Healing the Sick

For what will Christ commend the righteous?

“I was sick and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:36.

With what is Christ touched?

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses.”

Hebrews 4:15.   

What relief did He bring to Peter’s household?

“When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.” Matthew 8:14,15.

How did Peter summarize Christ’s ministry?

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power; and how he went around doing good and healing all who under the power of the devil, because God was with him.” Acts 10:38.

What should we not forget in our ministry for the sick?

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16.   

God’s Ability to Heal

What does the Lord declare Himself to be?

“If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.” Exodus 15:26. “Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.” Psalm 103:3.

What was promised Israel on condition of obedience?

“The Lord will keep you free from every disease. He will not inflict on you the horrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but he will inflict them on all who hate you.”

Deuteronomy 7:15.  

Old Testament Experiences of Healing

When through disobedience Jeroboam’s hand was withered, by what means was it restored?

“Then the king said to the man of God, “intercede with the Lord your God and pray for me that my hand may be restored.” So the man of God interceded with the Lord, and the king’s hand was restored and became as it was before.” 1 Kings 13:6.

When Miriam was stricken with Leprosy, how was she healed?

“So Moses cried out to the Lord, “O God, please heal her.” Numbers 12:13.

What mistake did Asa make in his severe affliction?

“In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was afflicted with a disease of his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the Lord, but only from the physicians.” 2 Chronicles 16:12.

How did Elijah restore a child to life?

“And he stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried to the Lord, “O Lord my God, let this boy’s life return to him!” The Lord heard Elijah’s cry, and the boy’s life returned to him and he lived.” 1 Kings 17:21,22.

How was Hezekiah’s prayer for restoration from sickness answered?

“Go and tell Hezekiah, “This is what the Lord, the God of your father David says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life.” Isaiah 38:5.

Christ’s Work and Prophecy Thereof

What constituted a large part of Christ’s ministry?

“Jesus went through Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” Matthew 4:23. 

In doing this, what prophecy was fulfilled?

“When evening came, many who were demon possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.”

Matthew 8:16,17. 

In the case of the woman healed of an infirmity, what gave her effect to her touch of Christ’s garment?

“Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. God in peace.”  Luke 8:48.

Before sending out the Twelve, what power did Christ give them?

“When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out the demons and to cure diseases, and he sent out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” Luke 9:1,2. (See Matthew 10:1,7,8; Luke 10:1,9.)

Healing in Apostolic Times

What notable miracle did the apostles perform shortly after the day of Pentecost?

‘Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.”

Acts 3:6-8.  

Among others, what gift has God set in the church?

“And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different tongues.”

1 Corinthians 12:28. 

Bible Counsel to the Sick

In sickness, what is every child of God privileged to do?

“Is any of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him with oil in the name of the Lord.” James 5:14.

What assurance of blessing is given to those who ask according to God’s will?

“And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.” Verse 15.

Note – Physical healing may not always be for our good or to the glory of God. Hence, we must be ready to pray with Jesus, “Nevertheless not my will, but your will, be done.” Luke 22:42. Paul was denied the removal of his infirmity, but the Lord assured him, “My grace is sufficient for you.” 2 Corinthians 12:9. It is not a denial of faith to make use of the simple remedial means that God has given, or those ordinary essentials upon which He makes life dependant – proper food, pure air, rest, exercise, sunshine. Medical cure may be used of God in restoring health.

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