Transformed By Truth: God Can Heal Today James 5:14-15 Series

Transformed by Truth: God Can Heal Today

Introduction

Today, we will delve into the marvellous truth that God is not only capable of healing but that He continues to do so in our time. Our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His power to heal remains unchanging. Let’s explore this profound truth through the lens of Scripture.

James 5:14-15 (NLT): “Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.”

Point 1: God’s Promise to Heal

James 5:14-15 (NLT) - "Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven."

James, the brother of Jesus, writes to the early Christians, encouraging them to rely on the power of prayer and faith in times of sickness. The act of anointing with oil symbolises consecration and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Greek word for “heal” in this context is iaomai, which means to cure or make whole. This same word is used throughout the New Testament, emphasising physical and spiritual healing. This promise is not limited to the apostles' time but extends to us today.

We must trust in the power of prayer and the community of faith. When facing sickness, we should seek the prayers of our church community, believing that God can and will heal.

Consider the testimony of Joni Eareckson Tada, who despite her quadriplegia, testifies to God's continual healing presence in her life, bringing spiritual and emotional wholeness.

Point 2: Jesus, Our Healer

Scripture: Matthew 8:16-17 (NLT) - "That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick. This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said, ‘He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.’”

In this passage, Matthew recounts Jesus’ healing ministry, highlighting the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy. Jesus’ actions demonstrate His authority over physical and spiritual ailments.

The term “healed” here is therapeuo, from which we derive the word therapy. It indicates a complete and holistic healing process. Jesus’ healings were signs of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world.

Jesus is our healer today. We should approach Him with faith, believing in His power to heal all aspects of our lives. Healing is not just about the physical but includes emotional and spiritual restoration.

Think of the story of the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48). Despite years of suffering, her faith in Jesus’ power to heal brought her complete restoration. Her story inspires us to trust in Jesus for our healing.

Point 3: The Holy Spirit’s Role in Healing

1 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT) - "The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing."

Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, outlines the various gifts of the Holy Spirit, including the gift of healing. This underscores the active role of the Holy Spirit in the church today.

The word used for “healing” is iamata, indicating not just the act of healing but the result - health and wholeness. The Holy Spirit distributes these gifts as He wills, for the edification of the body of Christ.

We should eagerly desire and pray for the manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s gifts, including healing, in our congregations. The Spirit’s work in healing is a testament to God’s ongoing involvement in our lives.

Consider the ministry of Smith Wigglesworth, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, whose ministry saw numerous miraculous healings. His life is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit working through believers.

Point 4: Faith and Healing

Mark 5:34 (NLT): "And he said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.'”

In this passage, we see the connection between faith and healing. The woman who had been suffering for twelve years touched Jesus’ robe in faith, believing that she would be healed. Jesus acknowledges her faith as the key to her healing. The Greek word used here for "made you well" is sozo, which means to save, heal, and deliver.

This story highlights that our faith plays a crucial role in experiencing God's healing. It is not the amount of faith we have, but the object of our faith - Jesus Christ. We must trust Him and His power to heal.