Healing Through the Cross: Confession, Asking, Trusting
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound truth that healing comes from the cross. We delved into the necessity of healing, the types of healing we may seek, and the actionable steps we can take to position ourselves to receive God's healing. The foundation of our need for healing is traced back to the fall of humanity in Genesis, where sin first created a rift between God and us. This sin has permeated our existence, bringing pain, suffering, and death into our lives. However, the cross stands as the pivotal point of healing, as 1 Peter 2:24 declares that by Jesus' wounds, we are healed.
We identified three types of healing: physical, mental and emotional, and spiritual. Physical healing is often the most apparent, as it pertains to our bodily ailments. Mental and emotional healing involves our inner turmoil, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Spiritual healing is the great equalizer, as all have sinned and fall short of God's glory, necessitating a restoration of our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
To experience God's healing, we must engage in three action steps: confess, ask, and trust. Confession involves not only admitting our sins but also professing our faith in Jesus Christ. Asking is critical because God does not force His will upon us; He desires that we come to Him with our requests. Trusting is perhaps the most challenging step, as it requires us to rely on God's sovereignty, especially when His timing and methods differ from our expectations.
Now, let us reflect on the key takeaways from today's message:
1. Confession is the gateway to healing. When we confess our sins, we align ourselves with God's truth and open the door to spiritual restoration. Confession of faith, however, is equally vital as it solidifies our belief in the power of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. This dual act of confession sets the stage for God's healing to manifest in our lives. [34:04
2. God's invitation to ask is an expression of His love. He longs for us to draw near and express our desires, knowing that in doing so, we value His gifts more deeply. When we ask, we engage in an intimate exchange with the Creator, who is eager to respond to our needs. [35:24
3. Trusting in God's sovereignty is essential, especially when healing doesn't come instantaneously. We must remember that God's will is always for our healing, but His timing and methods are sovereign. In moments of doubt, we must hold fast to the truth that God's ways are higher than ours and that He works all things for our good. [37:07
4. The scriptures are a wellspring of encouragement. In times of suffering or doubt, immersing ourselves in the Psalms can anchor our souls in God's promises. By declaring truths like "God will help me" and "God is close to me," we fortify our trust in His faithful presence. [39:36
5. Our ultimate healing is secured in eternity. While we may seek and receive healing in this life, we look forward to the day when we will be given bodies that will never deteriorate. This eternal perspective gives us hope and reassurance that our current struggles are temporary and that complete restoration awaits us in Christ. [49:27
In conclusion, let us embrace the truth that healing comes from the cross, and through confession, asking, and trusting, we can experience the fullness of God's restorative power in our lives.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 2:24 - "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed."
2. Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
3. Isaiah 53:4-5 - "Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 2:24, what is the significance of Jesus bearing our sins on the cross? How does this relate to our healing?
2. In the sermon, three types of healing were identified: physical, mental and emotional, and spiritual. Can you recall examples given for each type? [24:03]
3. What are the three action steps mentioned in the sermon that we must take to experience God's healing? [31:07]
4. How does the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 explain our need for healing? [22:51]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is confession considered the gateway to healing, and how does it align us with God's truth? [31:41]
2. How does asking God for healing demonstrate our relationship with Him, and why is it important that we come to Him with our requests? [34:43]
3. Trusting in God's sovereignty can be challenging, especially when healing doesn't come immediately. How can we maintain our trust in God's timing and methods? [37:07]
4. The sermon mentions that our ultimate healing is secured in eternity. How does this eternal perspective influence our understanding of current struggles and suffering? [48:14]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced physical, mental, or spiritual healing. What steps did you take to position yourself to receive God's healing? How did confession, asking, and trusting play a role? [31:07]
2. Confession involves admitting our sins and professing our faith in Jesus Christ. Is there a specific sin or area of unbelief you need to confess today? How can you take a step towards this confession? [31:41]
3. Asking God for healing requires us to draw near to Him. What is one specific request you need to bring before God today? How can you make this a regular practice in your prayer life? [34:43]
4. Trusting in God's sovereignty can be difficult when His timing and methods differ from our expectations. Can you identify a situation where you struggled to trust God's plan? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness in such times? [37:07]
5. The sermon encourages us to immerse ourselves in the Psalms during times of suffering or doubt. Choose a Psalm that speaks to your current situation and share how it can anchor your soul in God's promises. [40:52]
6. Our ultimate healing is secured in eternity. How does this truth provide hope and reassurance in your current struggles? How can you keep this eternal perspective in mind daily? [48:14]
7. The sermon mentioned that Jesus modeled confession, asking, and trusting. How can you follow His example in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to become more like Him in these areas? [51:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Confession as Healing's Gateway
Confession is not merely an admission of wrongdoing; it is the alignment of one's heart with the truth of God's word. It serves as the gateway to healing, allowing individuals to experience spiritual restoration. When one confesses their sins, they are not only acknowledging their need for God's mercy but also affirming their belief in the power of Jesus' sacrifice. This dual act of confession clears the path for God's healing to work within their lives. It is a powerful step that must be taken to move forward from the bondage of sin and into the freedom that comes from being right with God. Confession is the first step toward healing, setting the stage for a deeper relationship with the Divine and the wholeness that comes from it. [34:04]
"Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy." - Proverbs 28:13 ESV
Reflection: What is one sin or struggle you have been hesitant to confess, and how can you take a step today to bring it into the light and seek God's mercy?
Day 2: The Intimacy of Asking God
God's invitation to ask for what we need is a profound expression of His love and desire for a relationship with us. It is through asking that one engages in an intimate exchange with the Creator, who is attentive to our needs and eager to respond. This act of asking is not a mere formality but a genuine expression of faith and trust in God's goodness. It is an acknowledgment that every good gift comes from above and that God is the source of all that we need. By asking, believers demonstrate their dependence on God and their appreciation for His willingness to provide. This intimate dialogue with God deepens one's faith and cultivates a heart that is attuned to the divine will. [35:24]
"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us." - 1 John 5:14 ESV
Reflection: What specific need have you been reluctant to bring before God, and how can you express that desire to Him today with confidence in His loving response?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Sovereign Timing
Trusting in God's sovereignty, especially when healing does not come immediately, is a profound act of faith. It requires believers to surrender their expectations and embrace God's perfect timing and methods. Trusting God means believing that He is working all things for our good, even when circumstances seem contrary. It is a steadfast confidence that God's ways are higher than our own and that His plans are designed for our ultimate benefit. This trust is not passive; it is an active reliance on God's promises, a choice to believe in His faithfulness despite not seeing the immediate fruits of our prayers. Trusting in God's sovereignty is essential for maintaining hope and perseverance in the face of delayed healing. [37:07]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." - Proverbs 3:5 ESV
Reflection: In what situation do you find it difficult to trust God's timing, and how can you reaffirm your trust in His sovereignty today?
Day 4: Anchoring in Scripture During Trials
The scriptures serve as a wellspring of encouragement and strength, particularly in times of suffering or doubt. Immersing oneself in the Psalms, for example, can anchor the soul in the promises of God. Declaring scriptural truths such as "God will help me" and "God is close to the brokenhearted" fortifies trust in His faithful presence. The Bible is not just a historical document; it is the living word that speaks directly to the human condition, offering hope, comfort, and guidance. By turning to scripture, believers can find the sustenance needed to endure trials and the reassurance that they are never alone in their struggles. The word of God is a constant reminder of His love and care for His children. [39:36]
"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:21-23 ESV
Reflection: Which scripture can you meditate on today to strengthen your trust in God's presence and help during your current trials?
Day 5: Hope in Eternal Healing
While believers may seek and receive healing in this life, the ultimate healing is secured in eternity. This eternal perspective provides hope and reassurance that the struggles faced in the present are temporary. The promise of resurrection and bodies that will never deteriorate is a powerful motivator to endure current hardships with grace and patience. It is a reminder that complete restoration awaits in Christ, where there will be no more pain, suffering, or death. This hope is not wishful thinking but a guaranteed future for those who are in Christ Jesus. It is the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the final victory over all that ails humanity. [49:27]
"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." - 2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV
Reflection: How can the hope of eternal healing shape your perspective on the difficulties you face today, and what practical steps can you take to live with this eternal perspective?
Quotes
1) "It's crucial to tell our hearts what our heads know is true: God will help me, God is close to me, God hears me, and God knows what's best for me. So I'm going to trust in His sovereignty." [43:27
2) "God's will is always for healing, but God's will is not always for instantaneous healing. We get frustrated, discouraged, and doubt if God even hears us when it doesn't happen instantaneously." [35:58
3) "Confession is simply just declaring, making something known. Confession of sin is important, but as important, if not more important, is confession of faith." [34:04
4) "Keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you." [35:24
5) "Trust is more challenging than confession or asking. Trust that God is Sovereign, possessing supreme or ultimate power. Trust that He's all-powerful, supreme, and always does what's best for us." [37:07
6) "Depth is not just intellectual knowledge or being inspired; depth comes in the doing. Will you dive into the deep end and actually do what it takes to position yourself to receive healing from God?" [31:07
7) "Healing comes from the cross, not the wood that the cross was made out of, but the Savior that was crucified on that cross and then raised to new life to conquer sin and death." [49:27
8) "We believe that God still heals. We don't believe that healing and miracles were just something that took place in the New Testament. We believe that God still is in the business of healing." [19:12
9) "If we want to experience healing today, physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual, we want to be people that confess our sin and confess our faith in Jesus Christ." [34:04
10) "We're all in need of healing, and there's good news today that we're going to dive into and grab onto, and that's this: healing comes from the cross." [19:47
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