Empowered to Heal GOD S GIFT OF HEALING Developing and Releasing Spiritual Gifts Revd Chris Lawrence The role of the Holy Spirit in the ministry of healing The Role of the Holy Spirit We may be familiar with the person of the Holy Spirit, but we may not have developed a full understanding on what it means to rely on Him in ministry. 4 th Century (Gregory of Nazianzus) Theos agraptos the God whom nobody writes about The orphan of theology, and yet the stealth weapon of the church He is the key to ministry! Relying on the Holy Spirit. Jesus is our example For Him - Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, (Luke 4:14) For the Disciples - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8) the same promise applies to us The Dunamis Power of God The Greek word primarily translated power in relation to the works of God s Kingdom is dunamis. Dunamis comes from the root word dunamai, to be able or possible, and means force, miraculous power, ability, might and strength. English derivatives dynamite, dynamo, dynamic. The Holy Spirit is God at work 1
Receiving the Holy Spirit Ask: how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13b By the laying on of hands: Peter and John in Samaria When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:15-17 Knowing your own calling A framework for ministry Three passages which discuss ministry in terms of gifts Romans 12 Seven gifts received by individuals i.e. Prophesy, service, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership & compassion. Knowing your own calling Praying as part of a team e.g. Teacher & Encourager ; Prophesy & Compassion Ephesians 4 the given gifts apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Their role is (v12) to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. (i.e. Leadership roles) Q - How might these gifts relate to the ministry of healing? The nine gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Cor 12:4-11 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. a message of wisdom, a message of knowledge, to another faith, gifts of healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in different kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. 2
Three gifts that are often given together Word of Knowledge The gift of Faith The gifts of Healing Word of Knowledge (the Rhema word) Word of Knowledge - example The gift of knowledge is not about human knowledge, but about being given a specific piece of information, in a specific context, through prayer. It may take the form of a text, picture, key question or insight. It may be regarded as a form of attentive listening which helps us to know how to pray. It undergirds our faith and guides us whether to press for healing or not. Listen to the person & Listen to the Holy Spirit Crohn's disease A picture of what the Holy Spirit was willing to do The Gift of Faith As committed Christians we all have faith. The gift of faith operates on specific occasions over and above the faith that is common to us all. It comes into being when God gives a person the special ability to discern His will and purpose in a specific occasion. It may take the form or an inner certainty that the person will be healed. Ref: In His Name - Alison Morgan & John Woolmer The Gift of Faith - Example Then Peter said, Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do 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. Acts 3:6-8 3
The Gifts of Healing, or cures. Paul speaks about gifts of healing in a double plural a clear indication that this gifting comes afresh when needed, and perhaps in different ways for different situations; there is no such thing as a Christian healer. Supernatural healing occurs when people get better following prayer, often gradually over a period of a few days or so. If the prayer had been ministered through the laying on of hands there may be the sensation of heat experienced by the person being ministered to, or tingling. The gift of faith is often received at the same time as the gift of healing, because it is easier to pray confidently for physical healing if we are aware that this is what the Holy Spirit wants to do. Managing Expectation And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will place their hands on people who are ill, and they will get well. (Mark 16:17-18) Maintaining a heart of thankfulness makes a world of difference 50%, 60% >>>>100% Or 50%, 40%>>>>0% Gaining experience Gaining experience Part of the team. Individual Responsibility If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 Is it possible for God to heal emotional traumas? Cursing cancer! 4
Praying for yourself It's not selfish! Summary Total reliance on the Holy Spirit We limit God if we offer a human gospel of comfort instead of healing and transformation Jesus came to set people free not cheer them up! We will fail in our commission to extend the kingdom of God by offering visible signposts to it The Holy Spirit is given to us so that we can do the works Jesus did. If we try to bring about healing in our own strength we condemn ourselves to an ineffective and joyless ministry. Be filled with the Spirit (Eph 4:18) and go on being filled Spend time in God s presence - Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:8) Gifts bestowed upon individuals within the body of Christ (the Church) The Holy Spirit releases the ministry gifts to the body of Christ so that the Body may be fully equipped in any situation. However, is there a particular gifting that you feel particularly drawn to, or that you perceive is currently lacking? There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1 Cor 12:4,7) Let s Pray! That God would anoint us afresh for ministry and release gifts amongst us. Is there a specific gift you are seeking? 5
A copy of presentation slides may be obtained at www.framfieldchurch.org.uk 6