Sermon Summary
This week, Pastor Chris continued in our series through the book of Acts with a powerful word on healing. Chris sought to answer what the Bible says about physical healing in order for us to be grounded in our theology on the topic. Ever since sin entered the world, suffering, infirmary and pain have been a reality. Sin certainly affects more than just the immaterial soul. We want to be a people who pursue God’s Kingdom here on Earth through the reality of physical healing for the glory of Jesus.
Isaiah 53:4–5 (ESV)
4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
Acts 3:1–3 (ESV)
1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms.
Acts 3:4–5 (ESV)
4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.
Deuteronomy 10:18–19 (ESV)
18 He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. 19 Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.
Matthew 11:15 (ESV)
15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
Acts 3:6–8 (ESV)
6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.
Acts 3:9–10 (ESV)
9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Isaiah 35:6 (ESV)
6 then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.
Why Does God Heal?
1. To show Love and Mercy to the suffering
2. To reveal the Kingdom of God
3. To Reach the Lost
4. To increase Christian Worship
Why is there is sickness and suffering?1. Sin and the Fall
Genesis 1:31 (ESV)
31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
Romans 5:12 (ESV)
12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—2. Personal Sin
1 Corinthians 11:30 (ESV)
30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.3. Demonic Spiritual Forces
Matthew 8:16 (ESV)
16 That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick.
2 Timothy 4:20 (ESV)
20 Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus.
2 Corinthians 12:7–9 (ESV)
7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.• Sometimes God won’t heal us for our good. • Sometimes God won’t heal us because he loves us. • Sometimes God won’t heal us because it may not be good for our soul.
Revelation 21:4 (ESV)
4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
How do we minister to the sick?
1. Pray from a Distance
2. Lay Hands on and Pray
Luke 4:40 (ESV)
40 Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them.
3. Minister in Faith
Matthew 9:20–22 (ESV)
20 And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, 21 for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” 22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.
4. Anoint with Oil
James 5:14 (ESV)
14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
Discussion Questions1. Why did Peter and John go to the temple to pray rather than to make a sacrifice?2. How can we reconcile the reality that God does not always heal our loved ones here on Earth?3. What role do faith and expectation play in receiving healing?4. Why is it important to give Jesus our full attention (rather than our circumstances) when we are sick?
Application Questions1. Do you have any physical ailments right now? Take time to determine this week what the source of it is (the Fall, personal sin, or demonic forces). 2. Be open with your Life Group this week and get prayer for this physical healing. Share any testimonies of healing next Sunday!