Faith and Healing: Trusting God's Sovereignty
Summary
### Summary
Today, we concluded our five-week series on the book of James, focusing on the theme of healing as presented in James chapter 5. James, the half-brother of Jesus, offers practical advice for living a life of faith. Throughout this series, we've explored various aspects of faith, from taming our tongues to living with eternity in mind. Today, we delved into the controversial yet powerful topic of healing, asking the question: "Do you believe that God still heals?"
We examined two prevalent theological camps: the confessionist group, which believes that if you have enough faith, God must act, and the cessationist group, which believes that miracles ceased with the apostles. However, the Bible and our own experiences show that God still performs miracles today. We celebrated 52 baptisms last week, a testament to God's ongoing work in our lives.
James 5:13-16 provides a holistic view of healing, emphasizing both physical and spiritual restoration. The passage encourages us to pray in faith, anoint the sick with oil, and confess our sins to one another. This holistic approach underscores that God is concerned not just with our physical well-being but also with our spiritual health.
We also discussed the importance of faith in the journey of healing. Faith begins with a word from God, continues regardless of what we see, and often starts with small beginnings. Elijah's story in 1 Kings 17-18 illustrates this beautifully. Despite seeing no immediate results, Elijah persisted in faith, and eventually, God fulfilled His promise.
Finally, we acknowledged that while God can and does heal, He is also deeply concerned with our journey of faith. Sometimes, the process of seeking healing is more about growing in faith and trust in God than the immediate resolution of our problems. We must learn to trust God's sovereignty, even when we don't understand His ways.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Begins with a Word from God: Faith is not something we muster up on our own; it comes from hearing the Word of God. This Word serves as an anchor during life's storms, grounding us when what we see doesn't match what we believe. The Bible is alive and active, providing the foundation for our faith. [26:11]
2. Faith Continues Regardless of What We See: Elijah's story teaches us that faith persists even when immediate results are not visible. Six times Elijah's servant saw nothing, but Elijah's faith remained steadfast. This teaches us to trust God's timing and His unseen work in our lives. [30:11]
3. Faith Often Starts with Small Beginnings: The small cloud Elijah's servant saw was the beginning of a big promise. We should not despise small beginnings, as they often signify the start of God's greater work. Trusting in these small signs can lead to the fulfillment of God's promises. [31:31]
4. God is More Concerned About Our Soul: While physical healing is important, God is more concerned with our spiritual well-being. Our bodies are temporary, but our souls are eternal. God uses our physical struggles to draw us closer to Him and to grow our faith. [18:39]
5. The Process is the Point: The journey of seeking healing is often more about growing in faith and trust in God than the immediate resolution of our problems. God uses our struggles to develop our character and deepen our relationship with Him. We must learn to trust His sovereignty, even when we don't understand His ways. [34:27]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:51] - Introduction to the Book of James
[02:47] - Disney Experience and Partial Views
[06:11] - The Question of Healing
[09:21] - James 5:13-16: A Holistic View of Healing
[12:32] - God Still Heals
[18:39] - God is More Concerned About Our Soul
[19:59] - Personal Story: Journey of Faith
[23:05] - Faith and Trust in God
[24:23] - Elijah's Story: Faith Begins with a Word from God
[28:14] - Faith Continues Regardless of What We See
[31:31] - Faith Often Starts with Small Beginnings
[34:27] - The Process is the Point
[39:03] - Prayer for Healing and Faith
[40:34] - Invitation to Start or Restart a Relationship with God
[41:12] - Closing Prayer and Celebration
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. James 5:13-16
2. 1 Kings 17-18
3. Hebrews 11:6
### Observation Questions
1. According to James 5:13-16, what are the steps believers should take when they are in trouble, happy, or sick?
2. In 1 Kings 18, how many times did Elijah's servant look for a sign of rain before seeing a small cloud? What does this signify about faith? [28:57]
3. What does Hebrews 11:6 say about the importance of faith in pleasing God?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does James 5:13-16 illustrate a holistic view of healing that includes both physical and spiritual aspects? [10:55]
2. What can we learn from Elijah's persistence in 1 Kings 18 about continuing in faith even when immediate results are not visible? [30:11]
3. How does Hebrews 11:6 challenge us to earnestly seek God, and what does it mean that He rewards those who do so?
### Application Questions
1. James 5:13-16 encourages believers to pray in faith and confess their sins to one another. How can you incorporate these practices into your daily life? [09:21]
2. Reflect on a time when you had to persist in faith despite not seeing immediate results. How did that experience shape your trust in God? [30:11]
3. Elijah's story shows that faith often starts with small beginnings. Can you identify a small sign in your life that you believe is the start of God's greater work? How can you nurture that faith? [31:31]
4. The sermon emphasized that God is more concerned about our spiritual well-being than our physical health. How does this perspective change the way you approach your own struggles and prayers for healing? [18:39]
5. The process of seeking healing is often more about growing in faith and trust in God. What steps can you take to focus more on the journey of faith rather than just the end result? [34:27]
6. Hebrews 11:6 states that without faith, it is impossible to please God. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate your faith in your daily life, especially in challenging situations?
7. The sermon mentioned that God uses our struggles to develop our character and deepen our relationship with Him. Can you think of a current struggle you are facing? How might God be using this to grow your faith? [22:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Begins with a Word from God
Faith is not something we muster up on our own; it comes from hearing the Word of God. This Word serves as an anchor during life's storms, grounding us when what we see doesn't match what we believe. The Bible is alive and active, providing the foundation for our faith. When we receive a word from God, it becomes a beacon of hope and a source of strength, guiding us through the uncertainties and challenges of life. This divine word is not just a fleeting thought but a powerful, living message that has the ability to transform our hearts and minds.
In moments of doubt and fear, returning to the Word of God can reignite our faith and remind us of His promises. Just as Elijah received a word from God and held onto it despite the lack of immediate evidence, we too must cling to the words God speaks to us. These words are not just for our encouragement but are meant to be the foundation upon which we build our lives. [26:11]
Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV): "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: What specific word or promise from God are you holding onto right now? How can you let this word guide your actions and decisions today?
Day 2: Faith Continues Regardless of What We See
Elijah's story teaches us that faith persists even when immediate results are not visible. Six times Elijah's servant saw nothing, but Elijah's faith remained steadfast. This teaches us to trust God's timing and His unseen work in our lives. Faith is not dependent on our circumstances or what we can see with our eyes; it is rooted in the assurance of God's character and His promises.
When we face situations where it seems like nothing is happening, it is easy to become discouraged and lose hope. However, true faith requires us to trust that God is at work behind the scenes, even when we cannot see the evidence. Elijah's unwavering faith serves as a powerful reminder that God's timing is perfect, and His plans are always for our good. [30:11]
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you are not seeing immediate results. How can you continue to trust God and remain steadfast in your faith despite the lack of visible progress?
Day 3: Faith Often Starts with Small Beginnings
The small cloud Elijah's servant saw was the beginning of a big promise. We should not despise small beginnings, as they often signify the start of God's greater work. Trusting in these small signs can lead to the fulfillment of God's promises. It is easy to overlook or dismiss small beginnings, but they are often the seeds of something much greater that God is doing in our lives.
God delights in using small, seemingly insignificant things to accomplish His grand purposes. Just as the small cloud eventually brought a great rain, the small steps of faith we take can lead to significant breakthroughs and blessings. We must learn to recognize and appreciate these small beginnings, trusting that God is at work in ways we may not fully understand. [31:31]
Zechariah 4:10 (ESV): "For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. 'These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth.'"
Reflection: What small beginnings or signs of God's work can you identify in your life right now? How can you nurture and trust these small beginnings to grow into God's greater promises?
Day 4: God is More Concerned About Our Soul
While physical healing is important, God is more concerned with our spiritual well-being. Our bodies are temporary, but our souls are eternal. God uses our physical struggles to draw us closer to Him and to grow our faith. It is easy to focus on our immediate physical needs and overlook the deeper spiritual work that God is doing in our lives.
God's ultimate desire is for us to be in a right relationship with Him, and sometimes He allows physical challenges to refine our character and deepen our dependence on Him. Our physical bodies are temporary, but our souls are eternal, and God is committed to our spiritual growth and transformation. [18:39]
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: In what ways has God used physical struggles or challenges to draw you closer to Him and grow your faith? How can you shift your focus from the temporary to the eternal in your daily life?
Day 5: The Process is the Point
The journey of seeking healing is often more about growing in faith and trust in God than the immediate resolution of our problems. God uses our struggles to develop our character and deepen our relationship with Him. We must learn to trust His sovereignty, even when we don't understand His ways. The process of seeking healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, is an opportunity for us to grow in our faith and trust in God.
God is more interested in our character development and our relationship with Him than in providing quick fixes to our problems. As we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life, we learn to rely on God's wisdom and sovereignty, trusting that He is working all things for our good. This process of growth and transformation is an essential part of our spiritual journey. [34:27]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: How can you embrace the process of seeking healing as an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper trust in God? What steps can you take today to trust God's sovereignty in your current struggles?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "James is practical advice for what it means to follow Jesus. Some people call James the Proverbs of the New Testament. It's beautiful. It's simple. And it's so practical. Every single chapter has handles that will help us in every part of our life." [00:51] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Faith isn't about what we hear. It's about what we do. And so I challenge you as a church. May we not just be people who hear the message of Jesus. And walk out these doors and act like none of it applies to us. But we'll be the kind of church that leaves an indelible difference. The kind of church that for generations they feel the rippling effect of our lives. When we're not just hearers of the word. But we become doers of it as well." [01:31] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Do you believe that God still heals? Like, do you believe that he is able? Do you believe that he will? Most importantly for you, do you believe that? Do you believe that God still heals?" [06:11] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. I think a lot of us, we pray prayers, but the real truth is we shortchange our prayers. We shortchange it. We say all the right words, and in our minds, we say all the right things, but in our hearts, we're like, I don't know. We, oh God, heal this person. God, I pray that this disease will die in the name of Jesus God. We say the right words with our mouth, but in our hearts, we think there's no way this prayer gets past the ceiling. James says, if you're gonna pray, go ahead and pray in faith." [12:03] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God still heals us. He still heals people. He still does. How do we know this? Okay, in the Bible, there's something like 260 miracles from Genesis to the book of Revelation. Many of them have to do with a person's physical healing. Healing of leprosy, healing of sickness, healing of disease. He heals all kinds of things from the beginning to the end of the Bible." [12:32] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I wonder if for us, when it comes to our relationship with God, if that we, some of us have a partial picture of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. We're good on the generosity, we love to serve. We love how the message of Jesus is hopeful and inspiring and gives us courage for life. But there's some parts of it that we just, we either can't see or we choose not to see." [04:48] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So the question is this. As Christians, I think it's important for us to settle this idea. We believe that God can, and this is important for you. God can. God's all powerful. God can do whatever he wants. But today, I wanna challenge some of you to believe that not only can he, but that he will." [08:30] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The journey for healing is about so much more than our bodies being made well. Here's the third God line, is that God, God wants me to grow in faith. Now, this is hard for us. And I'll be real with you for a moment. This is hard for me. You see, I want to be well. I want to live my mist, my 70, 80, 90 years, healthy and happy. I wanna walk in prosperity and have all of my needs met. I'm not worried about heaven and the future. I tend to spend all of my emotional energy focusing on now. God wants me to grow in faith. God wants me to grow in faith. God is way more concerned with the journey of faith." [19:15] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith says even when I can't see it, God, I trust that you can see it. Faith says my confidence isn't based on my own ability and what I can see with my natural eyes. Faith says, God, I trust that you see it so I just choose to see from your point of view. And he says without faith, without learning to live your life this way, it's impossible to please God. But then he gives us this picture of who God is and he says that God is someone who rewards those who earnestly seek him." [23:50] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So here's the point of today. We can trust God for our healing. But what I want you to understand is that God seems to be wildly concerned about the journey that we are on. The Apostle Paul, so interesting. The Apostle Paul is this extraordinary hero. He writes roughly half of the New Testament. In the book of 2 Corinthians chapter 12, he admits that three different times he begs the Lord to take something away from him. He called it a thorn in his flesh. There was something bothering him, hurting him, tormenting him. Scholars argue over what it was. We don't know what it was. And the truth is it doesn't even matter what it was, but it bugged him. Each time he said, my grace is all you need. Paul begs God, take this pain away from me. And God's response is like, nope. My grace is all you need. My power works best in. So then Paul learns to see this whole pain, this thorn in his flesh, from a different point of view. He says, so now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses as the power of Christ can work through me." [33:12] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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