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II KINGS 7:1-4

WHY SIT WE HERE ?

Intro: Samaria besieged by the Syrians, the horrible famine, donkey's head
       sold for  80 pieces of silver. 4 Lepers living In city dump, slowly
       dying of starvation.

I. THEIR QUESTION: "WHY SIT WE HERE UNTIL WE DIE?"
        A. They became aware of the need for change.
                1. Remaining in "status quo" means death.
                2. Picture of the sinner.
                a. All he has to do to die Is nothing.
        B. Why sit we here?
                1. No special desire to die. 
                2. No reason to die without trying. 
                3. Why should you die in your sin?

II. THEIR ALTERNATIVES.
        A. Just sit there.
                1. Slowly feel the weakness overcome them. 
                2. Watch your friends as their eyes close in eternal
                   sleep.
                3. Know that you might be next.
        B. They could return to city of Samaria.
                1. They were outcasts.
                2. If they returned to city, what advantage? 
                a. The people were already dying there of starvation.
        C. They could go to the camp of the Syrians. 
                1. There, their future was uncertain. 
                2. This would have to be a step of faith. 
                3. One slim thread of hope.
                a. Maybe they will have mercy on us.

III. THEIR LOGIC.
        A. Sitting here is sure death.
        B. Returning to Samaria is sure death.
        C. So If the Syrians kill us, so what? One slim hope - maybe
           they will have  mercy--on the basis of that hope, they helped
           one another to their feet.
        D. Interesting to speculate the mad thoughts that must have raced
           through  their minds.

IV. THEIR DISCOVERY.
        A. The Syrians had fled, leaving everything. "God had caused them
           to hear  a noise."
        B. There was an abundance just waiting for them.

V. THEIR OBLIGATION.
        A. To notify the dying city.
        B. No need to die - God has provided abundantly more than enough
           for all.
        C. So many, upon the discovery of the life and abundance in Jesus,
           want to  share immediately with those who are dying.

VI. THE REACTION.
        A. When word reached the king-"it's a trap."
                1. Too good to be true.
                2. Say that you were an Inhabitant of Samaria, what would
                   you do? 
                        a. You had God's promise.
                        b. You had men testifying that God had fulfilled
                           His promise.
                        c. Those who had not been there to see for
                           themselves were speculating against it.
                        d. You're dying-Why sit there until death
                           strikes?"