While there is nothing wrong with using the resources available to us, our trust and hope needs to be firmly placed in the Lord, not doctors or medical treatment. Dr. Stanley teaches about healing from a biblical perspective and answers common questions about the topic. He also reveals the Bible’s teaching on how to handle illness.
Sermon Outline
It’s a fact of life that our bodies break down, and unwise living can make the problem worse. Thankfully, our God has provided specific steps to seek His healing. Today, Dr. Stanley examines the process of healing prayer, as detailed in the book of James.
Key Passage: James 5:13-20
Supporting Passages: Psalm 66:18; James 1:5-7
God made our bodies, and He has the answers about our healing. We’re His children, and He has told us how to respond when faced with illness.
► “If we were to ask this morning, ‘Is anyone suffering?’ most people would probably raise their hand for something.”
What does God say about healing?
It can involve other people (James 5:13-20).
Churches are families, and members should care for each other.
Suffering and sickness are different (vv. 13-14).
We care for those who are suffering from emotional illness and loss as well as for those with physical illness.
We should call for help (v. 14).
We’re to call the elders, not wait for someone to guess we’re sick.
It’s prayer that is crucial to healing, but oil—a scriptural symbol of the Holy Spirit—is offered in acknowledgment of the Spirit's power.
The anointing is done in the name of the Lord (v. 14).
“In the name of” means the request is made according to God’s permission and authority. We’re trusting Him to do healing work in the person’s body or emotions.
► “Your effectiveness as a follower of Jesus is absolutely related to your relationship with His Word.”
What does God say about prayers for healing?
They must be offered in faith (v. 15).
This means they must be offered without wavering (James 1:5-7).
A prayer of faith is one that’s based on the Word of God and our experience with answered prayer.
The longer we stay away from God’s Word, the less faith we will have for trusting Him in serious times.
They require us to deal with a sin problem (James 5:15-16).
If we hold on to sin, God will not hear our prayers (Ps. 66:18).
Sin is a barrier to the blessings, the ways, and the work of God.
Prayer for healing must come from a clean heart.
They must be offered by one who is righteous and committed to God (v. 16).
A righteous person is not perfect, but he or she has a lifestyle of obedience.
► “We have to deal with sin in our own life so we can be fit to pray for other people.”
We miss out on healing because …
We don’t believe God works that way today.
We’re embarrassed to admit our needs or confess our sins to others.
We’re too prideful to ask for help.
We’re afraid we may "fail"—that is, God will say no to our prayer.
We’re consumed with our own needs.
We have sin in our life.
We don’t feel worthy.
We settle for easier options.
After Watching
Dr. Stanley pointed out two habits that help us prepare for healing prayer: reading God’s Word and repenting of our sins. What other daily practices could you implement to help you be ready to pray—both for your healing and others’?
Are you in need of healing? If so, what reason from the list Dr. Stanley shared today might be holding you back from requesting prayer?
