Gifts of Healings

 

Introduction

Talking about the gifts of healing, we should first realize that it refers to gifts. And this is the only gift that is pluralized. From my own understanding, I believe it is referring to healing for the spirit, soul and body. 

1 Corinthians 12:9 KJV

To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

Luke 5:17 KJV

And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

Acts 10:38 KJV

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Purpose of healing

One thing we see occurring frequently in the ministry of Jesus is healing. 

The purpose of healing is to;

1. Act as a means of drawing people to the Gospel

2. Affirm the power and authority of Christ over sicknesses

3. Liberate man from the pain and bondage of sickness

What causes sickness?

The root cause of all sicknesses and diseases is the fall of man. When Adam fell, man lost his wholeness and became vulnerable. 

However, there are other things that could cause sicknesses.

1. Sin

Exodus 15:26 KJV

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.

Many sicknesses are caused by going against God's commandments. It opens door for the enemy to be able to bring afflictions

2. Genetic disorders

3. Demonic attacks

4. Lack of proper hygiene or diet

There are also sicknesses that come due to old age

Luke 13:16 KJV

And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

Healing of the soul

These refer to the healing of soul-related health issues.

Actually, the soul comprises the following:

1. Will

2. Emotions

3. Intellect

4. Mind

Anything that attempts to control or undermine your freedom and emotional health is evil. You need to gain victory over it. Some people battle with eating disorders, addictions, evil thoughts (e.g, suicidal thoughts), depression, etc. Jesus has the power to set you free and give you a right mind.

Mark 5:15 KJV

And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

The concept of deliverance in relation to healing

The enemy tries to gain control first over people by oppressing them with evil thoughts. It could come through attacks in the dream. The enemy is a deceiver. A believer in Jesus Christ is free from the kingdom of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God. You need to enforce the victory you have through prayer, confession of God's word and renewing your mind according to God's word.

Those who allow oppression to linger become obsessed and this finally leads to the individual bring possessed by the evil spirits. The good news is that deliverance is here tonight.

The healing covenant and atonement

The covenant

Exodus 23:25-26 KJV

And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee. [26] There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil.

The atonement

Isaiah 53:4-5 KJV

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. [5] But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Matthew 8:17 KJV

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

Cases of divine healing

1. Jesus healed the man at the pool of Siloam

2. Naaman, a leprous man was healed

3. Peter's shadow healed the sick

4. Philip the evangelist went to Samaria and God used him to work healings and deliverances

Acts 8:7 KJV

For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

5. Through Paul too

Acts 28:8-9 KJV

And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. [9] So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

God has been using His men in church history and in contemporary times to wrought healing. However, God can also use anyone and every one of us.

Praying for the sick as a child of God and receiving the gifts of healing

There is a difference between the general promise of praying for the sick as a saved person and praying as someone who has received the gifts of healing through the Holy Spirit.

Here, you have greater confidence in God's ability to wrought healings through you. It's sometimes accompanied with the word of knowledge, word of wisdom, gift of faith, working of miracles and discernment of spirits

Positioning yourself to receive healing

1. Repentance from sin

Yes, it's possible to receive healing as a sinner but of what use is it in the long run when you might still lose it or catch a greater disease

It is children's bread so become a child of God (not only because you are seeking healing but because you believe in Christ and you are ready to follow Him)

2. Have faith

Not having faith can hinder you from receiving your healing.

Let me add: Don't despise God's servant in your heart and disbelieve the grace of God upon them.

The Holy Spirit at work through digital platforms

Interestingly, we have seen the Holy Spirit at work through social media platforms. Several people are testifying of what God is doing through watching, listening or even reading the ministrations and messages of ministers of God

God can work anywhere and everywhere

Positioning yourself to receive the healing anointing

Be sure you're saved

You must be consecrated and your old man must be crucified

You need to be filled with the Holy Spirit

Have the right motive (for God's glory alone) and the right attitude (compassion)

Seek and you will find (pray)