Series: Unwrapping Your Spiritual Gift
#20: The Gifts of Spiritual Expressions – “Healing/Miracles”
Matthew 15:29-31 and Acts 5:12-16 (NIV)
By John Gill ~ October 29, 2023
There was a Methodist couple who had a dog, who they determined wasn’t too bright. In fact, they thought the dog was stupid. It never would obey. It even flunked out of obedience school.
They were going on a trip, and so they worried about who would take care of the dog while they were gone. Their next-door neighbors, who happened to be Pentecostals, agreed to take the dog.
When the couple returned, they said to their neighbors, “We hope our dog wasn’t too much trouble.” “Trouble? Why, he is a great dog – so obedient, and so smart! We even taught him a few tricks.”
“Are you sure you are talking about OUR dog?” “Oh yes! Your dog is very smart! Watch this.” The neighbor called out to the dog: “Heal.” The dog jumped up and laid his paws on his master’s head.
You know, we could learn a few things from those Pentecostals. For far too long, we have left the Spiritual Gifts (especially the gifts of healing and miracles) to the Pentecostals and those we may call “charismatics.” But that’s too bad, because the gifts of the Spirit are given to the entire church. And to ignore the gifts of healing and miracles would be to reject gifts God wants to give to his people.
If United Methodism is to be a biblical denomination, we must be involved in “ministries of healing.” But what exactly do we mean by “healing?” Most of the time, we in the mainline church, point to our medical institutions, doctors, clinics and medical missions around the world, and call that “the gift of healing.” And, in one sense, we are right. Certainly those involved in “the healing arts” bring healing. But a biblical ministry of healing calls on us to do more than that.
In order for a church’s healing ministry to be complete, it takes both those with “the healing arts” and those with “the gift of healing.” Those with the healing arts (like many of you in worship today who are or have been in the medical field) have the knowledge and skills to bring healing, and are “healers.” But what they actually have is a talent for healing, not the gift of healing. Certainly, God works through their knowledge and skills, and people are healed.
But those with the gift bring healing through prayer and faith. They approach God in intercession, and God honors their prayer and faith by bringing healing. Now, it is possible that a person MAY have BOTH the healing art and the gift – but not necessarily. You are certainly blessed if you have a “Christian doctor!” While we salute all of you who are skilled in the healing arts this morning, for the purpose of our sermon today, we will focus on the spiritual gift of healing.
As with each of the gifts, there is a general command applying to all Christians, and a specific gift given to a few. Just because you may not have a particular gift doesn’t exempt you from practicing that gift as best you can (as we have seen with the gifts of faith, generosity, intercession, etc.) As Christians, we are ALL to do ALL those things – even as we are aware that some have been gifted with an extra measure. The same is true for the gift of healing. We are all to pray for the healing of others.
How do we do that? There are two models for praying for healing. Which of the two is appropriate for you depends on whether you have the gift, or not.
1. For ordinary Christians in ordinary circumstances, the prayer for healing is a “prayer of petition.” We intercede on someone else’s behalf and plead for mercy from God, we pray: “Please, if it is your will, heal so-ans-so – in Jesus’ name.”
2. But for the person with the gift, the prayer for healing is more like “a declaration” (almost a command) spoken with authority. The one with the gift somehow knows the mind of God for that person in that situation, and with a faith that does not doubt, speaks God’s word (as if they are God’s mouthpiece). Not: “Please Lord, heal;” but “Be healed!”
Which style is better? Neither. Both styles are valid – and God responds to both, because both are based on faith. Which approach is right for you depends on your spiritual gifts! So, each of us must search out which style of prayer is appropriate for our Spiritual gift-mix.s w
When we think of healing, we automatically think of physical healing (and rightly so). But the Bible tells us there are different gifts of healings.
1 Corinthians, chapter 12, lists “healing” as one of the Spiritual Gifts. Now, it is interesting to note that, in that list – in Greek, all the other gifts listed are referred to in the singular (“charisma”) – such as the “gift” of teaching, administration, prophecy, etc. But the healing gift is referred to in the plural (“charismatan”). What’s more – the word for “healing” is also in the plural. So, Paul literally writes, “to some are given giftS of healingS – or perhaps, “multiple kinds of gifts of healing.” And the Bible itself gives us evidence for each type of healing. What are they? First:
1. Spiritual Healing.
In Matthew 13:15, Jesus speaks about the hard-heartedness of the people of Israel to receive the Gospel: Jesus says, “For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they may not look with their eyes and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn – and I would heal them.”
Jesus isn’t talking here about physical healing, but about a spiritual healing. God gives the gift of spiritual healing to some Christians in order to heal others of their spiritual diseases. For instance, when someone receives Christ, a spiritual healing takes place. Or, when you help a back-sliding Christian return to Christ, you are exercising the gift of spiritual healing. In fact, in Greek, the word for “to heal” also means “to save.” Many people take 1 Peter 2:24 out of context, trying to apply it to physical illnesses. Peter is actually quoting Isaiah 53:5: “For by his wounds you have been HEALED” could just as well be translated, “For by his wounds you have been SAVED.” The text actually is referring to our salvation - a spiritual healing! Another type of healing in the Bible is:
2. Emotional Healing.
In Luke 4:18, Jesus quotes Isaiah as he declares his mission to the world. He says, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” The word translated here as “poor” literally means, “those who are emotionally and mentally shattered.” And the word “oppressed” literally means “bruised.” So, the passage is referring to emotional healing – healing our emotional wounds.
Countless people today (both within and outside the church) are plagued with emotional problems. Life is complicated, life’s-pressures are great, and it’s increasingly hard to cope. In a 2021 study, by the National Institutes of Health, nearly half of Americans surveyed reported recent symptoms of an anxiety or depressive disorder, and 10% of respondents felt their mental health needs were not being met. And, not surprisingly, rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder have only increased since the pandemic.1
Emotional problems are epidemic! How desperately we need this kind of healing today!
This spiritual gift of emotional healing is the ability to bring comfort and emotional stability to someone whose emotional life is in chaos, and to restore their Peace of Mind and soul. Jesus said that he came to bring this kind of healing, too. And so should we. Of course, the third type of healing is:
3. Physical healing. (Our primary focus.)
There are many examples of physical healing in the scriptures:
· Jesus healed the blind, death, mute, and lame. (Matthew 4), and in many other passages in the Gospels.
· Peter healed a beggar, lame from birth. (Acts 3)
· Philip healed the paralyzed and the lame. (Acts 8)
· Paul healed the father of Publius in Malta. (Acts 28)
Even so, it is interesting to note that in the entire Book of Acts, only three individuals used the gift of physical healing. The gift of healing was rare, even in ancient times, and it was used sparingly. Therefore, we need to be skeptical of anyone who claims they have the gift of healing for every illness or circumstance. Even Paul apparently could not heal some people: Epaphroditus
(Philippians 2:25-27), Timothy (1 Timothy 5:23), or Trophimus (2 Timothy 4:20). Even though healings may have been a rarity in Bible days, they did occur, and they still do today.
But how does God heal today? You might say, “Pastor, you say healings still happen today. But I don't see them!” I say, “God is the God of yesterday, today, and forever. God's character is constant. If he healed in the past, he still does today.”
God never changes. But his methods of dealing with us may! You see, one of the problems with healing in the church is that we try to put restrictions on God, expecting him to heal everyone in just the same way. In some denominations, it is believed that healing only comes through medicine and doctors. And, in other denominations, it is claimed that healing only comes through miracles. But, our God is not a “God of a formula” – not “one-size-fits-all.” I believe that God deals with each one of us individually and in a variety of ways. For instance:
God MAY heal instantly. Normally this is the way we would like God to perform. After hearing of an instantaneous, miraculous recovery from a serious illness, we expect God to heal just as quickly every time we pray. We pray for someone to be healed, and if it doesn't instantly happen, we are disappointed. And as the days and months pass, our faith weakens and we begin to question the Lord, “God, why don't you heal immediately?” But God is not a genie we can call on to make a wish, and “Shazam,” our wish is granted! We are in no position to demand that God heal the same way every time. But he MAY choose to heal instantaneously.
But, God also MAY heal gradually. Some people pray to get better for months and even years, and only see slow improvement. We can become impatient and discouraged, even angry at God, because we are unwilling to wait for God's timing. It's been said that God gives one of three answers to our prayers: either yes, no, or wait. And in many ways, waiting is the hardest answer to accept. We need to trust God to heal us on God’s schedule – not ours. Healing may come instantly or gradually.
And, of course, God MAY choose to heal through medications and surgery. Today, God often works through doctors and medicines to bring healing. We shouldn't be surprised! After all, God created the plants from which medications are developed and gave knowledge to doctors and scientists. Why shouldn't he use them to bring him glory? Whether health care professionals know it, or not, they are part of the healing ministry of God. But whether the healing comes instantly, gradually, or through the healing arts of doctors, the source and power of healing is the same. All healing comes from The Great Physician.
In James 5:14, we read, “are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up.” Yes, there is great power in the prayer for healing! I believe it because I have seen prayer work. I have even seen the prayers of others work in my own life, bringing me healing. And I praise God for it!
But let's be honest. Sometimes prayer for healing does not work! What about those circumstances where prayer is offered, and no healing comes?
Why does God sometimes withhold healing? Well, for several reasons:
1. God may withhold healing as a discipline because of sin.
If one person is healed, and another is not, it isn't necessarily because one had faith and the other did not. Sometimes God allows us to remain ill in order to get our attention. We may have sinned and strayed from God, and somehow our illness might be what it takes to turn us back to him.
In the Corinthian church, there was a person who was delivered to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved (1 Corinthians 5:5). Later, we read that this same man repented and was restored to the church (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). In another incident in that same church, we are told that people became ill because they had taken the Lord's supper in an unworthy manner. They came to Holy Communion even though they had unrepented sin in their heart (1 Corinthians 11:21) .
So, sometimes God withholds healing to discipline us for our sinfulness and to bring us back into a right relationship with him.
2. Sometimes God may withhold healing for our personal growth.
When I was serving the church in LaBelle in southwest Florida, we had a woman who battled breast cancer. During one of our testimony worship services she stood before the congregation and gave her testimony about her experience. She said something
that surprised me. She described her bout with cancer as a blessing! A blessing? Yes! Because through the experience, her faith and prayer life were enriched! Since that time, I have had to deal cancer - twice. And so now I understand better what she was talking about. While she could thank God for her cancer, I still have not achieved that depth of faith. But I am thankful that through the cancer, God has drawn me closer to him. And I am stronger in my faith for it.
That is what I'm talking about here. Sometimes, illness can cause us to grow in surprising and wonderful ways. Paul had an infirmity that God never took away from him. Why? In order to develop his character, particularly his humility (2 Corinthians 2:6-11). Paul, of all people, had reason to boast of his special status as an apostle (and he did boast!). The one word you would never think to use to describe the apostle Paul is “humble.” Yet, he learned humility because of his “thorn in the flesh.” Many of God's greatest servants suffered with a “thorn” to keep them humble, and help them grow spiritually.
3. It may also be that God may withhold healing because he knows that he will receive greater glory during the illness than through the recovery.
Some of the most effective Christian witnesses are those who expect healing by God's grace, but at the same time, offer their sufferings to God's glory.
There is a Christian evangelist named David Ring who has suffered with cerebral palsy his entire life. Since 1973, he has challenged thousands of people with his signature message, “I have cerebral palsy... What's your problem?” David Ring offers a powerful witness - and is a great inspiration to countless people.
Now, I'm certain that God COULD heal David – and I'm sure he prays for healing every day. But David hasn't let his illness lessen his faith, nor stop him from sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. That man's physical condition has brought more glory to God than if he were whole – and that is what really matters. If you suffer with a thorn in the flesh, dedicate it to God, and ask God to use it or his glory.
4. Finally, on this All Saints Sunday, it is important to remember that God may withhold healing because, for believers, death is the ultimate healing.
This is the most important healing of them all! Physical healings are temporary. Spiritual healing brings us salvation. But a holy death brings us eternal life.
Paul understood this. As he anticipated his own eventual martyrdom, he wrote in Philippians (1:20+) these words: “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Friends, I have a news-flash for your: All people die. Even those miraculously healed by Jesus and the Apostles, every one of them eventually passed away. It is as the writer of Hebrews expressed it (9:27-28), “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation (or healing) to those who are waiting for him.” Friends, on this All Saint’s Sunday, we can be assured that all those who have died in Christ have been healed. As Paul put it in Colossians (2:10), “In Christ [they] have been brought to fullness” – eternally made whole and complete in the Lord.
So yes, the spiritual gift of healing is a remarkable gift. To be used by God to bring wholeness of body mind and soul is indeed a remarkable thing. And if it is your gift, by all means, use it. They have been completely healed!
But, the most essential thing to remember is that healing itself is not the most important thing. What is most important is that - whatever the state of our health, whatever our circumstance, we should never stop offering God our praise, so that, by our life and our death, we may glorify God and be a witness to others of the goodness of God.
When it comes to healing (or for any other aspect of the Christian life, for that matter), I think Paul says it best in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
And so, on this All Saints Sunday, may our prayer be the one prayed by the Prophet Jeremiah (17:14): “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the One I praise.” Amen.