PERSONAL CONVICTIONS FOR AN EFFECTIVE HEALING MINISTRY
1. I Am Convinced That It Is God’s Will To Heal
a) I Realize That Jesus Is Willing
Matthew 8:2-3, NIV – “A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.
q Jesus is willing, because it is the Father’s will.
Matthew 8:16, NIV - When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.
q Sometimes spirits must come out before healing can be received.
Mark 6:56, NIV - And wherever he went -- into villages, towns or countryside -- they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.
Acts 5:16, NIV – Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.
b) I Realize That Healing Is A Guaranteed Benefit Of The Christian Life
Psalm 103:2-3, NIV – Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits -- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
q Healing is a guaranteed benefit, just like salvation.
q God desires all be saved, even though all are not saved.
Isaiah 53:5 cf 1 Peter 2:24 - … and by his wounds we are healed … by his wounds you have been healed.
q Healing was paid for an accomplished on the cross. It is a done deal, just as salvation is a done deal.
2. I Am Convinced That God Has Given Me Authority To Heal On His Behalf
a) I Realize That I Have God’s Authority As A Believer
Mark 16:17-18, NIV - And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
b) I Realize That Jesus’ Authority Is Given To Jesus’ Disciples, Of Whom I Am
Matthew 10:1, NIV - He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
c) I Realize That Jesus Sends Me Out With His Delegated Authority
Matthew 28:18-19, NIV - Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go …
d) I Realize That My Authority Is Over All Of The Enemy’s Power
Luke 10:19, NIV – I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
HOW TO PRAY FOR THE SICK
1. In the name of Jesus
Mark 16:17, NIV - And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name
2. Speak to the disease
Mark 11:23, NIV – I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea’, and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him
Luke 8:29, NIV - For Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man.
3. Curse the disease
Mark 11:21, NIV – Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!"
Proverbs 18:21, NIV – The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
q There is life in the disease, and that life must be cursed.
q Eg. Moving tumours.
4. Have the person say, “Thank you Lord”
Philippians 4:6, NIV - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
DIVINE HEALING VERSUS FAITH HEALING
Divine Healing: God sovereignly acts on our behalf for healing.
Faith Healing: Someone exercises faith for healing.
OTHER PRACTICAL GUIDELINES
1. Watch Where You Put Your Hands
2. Ask The Person Questions And Get Feedback
3. Rely On The Holy Spirit For Prophetic Insight As To Blockages
David Hibbert - November 2004