Healing Properly: Embracing Freedom Through Christ
Summary
In this message, we explore the profound theme of healing, particularly the importance of healing properly from past wounds and traumas. As we approach the Christmas season, it's a time to reflect on the joy and hope that Jesus brings, but also a time to address the areas in our lives that need healing. We began by discussing the power of offense and how living in offense can create barriers between us and others, as well as between us and God. We then moved on to the topic of shame and condemnation, emphasizing the difference between condemnation and conviction, and how our past actions do not define us.
This week, the focus is on the necessity of healing properly. If we don't heal properly, we risk projecting our unresolved pain onto others, causing harm to those who have done nothing to us. Healing is a journey that requires time, honor, and the cleansing power of Jesus' blood. Time is a crucial element in the healing process, as Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a time for everything, including healing. However, healing is not passive; it requires active participation and willingness to go through the process.
Honor is another key aspect of healing. We must honor others, ourselves, and God. Honor is not about blind agreement but about recognizing the value in others and ourselves. Lastly, the blood of Jesus is the ultimate healing agent. It cleanses us from sin and restores our relationship with God. Without the blood of Jesus, true healing cannot occur.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember that it is not just a holiday but a time to embrace the victory, hope, and joy that Jesus brings. We are encouraged to walk in freedom and healing, knowing that the blood of Jesus has the power to heal every wound and set us free.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Importance of Healing Properly: Healing is essential to prevent projecting unresolved pain onto others. Without proper healing, we risk causing harm to those who have not wronged us. Healing requires acknowledging our wounds and actively participating in the process. [48:11]
2. Time as a Healing Agent: Ecclesiastes teaches us that there is a time for everything, including healing. Time is a currency we can only spend once, so we must invest it wisely. Healing takes time, especially for deep wounds, and requires patience and active engagement. [51:56]
3. Honor as a Path to Healing: Honor involves giving special attention to others and ourselves, recognizing the value in each person as a child of God. It is not about blind agreement but about seeing others through God's eyes. Honor promotes healing by fostering respect and love. [57:45]
4. The Cleansing Power of Jesus' Blood: The blood of Jesus is the ultimate healing agent, cleansing us from sin and restoring our relationship with God. True healing cannot occur without the blood of Jesus, which brings forgiveness and redemption. [01:03:35]
5. Walking in Freedom and Joy: Christmas is a time to embrace the victory, hope, and joy that Jesus brings. We are encouraged to walk in freedom, knowing that the blood of Jesus has the power to heal every wound and set us free. Healing is a journey that requires willingness and trust in God's process. [01:13:15]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[41:48] - The Power of Offense
[45:23] - Healing Properly
[46:23] - Injuries and Reactions
[47:34] - Lessons from Surgery
[48:11] - Internal Healing
[49:33] - Isolation and Healing
[50:47] - Acknowledging Pain
[51:56] - Time Heals
[54:07] - The Healing Journey
[55:11] - Moving Forward
[56:20] - Social Media and Healing
[57:45] - Honor Heals
[01:00:23] - Honoring Others and Self
[01:03:35] - Blood Heals
[01:13:15] - Impact and Community
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Healing Properly
Bible Reading:
1. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
2. 1 Peter 2:17
3. 1 John 1:7
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, what does the passage say about the timing of events in our lives, including healing? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on the importance of time in the healing process? [51:56]
2. In 1 Peter 2:17, what does it mean to honor all people, and how does this concept of honor relate to the healing process discussed in the sermon? [57:45]
3. How does 1 John 1:7 describe the role of Jesus' blood in our lives, and what connection does the sermon make between this and the process of healing? [01:03:35]
4. What examples did the pastor give about the consequences of not healing properly, and how do these examples illustrate the sermon’s message? [48:11]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of time as a healing agent challenge or affirm your current understanding of healing? What implications does this have for how one should approach personal healing? [51:56]
2. The sermon discusses the importance of honoring others and oneself in the healing process. How might this principle of honor change the way one interacts with others during a time of personal healing? [57:45]
3. The pastor mentioned that the blood of Jesus is essential for true healing. How does this theological perspective influence the way one might approach spiritual and emotional wounds? [01:03:35]
4. What are the potential risks of projecting unresolved pain onto others, and how does the sermon suggest one can avoid this? [48:11]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you may have projected unresolved pain onto others. What steps can you take to prevent this from happening in the future? [48:11]
2. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 speaks about a time for everything. How can you intentionally create time for healing in your life, and what practical steps can you take to ensure this time is well spent? [51:56]
3. Consider the role of honor in your relationships. How can you practice honoring others and yourself more effectively, especially in the context of healing? [57:45]
4. The sermon emphasizes the cleansing power of Jesus' blood. How can you invite this healing power into areas of your life that need restoration? [01:03:35]
5. The pastor mentioned the importance of not isolating oneself during the healing process. What community or support systems can you engage with to aid your healing journey? [49:33]
6. How can you embrace the joy and hope of the Christmas season as a time for healing and renewal in your life? What specific actions can you take to align with this mindset? [01:13:15]
7. Reflect on the idea that healing is a journey requiring active participation. What is one area of your life where you need to be more proactive in seeking healing, and what is your first step? [49:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Healing Requires Active Participation
Healing is not passive; it requires acknowledging wounds and engaging in the process. Healing properly is essential to prevent projecting unresolved pain onto others, which can cause harm to those who have not wronged us. This process involves recognizing our wounds and actively participating in the journey of healing. It is not enough to simply wait for time to pass; one must be willing to confront and work through the pain. Healing is a journey that requires time, honor, and the cleansing power of Jesus' blood. As we approach the Christmas season, it is a time to reflect on the joy and hope that Jesus brings, but also a time to address the areas in our lives that need healing. [48:11]
Ecclesiastes 3:1, 3b (ESV): "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to heal, and a time to break down, and a time to build up."
Reflection: What is one wound or area of pain in your life that you have been avoiding? How can you begin to actively engage in the healing process today?
Day 2: Time is a Crucial Element in Healing
Time is a currency we can only spend once, so we must invest it wisely in the healing process. Ecclesiastes teaches us that there is a time for everything, including healing. Healing takes time, especially for deep wounds, and requires patience and active engagement. It is important to recognize that healing is not instantaneous and that it requires a commitment to the process. As we invest time in healing, we allow ourselves to grow and transform, becoming more whole and free. [51:56]
Psalm 147:3 (ESV): "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Reflection: How can you intentionally set aside time this week to focus on your healing journey? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are investing your time wisely in this process?
Day 3: Honor as a Path to Healing
Honor involves giving special attention to others and ourselves, recognizing the value in each person as a child of God. It is not about blind agreement but about seeing others through God's eyes. Honor promotes healing by fostering respect and love. When we honor others, we create an environment where healing can occur, as it encourages openness and vulnerability. By honoring ourselves, we acknowledge our worth and the importance of our healing journey. [57:45]
Romans 12:10 (ESV): "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
Reflection: Who in your life can you honor today by recognizing their value and worth? How can you also honor yourself in your healing journey?
Day 4: The Cleansing Power of Jesus' Blood
The blood of Jesus is the ultimate healing agent, cleansing us from sin and restoring our relationship with God. True healing cannot occur without the blood of Jesus, which brings forgiveness and redemption. It is through His sacrifice that we are made whole and can experience true freedom. As we embrace the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, we are able to let go of shame and condemnation, knowing that our past actions do not define us. [01:03:35]
1 John 1:7 (ESV): "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to experience the cleansing power of Jesus' blood? How can you invite Him into those areas today?
Day 5: Walking in Freedom and Joy
Christmas is a time to embrace the victory, hope, and joy that Jesus brings. We are encouraged to walk in freedom, knowing that the blood of Jesus has the power to heal every wound and set us free. Healing is a journey that requires willingness and trust in God's process. As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember that it is not just a holiday but a time to embrace the victory, hope, and joy that Jesus brings. [01:13:15]
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: What does walking in freedom and joy look like for you this Christmas season? How can you intentionally embrace the hope and victory that Jesus offers?
Quotes
If we don't heal properly, we end up spewing on people that never did anything to us. And other people have to pay for what they never did to you. And they have to pay the price for what somebody else did to hurt you. And it's not you're doing it on purpose. It's just kind of a natural reaction. [00:43:10] (19 seconds)
If I don't put proper healing to practice, I may heal, but it's not going to be healed correctly. And it's going to end up causing more pain, more trauma, more frustration. And watch this. If we don't heal internally, we're going to end up hurting people we never intended to hurt to begin with. [00:47:51] (18 seconds)
Time is the only currency that you only get to spend it once and you can never earn it back. You can never earn more. Those 15 minutes, those two hours that you spent scrolling TikTok yesterday instead of spending time with your wife, you'll never get it back. You'll never get it back. [00:52:47] (17 seconds)
Honor is this. I give special attention to someone or something because they deserve it in my life. Watch this. I can honor all people, not when I base it on how you stand in your life and what you do and how you act and the stances you take. I can honor all people when I see them as children of God. [00:57:27] (18 seconds)
Honor looks like something. Watch this. Not only do I need to honor others, but we got to learn how to honor ourselves. And hear me, plowing through and never giving time to heal and never honoring what needs to be healed in my life does nothing but harm. It never promotes healing. [01:00:51] (21 seconds)