Christ Church Wednesday Bible Study Group is doing an extensive study of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Here are notes to Session 6. In Session 5 started talking about the Manifestation Gifts of Prophecy, Speaking in Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues. In Session 6 we continue with the Manifestation Gifts of Faith, Healing, and Miracles. To hear an audio recording of the session click the YouTube link at the end of the notes.
Likewise, I encourage each of you not to sit on your gifts and anointing, as they are time sensitive and purposed here on earth. Challenges, reasons for delay, limiting logic, yesterday's reasoning and fears abound. However, we serve a God that is above it all and God through it all. God is on the throne; God's promises are true; the enemy is a liar; JESUS IS LORD!!! And GREATER is Christ/He who is in me and you than he that is in (of) the world. We are Overcomers! Let the Spirit, Anointing, Love, Purpose and Greatness of God in you flow/overflow (today, all day). I pray that each of you in the strength and peace of God, will LEVEL UP, WOMAN UP & MAN UP in the gifts, courage, strength and knowledge of God you possess today.
Spiritual Gifts we are studying are in:
Romans 12:3-8 NKJV For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
I Corinthians 12:1-12 NKJV Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-15 NKJV And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ--
Peter mentions them at;
I Peter 4:10-11 NKJV As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
CATAGORIES:
MINISTRY GIFTS: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher
The ministry gifts serve to reveal the plan of God. They are characteristic of a full-time office or calling, rather than a gift that can function in and through any believer.
We have talked about the Ministry Gifts the past three weeks.
Then there are the
Motivational Gifts: The motivational gifts serve to reveal the personality of God. These gifts are practical in nature. They describe the inner motivations of the Christian servant; Prophecy, Ministering/Serving/Helps, Teaching, Giving, Exhortation/Encouragement, Administration/Leadership, Mercy
Then there are the Manifestation Gifts. These are the gifts that serve to reveal the power of God.
Paul identifies these gifts in
I Corinthians 12:1-12 NKJV Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.
As we said last week these gifts can be further subdivided into three groups: utterance, power, and revelation.
Utterance - These gifts say something: Prophecy, Speaking in Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues
Power - These gifts do something: Faith, Healing, Miracles
Revelation - These gifts reveal something: Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Discerning of Spirits
Last week we started on the Manifestation Gifts and we got through the Utterance Gifts of Prophecy, Speaking in Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues. Today we are going to talk about the power gifts of faith, healing and miracles.
Spiritual Gifts we are studying are in:
Romans 12:3-8 NKJV For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
I Corinthians 12:1-12 NKJV Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-15 NKJV And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ--
Peter mentions them at;
I Peter 4:10-11 NKJV As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
CATAGORIES:
MINISTRY GIFTS: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher
The ministry gifts serve to reveal the plan of God. They are characteristic of a full-time office or calling, rather than a gift that can function in and through any believer.
We have talked about the Ministry Gifts the past three weeks.
Then there are the
Motivational Gifts: The motivational gifts serve to reveal the personality of God. These gifts are practical in nature. They describe the inner motivations of the Christian servant; Prophecy, Ministering/Serving/Helps, Teaching, Giving, Exhortation/Encouragement, Administration/Leadership, Mercy
Then there are the Manifestation Gifts. These are the gifts that serve to reveal the power of God.
Paul identifies these gifts in
I Corinthians 12:1-12 NKJV Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.
As we said last week these gifts can be further subdivided into three groups: utterance, power, and revelation.
Utterance - These gifts say something: Prophecy, Speaking in Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues
Power - These gifts do something: Faith, Healing, Miracles
Revelation - These gifts reveal something: Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Discerning of Spirits
Last week we started on the Manifestation Gifts and we got through the Utterance Gifts of Prophecy, Speaking in Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues. Today we are going to talk about the power gifts of faith, healing and miracles.
Faith
I Corinthians 12:9 another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
1 Corinthians 12. Verse 9 says that some people are given the gift of faith, but the gift is not specifically explained.
All believers have been given saving faith by God as the only means of salvation
Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
but not all believers are given the spiritual gift of faith.
Like all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the spiritual gift of faith was given for the “common good” which means the edifying of the body of Christ, like it says in verse 7.
I Corinthians 12:7 NKJV But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
The gift of faith may be defined as the special gift whereby the Spirit provides Christians with extraordinary confidence in God’;s promises, power, and presence so they can take heroic stands for the future of God’s work in the church. The spiritual gift of faith is exhibited by one with a strong and unshakable confidence in God, His Word,and His promises.
Examples of people with the gift of faith are those listed in Hebrews chapter 11.
This chapter, often called the hall of faith, describes those whose faith was extraordinary, enabling them to do extraordinary, superhuman things.
Here we see Noah spent 120 years building a huge boat when, up to that time, rain was non-existent and Abraham believing he would father a child when his natural ability to do so had ended. Without the special anointing of faith as a gift from God, such things would have been impossible.
Hebrews 11:4-5, 7-8, 11, 17, 20-24, 29-37 NKJV By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented--
As with all spiritual gifts, the gift of faith is given to some Christians who then use it to edify others in the body of Christ. Those with the gift of faith are an inspiration to their fellow believers, exhibiting a simple confidence in God that shows in all they say and do.
Extraordinarily faithful people show a humble godliness and reliance on God’s promises, often so much so that they are known to be quietly fearless and zealous. They are so convinced that all obstacles to the gospel and to God’s purposes will be overcome and so confident that God will secure the advancement of His cause, that they will often do infinitely more in the promotion of His kingdom than the most talented and erudite preachers and teachers.
So to sum it up, God gives all Christians saving faith. The spiritual gift of faith is given to some, who exhibit extraordinary amounts of faith in their Christian walk and who, by their faith, are a joy and an encouragement to others. The divine awareness to see the Lord’s will and act on it with an unwavering belief in God’s ability.
• Characteristics: These people have an easier time trusting God for the miraculous. Their faith becomes a catalyst for others whose faith may be wavering. They pray often and easily, even in the face of adversity and act as a calming influence on others during troubled times. They are more acutely aware of God’s presence and to call upon the readiness of His power. Their faith is centered only in God regardless of obstacles or the surrounding environment.
• Cautions: There may be a tendency to claim things for God without seeking His will. There can also be an awkwardness having faith in God to do something in any circumstances, and yet trying not to predetermine God’s will in a given situation.
I Corinthians 12:9 another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
1 Corinthians 12. Verse 9 says that some people are given the gift of faith, but the gift is not specifically explained.
All believers have been given saving faith by God as the only means of salvation
Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
but not all believers are given the spiritual gift of faith.
Like all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the spiritual gift of faith was given for the “common good” which means the edifying of the body of Christ, like it says in verse 7.
I Corinthians 12:7 NKJV But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
The gift of faith may be defined as the special gift whereby the Spirit provides Christians with extraordinary confidence in God’;s promises, power, and presence so they can take heroic stands for the future of God’s work in the church. The spiritual gift of faith is exhibited by one with a strong and unshakable confidence in God, His Word,and His promises.
Examples of people with the gift of faith are those listed in Hebrews chapter 11.
This chapter, often called the hall of faith, describes those whose faith was extraordinary, enabling them to do extraordinary, superhuman things.
Here we see Noah spent 120 years building a huge boat when, up to that time, rain was non-existent and Abraham believing he would father a child when his natural ability to do so had ended. Without the special anointing of faith as a gift from God, such things would have been impossible.
Hebrews 11:4-5, 7-8, 11, 17, 20-24, 29-37 NKJV By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented--
As with all spiritual gifts, the gift of faith is given to some Christians who then use it to edify others in the body of Christ. Those with the gift of faith are an inspiration to their fellow believers, exhibiting a simple confidence in God that shows in all they say and do.
Extraordinarily faithful people show a humble godliness and reliance on God’s promises, often so much so that they are known to be quietly fearless and zealous. They are so convinced that all obstacles to the gospel and to God’s purposes will be overcome and so confident that God will secure the advancement of His cause, that they will often do infinitely more in the promotion of His kingdom than the most talented and erudite preachers and teachers.
So to sum it up, God gives all Christians saving faith. The spiritual gift of faith is given to some, who exhibit extraordinary amounts of faith in their Christian walk and who, by their faith, are a joy and an encouragement to others. The divine awareness to see the Lord’s will and act on it with an unwavering belief in God’s ability.
• Characteristics: These people have an easier time trusting God for the miraculous. Their faith becomes a catalyst for others whose faith may be wavering. They pray often and easily, even in the face of adversity and act as a calming influence on others during troubled times. They are more acutely aware of God’s presence and to call upon the readiness of His power. Their faith is centered only in God regardless of obstacles or the surrounding environment.
• Cautions: There may be a tendency to claim things for God without seeking His will. There can also be an awkwardness having faith in God to do something in any circumstances, and yet trying not to predetermine God’s will in a given situation.
Healing
I Corinthians 12:9 NKJV to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT POINT IS THAT ONLY GOD CAN HEAL SUPERNATURALLY.
The divine enablement to be God's channel to restore people to health.
Interestingly, 1 Corinthians 12:9 refers to “gifts” of healing in the plural, which may indicate that there are different gifts of healing. The gifts of healing could mean a very wide range of skills or abilities. This could be from the power to do miraculous or dramatic healing, like making the lame walk, or the use or understanding of medicine. It could even be the ability to empathize and show love to others to the point of healing an emotional wound.
• Characteristics: This gift is exactly as it sounds. People with this gift have an ability to allow the Holy Spirit to work through their prayers and encouragement to bring about physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual healings. This gift seems to be exercised more often in cultures where faith is not so readily tied to "scientific principles" as it is in Western nations.
This gift is similar to faith. When a person with this gift hears of certain situations that need healing whether physical, emotional or spiritual, God seems to lead them to step out and affirm God through believing Him for healing. God gives them assurance in His ability and desire to work in the situation. A person with this gift feels free to ask God for His intervention without usurping His sovereignty. There is a deep understanding that they do not have a personal power to heal anyone, but that they have been given a great conviction to pray for healing and to believe in God’s power. Along with giving this conviction to pray, in most cases, God chooses to heal.
Common Errors Regarding Healing
Some say that if the testimony of a healing is given, it is to be believed, but a healing also needs to be verified to help prove what God has done.
Some say that healing should be done in a church service, but there is no record of this happening in the New Testament, which may mean that healing, like some other gifts, is not best used during a church service.
Some extreme groups teach that since God can heal, Christians should not use a doctor, but the Bible does not speak against doctors, and doctors like Luke used their medical ability as part of their pastoral ministry to help people.
Some say that by walking in faith and not sinning, no Christian needs to ever be sick, but Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:25-27), Timothy (1 Tim. 5:23), Trophimus (2 Tim. 4:20), and Paul (1 Cor. 2:3; 2 Cor. 11:30; 12:5, 7-10; Gal. 4:13) each had a sickness that was not healed, despite the fact they deeply loved God and walked with Jesus faithfully.
The use of this gift is always to bring glory to God and authenticate the message of the gospel of salvation.
• Cautions: This could easily be seen as a special power that the individual wields. There is no magic formula or strategy which brings about healing. It is only the Holy Spirit. The focus of God's revelational gospel in Jesus Christ could be relegated to a back seat with the misuse of this gift.
Those with the gift of healing trust that God can heal the sick and pray in faith for the physical restoration of those in need. These people see healing as a sign that God uses to reveal his power to people so that many will come to believe in Jesus. People with this gift do not see someone healed every time they ask God, since healing is something that God alone decides to do.
Although God does still heal today, some believe His healing through the gift of healing belonged primarily to the apostles of the first-century church to affirm that their message was from God. Remember I mentioned signs and wonders last week.
Mark 16:17-18 NKJV And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
God still performs miracles. God still heals people. There is nothing preventing God from healing one person through the ministry of another person. However, the miraculous gift of healing, as a spiritual gift, does not seem to be functioning today. God can certainly intervene in whatever manner He sees fit, whether in “normal” fashion or through a miracle. Our salvation itself is miracle. We were dead in sin, but God entered our lives and made us new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). That is the greatest healing of all.
I Corinthians 12:9 NKJV to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT POINT IS THAT ONLY GOD CAN HEAL SUPERNATURALLY.
The divine enablement to be God's channel to restore people to health.
Interestingly, 1 Corinthians 12:9 refers to “gifts” of healing in the plural, which may indicate that there are different gifts of healing. The gifts of healing could mean a very wide range of skills or abilities. This could be from the power to do miraculous or dramatic healing, like making the lame walk, or the use or understanding of medicine. It could even be the ability to empathize and show love to others to the point of healing an emotional wound.
• Characteristics: This gift is exactly as it sounds. People with this gift have an ability to allow the Holy Spirit to work through their prayers and encouragement to bring about physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual healings. This gift seems to be exercised more often in cultures where faith is not so readily tied to "scientific principles" as it is in Western nations.
This gift is similar to faith. When a person with this gift hears of certain situations that need healing whether physical, emotional or spiritual, God seems to lead them to step out and affirm God through believing Him for healing. God gives them assurance in His ability and desire to work in the situation. A person with this gift feels free to ask God for His intervention without usurping His sovereignty. There is a deep understanding that they do not have a personal power to heal anyone, but that they have been given a great conviction to pray for healing and to believe in God’s power. Along with giving this conviction to pray, in most cases, God chooses to heal.
Common Errors Regarding Healing
Some say that if the testimony of a healing is given, it is to be believed, but a healing also needs to be verified to help prove what God has done.
Some say that healing should be done in a church service, but there is no record of this happening in the New Testament, which may mean that healing, like some other gifts, is not best used during a church service.
Some extreme groups teach that since God can heal, Christians should not use a doctor, but the Bible does not speak against doctors, and doctors like Luke used their medical ability as part of their pastoral ministry to help people.
Some say that by walking in faith and not sinning, no Christian needs to ever be sick, but Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:25-27), Timothy (1 Tim. 5:23), Trophimus (2 Tim. 4:20), and Paul (1 Cor. 2:3; 2 Cor. 11:30; 12:5, 7-10; Gal. 4:13) each had a sickness that was not healed, despite the fact they deeply loved God and walked with Jesus faithfully.
The use of this gift is always to bring glory to God and authenticate the message of the gospel of salvation.
• Cautions: This could easily be seen as a special power that the individual wields. There is no magic formula or strategy which brings about healing. It is only the Holy Spirit. The focus of God's revelational gospel in Jesus Christ could be relegated to a back seat with the misuse of this gift.
Those with the gift of healing trust that God can heal the sick and pray in faith for the physical restoration of those in need. These people see healing as a sign that God uses to reveal his power to people so that many will come to believe in Jesus. People with this gift do not see someone healed every time they ask God, since healing is something that God alone decides to do.
Although God does still heal today, some believe His healing through the gift of healing belonged primarily to the apostles of the first-century church to affirm that their message was from God. Remember I mentioned signs and wonders last week.
Mark 16:17-18 NKJV And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
God still performs miracles. God still heals people. There is nothing preventing God from healing one person through the ministry of another person. However, the miraculous gift of healing, as a spiritual gift, does not seem to be functioning today. God can certainly intervene in whatever manner He sees fit, whether in “normal” fashion or through a miracle. Our salvation itself is miracle. We were dead in sin, but God entered our lives and made us new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). That is the greatest healing of all.
Miracles
This is not having the gift of doing miracles; for only God has that power. Rather a person with this gift has a deep sensitivity to God’s will in a situation and a deep belief in God’s ability to fulfill His will. They know where man’s ability ends, God’s supernatural ability takes over. They have a spiritual burden to trust God in situations and ask Him to display His power for His glory. With this burden, in most cases, God performs a miracle.
The word "miracle" in 1 Corinthians 12:10 is the Greek word "dunamis" which means "power, force, or ability."
Miracles are supernatural events that occur outside the bounds of what is natural. By definition, they are rare and out of the ordinary. The apostles certainly had the gift of miracles as they laid the foundation of the church and bore witness to the veracity of their message. Signs and wonders.
Those in the early church who had the gift of miracles had the ability, by the Spirit, to do miraculous things of a different, more powerful kind: the casting out of demons
Acts 16:16-18 ESV As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation." And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour.
the striking of Elymas blind
Acts 13:8-11 ESV But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time." Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.
the raising of Tabitha from the dead
Acts 9:36-41 ESV Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, "Please come to us without delay." So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
Some in the early church, besides the apostles, who had the gift of miracles were Stephen and Philip.
Acts 6:8 ESV And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.
The divine enablement to affect or call on God for powerful acts which authenticate the message of Christ and glorify God.
The gift of miracles is the ability to call on God to do supernatural acts that reveal his power. People with the gift of miracles see God show up in extraordinary ways, from daily little events to major public displays. Examples from the Bible include demons being cast out of people, nature obeying God's authority, and the dead being raised. Obviously, these sorts of things are uncommon and do not happen regularly—otherwise they would not be viewed as miraculous. People with this gift do not chase signs and wonders, but they do expect signs and wonders to follow God's people who follow Jesus.
• Characteristics: This gift may be closely associated with the gift of faith. The working of miracles, like healing, is often more commonly seen in cultures where the ties to a "scientific world view'' are not so strong (our scientific views may be a barrier to faith). Someone with this gift may see God perform profound, supernatural acts which authentic the message of the gospel. Thus, it becomes a tool for evangelism in pagan cultures which do not know Christ.
• Cautions: Like healing, this gift can be seen as an end in itself. Those blessed with this gift need to use extreme caution so as not to fall into the rut of thinking they are the ones who have the ability or power to perform a supernatural act. On the other extreme, they need to have strong faith what God can and will move.
Some people who claim to have this gift use it to exalt themselves, but the gift exists to exalt God and spread the name of Jesus.
Some Christians are prone to chase signs and wonders, but Jesus said that it is a wicked and evil thing to seek a sign (Luke 11:29).
Some people think that a sign or miracle is guaranteed to prove to a non-Christian that Jesus is real, but some people would never believe in him even if they saw a miracle.
This is not having the gift of doing miracles; for only God has that power. Rather a person with this gift has a deep sensitivity to God’s will in a situation and a deep belief in God’s ability to fulfill His will. They know where man’s ability ends, God’s supernatural ability takes over. They have a spiritual burden to trust God in situations and ask Him to display His power for His glory. With this burden, in most cases, God performs a miracle.
The word "miracle" in 1 Corinthians 12:10 is the Greek word "dunamis" which means "power, force, or ability."
Miracles are supernatural events that occur outside the bounds of what is natural. By definition, they are rare and out of the ordinary. The apostles certainly had the gift of miracles as they laid the foundation of the church and bore witness to the veracity of their message. Signs and wonders.
Those in the early church who had the gift of miracles had the ability, by the Spirit, to do miraculous things of a different, more powerful kind: the casting out of demons
Acts 16:16-18 ESV As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation." And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour.
the striking of Elymas blind
Acts 13:8-11 ESV But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time." Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.
the raising of Tabitha from the dead
Acts 9:36-41 ESV Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, "Please come to us without delay." So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
Some in the early church, besides the apostles, who had the gift of miracles were Stephen and Philip.
Acts 6:8 ESV And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.
The divine enablement to affect or call on God for powerful acts which authenticate the message of Christ and glorify God.
The gift of miracles is the ability to call on God to do supernatural acts that reveal his power. People with the gift of miracles see God show up in extraordinary ways, from daily little events to major public displays. Examples from the Bible include demons being cast out of people, nature obeying God's authority, and the dead being raised. Obviously, these sorts of things are uncommon and do not happen regularly—otherwise they would not be viewed as miraculous. People with this gift do not chase signs and wonders, but they do expect signs and wonders to follow God's people who follow Jesus.
• Characteristics: This gift may be closely associated with the gift of faith. The working of miracles, like healing, is often more commonly seen in cultures where the ties to a "scientific world view'' are not so strong (our scientific views may be a barrier to faith). Someone with this gift may see God perform profound, supernatural acts which authentic the message of the gospel. Thus, it becomes a tool for evangelism in pagan cultures which do not know Christ.
• Cautions: Like healing, this gift can be seen as an end in itself. Those blessed with this gift need to use extreme caution so as not to fall into the rut of thinking they are the ones who have the ability or power to perform a supernatural act. On the other extreme, they need to have strong faith what God can and will move.
Some people who claim to have this gift use it to exalt themselves, but the gift exists to exalt God and spread the name of Jesus.
Some Christians are prone to chase signs and wonders, but Jesus said that it is a wicked and evil thing to seek a sign (Luke 11:29).
Some people think that a sign or miracle is guaranteed to prove to a non-Christian that Jesus is real, but some people would never believe in him even if they saw a miracle.
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