Sermon Outline
March 3, 2013
Pt. 8 – One Small Act Can Make a Big Difference
Based on John Maxwell’s book, Running with the Giants
Reading for Worship Guide – II Kings 5: 1-6
Sunday
3/
3
Proverbs Ch. 3; II Kings 5: 1-27
Monday
3/
4
Proverbs Ch. 4; Philippians 2: 1-18
Tuesday
3/
5
Proverbs Ch. 5; II Corinthians 12: 1-10
Wednesday 3/
6
Proverbs Ch. 6; Luke 21: 1-4
Thursday
3/
7
Proverbs Ch. 7
Friday
3/
8
Proverbs Ch. 8
Saturday
3/
9
Proverbs Ch. 9
A GIRL FROM ISRAEL
“ONE SMALL ACT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE”
On our jobs, in our families, in church, in organizations, we often
find ourselves in the same position as the unnamed person from II
Kings chapter 5. The person simply described as a “girl from
Israel” got an idea. It didn’t seem like much, and she wasn’t sure
if anyone would listen to her. She could have remained silent and
safely anonymous, but instead she spoke up and decided to try it
anyway.
This unnamed soul, known only as a “girl from Israel” brings us a
life-changing message – not simply through her words, but by her
actions:
1
ONE SMALL ACT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE!
YOU MAKE THE DIFFERNCE WHEN YOU ACT!
1.
Even Though You’re Small!
a.
b.
c.
II Kings 5: 2b – “…She served Naaman’s wife.”
i.
We discount what we can do because we thing we
are too small or powerless to make a difference.
ii.
By the standards of the day, she had nothing going
for her.
iii.
No power, no position, no possessions
II Kings 5: 3 – “If only my master would see the prophet
who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”
i.
What she had going for her was faith – and that was
enough.
ii.
There’s healing in the house of God!
Philippians 2: 5-11 – The gospel of Jesus Christ is the
ultimate expression of someone small making a big
difference. It’s God’s way of getting big things done!
i.
God Almighty saw the needs of humankind before
the world was founded.
ii.
He came down to earth as a baby and to on the very
nature of a slave.
iii.
He humbled himself and became obedient even to
death on a cross!
iv.
But God exalted Him with a name above every
name.
2
v.
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and
tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!
What about you? Has God spoken to you to let you know
that no matter how small you are God is always big
enough? “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is
made perfect in weakness.” ( II Corinthians 12:9)
ONE SMALL ACT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE!
d.
2.
Even Though What You Can Do is Small!
a.
b.
What you can do may seem small to you.
i.
You can’t fix the problem.
ii.
You can’t relief the pain.
iii.
You can’t provide the resources.
iv.
You can’t make it in time.
It seems all you can do is something insignificant.
i.
Don’t let that stop you!
ii.
Instead of being discouraged by what you can’t do,
do what you can do!
Luke 21: 1-4 – It was the small gift given by the widow
that was “more than all the others.” It pleased Jesus!
ONE SMALL ACT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE!
c.
3.
Even Though the Stakes Are Not Small!
a.
The “girl from Israel” took a huge risk when she expressed
her faith that God could heal Naaman.
i.
If he had come back from Israel still sick and
looking foolish he would have punished her or take
her life.
3
ii.
The stakes were “not small” not only for the “girl
from Israel” but for the nations of Aram (Syria) and
Israel too.
1.
Naaman’s coming for healing was considered
an act of provocation by the king of Israel. (II
Kings 5: 7)
2.
There could have been war.
b.
II Kings 5: 14 – The outcome however, was that Naaman
was changed. “…his flesh was restored and became clean
like that of a young boy.”
c.
II Kings 5: 15 – More importantly, Naaman’s faith also
changed. “Now I know that there is no God in all the
world except in Israel…”
d.
II Kings 5: 17-18 – Naaman realized that God is God, and
he sought to worship Him the rest of his life.
One small person doing a small act made a big difference
in Naaman’s life!
ONE SMALL ACT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE!
e.
4.
The “Girl From Israel’s” Words of Encouragement
a.
b.
If you want to make a big difference, be confident.
i.
Others will believe you when you believe what you
tell them!
ii.
We have a great God, and there is nothing He can’t
do. LIVE LIKE YOU BELIEVE IT!
If you want to make a big difference, be credible.
i.
The courage to speak comes from fruitful, effective
service.
4
ii.
c.
If you want to make a big difference, speak to people’s
needs.
i.
ii.
d.
People always pay more attention to how you live
than to what you say.
Everybody needs help, hope, & home!
1.
Help in the circumstances we’re facing.
2.
Hope that a better future is on the horizon.
3.
Home in the form of acceptance and someone
to belong to.
If someone you desire to help is low on faith, lend
them yours.
If you want to make a big difference, don’t be afraid to
do something even if it seems small.
i.
Only God knows how great an impact a small act
can make.
ii.
On need not be a giant of a person to be a giant of
the faith!
ONE SMALL ACT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE!
PRAYER OF AFFIRMATION
God,
I ask you to give me understanding
that no one is too small
to make a big difference for You,
Courage to say and do
the little things
5
that can impact others’ lives, and
Favor with the “big” people
whose lives can be changed
by small acts of kindness
AMEN
6