The Simple Gospel

In every generation, people have found reasons to be displeased with God. Some are disappointed because His commands challenge their comfort zones; others are frustrated because His ways do not align with their personal desires. But here’s the truth: the problem has never been with God—it has always been with the human heart.

Throughout history, we see countless examples of individuals and groups who were dissatisfied with what God required. Whether it was Naaman refusing to obey a simple command, the rich young ruler walking away from Jesus with a heavy heart, or even modern-day Christians seeking to modify Scripture to suit their preferences—the pattern remains the same.

Why does this matter? Because we can fall into the same trap. We can find ourselves resisting God’s authority, dissatisfied with His expectations, or trying to mold His Word to fit our lifestyle. But God’s truth is unchanging. His commandments are not suggestions open to negotiation—they are life-giving principles meant to lead us to righteousness.

This lesson will explore the hearts of men who found themselves displeased with God, examining their reactions and the consequences that followed. As we reflect on these examples, let’s ask ourselves: “Am I fully submitting to God’s will, or am I trying to make His Word fit my will?”

Naaman: Displeased with God’s Command

Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great and honorable man, but he was also a leper (2 Kings 5:1-14). When instructed by the prophet Elisha to wash in the Jordan River seven times to be cleansed, Naaman became furious. He expected something more elaborate or dignified.

Naaman said, “I thought he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the place and cure the leprosy” (2 Kings 5:11, NASB). His pride almost cost him his healing because he was displeased with the simplicity of God’s command. Only after humbling himself did he receive the blessing.

How often do we reject God’s instructions because they don’t meet our expectations? Like Naaman, we can be guilty of wanting God to work according to our terms rather than submitting to His.

The Rich Young Ruler: Displeased with the Cost of Discipleship

The rich young ruler approached Jesus, eager to know what he must do to inherit eternal life (Matthew 19:16-22). Jesus told him to keep the commandments, which he claimed to have done. Then Jesus added, “If you want to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (Matthew 19:21, NASB).

The young man went away sorrowful because he had great wealth. His attachment to material possessions outweighed his desire to follow Christ. His displeasure stemmed from the cost of true discipleship—a cost he was unwilling to pay.

Are we holding onto things that keep us from fully following Christ? When His demands challenge our comfort, do we respond with obedience or with reluctance?

Those Who Crucified Jesus: Displeased with the Truth

Many Jews were displeased with Jesus because His teachings exposed their hypocrisy and challenged their traditions. Despite His miracles and sinless life, they chose to crucify Him (Matthew 27).

The writer of Hebrews warns, “For in the case of those who have once been enlightened…and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame” (Hebrews 6:4-6, NASB).

When we reject the truth of the gospel, whether by outright denial or by subtle compromises, we align ourselves with those who were displeased with Christ.

Modern Examples of Displeasure with God

1. Churches with Women Preachers (1 Corinthians 14:34) – Despite clear biblical instruction, some are displeased with God’s design for church leadership.
2. Churches That Determine Membership by Vote (Acts 2:47) – God adds to the church those who are being saved, yet some prefer man-made processes.
3. Churches Practicing Infant Baptism (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38) – Infant baptism contradicts the biblical teaching of believer’s baptism.
4. Modifying Scripture – Some are dissatisfied with what the Bible says and seek to reinterpret or ignore it to fit modern values.

Conclusion

God knew that His Word would not always be met with acceptance. That’s why He warned us not to alter it: “You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, so that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I am commanding you” (Deuteronomy 4:2, NASB).

Paul also wrote, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!” (Galatians 1:8-9, NASB). And Revelation echoes this warning: “If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book” (Revelation 22:18-19, NASB).

The issue isn’t whether we like what God says—it’s whether we will submit to it. God’s truth doesn’t change to accommodate our preferences. The question we must all ask is: “Am I pleased with God because I trust Him, or am I trying to reshape Him to please me?”