Nurture
[Session 12]
Healing
“Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take heart, daughter,’ he said, ‘your faith has healed you.’ And the was healed from that woman moment.” Matthew 9:22
[Session 12] Introduction It is within the nature and character of God to heal people from sickness and disease. Although we live in a world full of sickness and disease it is God’s will that we live in divine health: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We should therefore pursue natural and supernatural means to live healthy lives.
What does the Bible say about sickness and healing? -
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Death and sickness came into the world as a direct consequence of humanity’s disobedience (sin) against God (Gen 3:1-19) (Rom 5:12-14). Christ’s work of redemption made freedom from sin and death possible, (1 Peter 2:24) (Romans 8:1-4). After Jesus returns, God will remove sickness and death from the world (Revelation 21:3-4). God promotes appropriate medicine and care for those who are sick, (1 Tim 5:23) (Luke 8:55). Jesus healed many people (Matt 8:16-17). His disciples followed Jesus’ example (Luke 9:6) and continued this ministry after Jesus ascended to heaven (Acts 3:1-10) (Acts 5:12-16). God is glorified through healing (John 11:4).
What causes sickness today?
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It’s a natural result of living in physical bodies (2 Cor. 4:16). Not looking after our body (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Unconfessed sin and disobedience (1 Cor. 11:28-32) (Acts 5:1-11). Spiritual (demonic) attack (Luke 9:37-43). Unbelief or doubt (Mark 6:5-6). Not every sickness can be explained in human terms (John 9:1-3).
lifechurch
Nurture
Prayer
[Session 12] [Session 12]
Prayer
How should we pray for supernatural healing? -
Have faith in the power of God to heal (Acts 3:16) (Mark 5:25-34). Pray with confidence, faith and expectation (1 John 5:14-15) (Hebrews 11:6) (3 John 2). Do not doubt (Matt 21:21-22) (Mark 9:23-24). Ask church leaders/elders to pray (James 5:14) and anoint with oil if appropriate (Mark 6:13) (James 5:14-15). Lay hands on sick people (Matt 9:18). God has empowered us to do this (Mark 16:17-18). Deal with any unconfessed sin (James 5:14-16).
Conclusion If Jesus was still here in person and we needed healing, we would go to Him, just like people did when he was alive on the earth. But as He is not on earth, we can’t go to Him in person. However, we can reach out in faith, and since Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever, and has not changed in character, we can still expect Him to heal where there is a need. This includes spiritual and emotional healing as well as physical healing. God also heals people through natural means, through doctors and medicine, so we should not rule out this type of intervention. However, some people are not healed and may die from their illness. It’s not always possible to explain this in human terms, but it should not diminish our faith and trust in God’s goodness and his desire to heal. We should always take every opportunity to pray for healing, for others and ourselves, having faith in God and His word.
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