INTRODUCTION: Elisha's closest confidant falls prey to the tempta- tion of the devil. Truly the love of money is the root of all evil.


I. Elisha Rejects Money for Miracles

1. The hidden problem of money that dogs many in ministry
2. Simon of the City of Samaria is corrupted by money
Acts 8:9-24


II. The Twisted Reasoning of Gehazi

1. Elisha was too easy on Naaman
2. Gentiles should pay? He's got more than enough money? It won't hurt him to give?


III. The Phony Concocted Sob Story of Gehazi

1. All was not well. He lied
2. Elisha did not send him. He lied
3. Two poor prophets need help. He lied
4. He hid the stuff


IV. The True Heart of Gehazi Exposed

1. Lying to a man of God - foolish and wrong
Example of Ananias and Sapphira Acts 5:1-11
2. Coveting- breaking the10th commandment Exodus 20:17
Example of Achan Joshua 7:21
Example of Judas Iscariot John 12:6
3. Ignoring the conviction of the Holy Spirit


V. The Punishment of Gehazi

VI. The Teaching of Paul to the young pastor, Timothy
I Timothy 6:6-11

Avarice - Insatiable greed for riches, the inordinate miserly
desire to gain and horde wealth.

1. Be content
2. Riches can tempt you into needless debt
3. Riches can cause you to do foolish things
4. Lusting for riches has caused some believers to be
seduced from their faith


CONCLUSION: Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.



DISSCUSION


1. How has money stained the present day television and
radio preachers? Why can't they seem to learn from others who have fallen?


2. What was going on in Gehazi's head?


3. Discuss the consequences of Gehazi's sin.


4. What role does contentment play in your financial life?