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5 Insights on Divine Healing From James 5
In "Doctrinal Discussion", Dr. Glenn McClure points out five insights on divine healing from James 5:14-20:
- The person who is sick must want the healing.
- The church leaders not only directed this request for healing to God, but also acknowledged that only God could bring it about.
- We must pray in faith; faith is a prerequisite for healing.
- We should not overlook those who are praying and the one for whom prayer is offered.
- We must consider the intensity of the prayer of faith.
For deeper explanation of these insights, please see your Adult Teacher's Insights, pages 37-38.
Why Jesus Was Impressed
"When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee." (Mark 2:5)
In "Biblical Perspective", Dr. Gayle Woods writes:
Jesus and the crowd in the room heard the noise above them as the roof was dismantled. It was not long until sand and bits of mortar fell into the room. A cloudy haze filled the room as they watched in wonder. A hole appeared, revealing the sky above. The opening grew larger and larger until they saw the four men feverishly destroying the roof. Then the cot with the paralyzed man was lowered carefully into the room. Somehow people bunched closer together to allow for its intrusion into their midst. Jesus was impressed. It was the collective faith of the friends that impressed Jesus. They brought their friend for physical healing, but Jesus offered him much more. Jesus spoke to the need of his heart. Using a Greek term that was used affectionately, Jesus said, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
Discussion: What one step can you take today to demonstrate a greater faith in Jesus?
Source: Miracles of Jesus: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 35.
Devotional: Confession and Healing
Read James 5:15-20
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (v. 16).
Throughout Scripture, men have turned to God in prayer when plagued with physical illness. The prayer for healing is both private and shared with the Church. But James suggests that sickness MAY be related to conduct — a discipline from God for disobedience. The translation “faults” is misleading as to seriousness, for the Greek word translated “fault” is the word for “sin” (see James 1:15). It will be necessary to confess to God (and man as it applies) the offending action. It is then that the prayer of faith imploring God’s will for healing may be presented.
Confession is not pleasant, but it is necessary. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper” (Prov. 28:13). Confession brings humility, and it is the humble man that finds help from God. The clear instruction of this passage is that sickness can be related to disobedience. Equally clear is that confession accompanied with prayer brings healing. Certainly confession brings healing to the soul. Practicing these divine directives can and will bring health and renewed usefulness to the kingdom of God. Perhaps the words of J. Edwin Orr would be appropriate for us to pray today. (William Snider)
Search me O God,
And know my heart today.
Try me, O Savior;
Know my thoughts, I pray
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin, and set me free.
Turn to God for healing.
This devotional is the Sunday, January 10, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.
Lesson 6: The Paralyzed Restored
Lesson 6 - January 10, 2016
Focus Text: Mark 2:1
Central Truth: Christ performed miracles to promote God’s glory.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify various improper motives people have in praying for miracles.
- The Helpless Sufferer (Mark 2:1-4)
- The Compassionate Savior (Mark 2:5)
- The Murmuring Scribes (Mark 2:6-7)
- The Powerful Healer (Mark 2:8-12)
Prayer: Lesson 5 – The Lepers Cleansed
Heavenly Father, bless our teachers today as they begin a new year of ministry for you. Help them and their students never to lose their gratitude and wonder for the grace you have bestowed on us. Amen.
What Resolutions should the Sunday School Teacher Make for a New Year?
It is a new year, and many are considering New Year's resolutions, hoping to make lasting changes this year. Others are doing their best to avoid the subject, having already concluded that any commitments would be short-lived. We will leave the question whether it is most effective to make a series of resolutions at the beginning of the year to others to answer, but we would suggest that it is important to regularly evaluate where one is in life and where God wants us to be.
With that in mind, consider some areas in which you might seek improvement this new year...
- Preparing for lessons
Regardless of how long you have taught, there is always more to learn or practice in teaching. If not careful, we can become "set in our ways" presenting our lessons in a familiar (and boring?) manner. Or due to busyness and stress, we can do the minimum to get ready, relying on quick wits and charisma instead of careful study and the direction of the Holy Spirit.
- Discipling your students
Resolutions in this regard are important simply because this aspect of teaching Sunday school is so often overlooked. An important part of your ministry is shepherding your students spiritually. Do you minister to your students throughout the week or only one hour on Sunday?
- Following up on guests
With the stress of leading a lesson and the busyness of the Sunday morning worship ritual, it may be tempting to think it is someone else's responsibility to follow up on guests in your class. Yet as the teacher you are the most visible person in your class. Do you make certain to let guests know their presence was welcome, to gain contact information, and to invite them back the next Sunday?
- Growing spiritually
A common temptation for preachers and teachers is to combine sermon/lesson preparation with one's personal devotions. Making this a practice, however, can lead to spiritual malnutrition. And, if you are not growing spiritually and maturing in your faith, how will you be able to lead your students to "higher ground"?
These are just a few areas in which you, as a Sunday school teacher, may want to make a "New Year's Resolution" ... or just a commitment to Christ that you will seek improvement. (David Woods)
What spiritual resolutions would God have you make for this new year?
"Study to show thyself approved unto God... " (2 Timothy 2:15).