader and go back to Egypt!" (Num 14:4).
  • "Remember what happened to Lot's wife!" (Luke 17:32).
  • Asaph looked at the prosperity of the wicked and almost fell: "My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone" (Ps 73:2-3).
  • Elisha slaughtered his oxen and "used the wood from the plow to build a fire" (1 Kings 19:21). He left no way back.

2. Perseverance. A man of God does not quit halfway (2 Kings 2:2).

  • In the calling: Elijah told Elisha to stay, and he replied: "As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you!" (2 Kings 2:2).
  • In prayer: Elisha prayed, stretched out on the boy, got up, walked across the room and "stretched himself out again on the child" (2 Kings 4:33-35).
  • The second time, "the boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes!" (2 Kings 4:35). Do not stop at the first try.

3. Servant. Before he was a prophet, Elisha was an assistant (2 Kings 3:11).

  • He left everything and "went with Elijah as his assistant" (1 Kings 19:21).
  • When the king looked for a prophet, Elisha's reference was his service: "He used to be Elijah's personal assistant" (2 Kings 3:11). Literally, he poured water on Elijah's hands.
  • Whoever does not learn to serve is not ready to lead.

4. He does not sell out. A man of God has no price (2 Kings 5:16).

  • Esau "traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal" (Heb 12:16).
  • Judas asked: "How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?" (Matt 26:15).
  • Naaman wanted to pay for the miracle. Elisha replied: "As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept any gifts" (2 Kings 5:16).

Conclusion:

But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. 1 Timothy 6:11
  • Do not look back. Persevere. Serve. Do not sell out.
  • May others look at your life and say: here goes a man of God.
  • What do people see when you pass by?