The Power and Purpose of Laying on Hands

 

Summary

In today's teaching, we explored the often misunderstood and underutilized practice of the laying on of hands, a biblical principle that is foundational yet frequently overlooked in many churches. This practice, while considered elementary in the Bible, is often seen as a deeper teaching due to its rarity and lack of understanding in modern churches. The laying on of hands is not merely a gesture of comfort or consolation; it is a significant spiritual act with specific purposes and outcomes.

The Bible outlines four primary reasons for the laying on of hands: blessing, healing, commissioning, and impartation. Each of these serves a distinct purpose in the spiritual life of believers. The act of laying on hands is a means of transferring something from one person to another, whether it be a blessing, healing power, authority, or spiritual gifts. This transfer is not just symbolic but is believed to have real spiritual impact, as seen in various biblical accounts.

For instance, in the Old Testament, the laying on of hands was used during the Day of Atonement to transfer the sins of the people onto a scapegoat, symbolizing the removal of sin from the community. In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles used the laying on of hands to heal the sick and to commission individuals for ministry work. This practice underscores the importance of understanding and utilizing the spiritual authority and power that God has given to His people.

As we continue to grow in our faith, it is crucial to revisit these foundational teachings and ensure that we are not only aware of them but also actively practicing them in our spiritual communities. The laying on of hands is a powerful tool that God has given us to bless, heal, and empower others, and it is our responsibility to use it wisely and with understanding.

Key Takeaways:

- Understanding the Laying on of Hands: The laying on of hands is a biblical practice meant for the transfer of blessing, healing, authority, or spiritual gifts. It is not merely a gesture of comfort but a significant spiritual act with real impact. [03:06]

- Biblical Foundation: The Bible considers the laying on of hands an elementary teaching, yet it is often misunderstood or neglected in modern churches. This practice is foundational and should be revisited and understood by all believers. [06:37]

- Four Purposes: The laying on of hands serves four main purposes: blessing, healing, commissioning, and impartation. Each purpose has a distinct role in the spiritual life of believers and should be practiced with understanding and intention. [15:32]

- Spiritual Authority and Transfer: When hands are laid on someone, there is a transfer of spiritual authority or power. This act is not just symbolic but has a real spiritual impact, as seen in various biblical accounts. [27:54]

- Responsibility and Honor: It is important to approach the laying on of hands with responsibility and honor. Not everyone should lay hands on others, and those who do should understand the spiritual significance and authority involved. [51:20]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction and Announcements
- [02:18] - Growing in Spiritual Maturity
- [03:06] - Misunderstandings of the Laying on of Hands
- [05:10] - Biblical Context and Purpose
- [06:37] - Elementary Teachings in the Bible
- [08:21] - Importance of Biblical Literacy
- [09:05] - Definition of the Laying on of Hands
- [10:30] - Old Testament Examples
- [14:36] - Symbolism and Fulfillment in Christ
- [15:32] - Four Reasons for Laying on of Hands
- [19:31] - Blessing and Spiritual Transfer
- [25:38] - Healing and Divine Power
- [37:46] - Commissioning and Setting Apart
- [47:10] - Impartation and Spiritual Gifts
- [59:07] - Caution and Responsibility in Practice

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Laying on of Hands

Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 6:1-2 - "Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment."
2. Leviticus 16:20-22 - "And when he has made an end of atoning for the holy place and the tent of meeting and the altar, he shall present the live goat. And Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities of the people of Israel, and all their transgressions, all their sins. And he shall put them on the head of the goat and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man who is in readiness."
3. Mark 6:5 - "And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them."

Observation Questions:
1. According to Hebrews 6:1-2, why is the laying on of hands considered an elementary teaching in the Bible? How does this contrast with its perception in modern churches? [06:37]
2. In Leviticus 16:20-22, what was the purpose of Aaron laying hands on the goat, and what did this symbolize for the people of Israel? [13:19]
3. How did Jesus use the laying on of hands in Mark 6:5, and what does this tell us about the power and purpose of this practice? [26:20]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might the laying on of hands be considered a foundational teaching, yet often misunderstood or neglected in contemporary church settings? [06:51]
2. How does the practice of laying on of hands for healing, as seen in Mark 6:5, reflect the spiritual authority and power that believers are entrusted with? [27:54]
3. In what ways does the laying on of hands for commissioning and setting apart, as described in Acts 6:6, demonstrate the transference of spiritual authority and responsibility? [38:20]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your understanding of the laying on of hands. How has this study challenged or changed your perception of this practice? [03:06]
2. Have you ever experienced or witnessed the laying on of hands in a church setting? What was the context, and how did it impact you or others involved? [05:10]
3. Considering the four purposes of the laying on of hands—blessing, healing, commissioning, and impartation—how might you incorporate this practice into your spiritual life or community? [15:32]
4. The sermon emphasized the responsibility and honor involved in laying on of hands. How can you ensure that you approach this practice with the appropriate understanding and respect? [51:20]
5. Identify a situation in your life or community where the laying on of hands could be applied for blessing, healing, commissioning, or impartation. How might you prepare yourself spiritually to participate in such an act? [19:31]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of the spiritual authority and power that comes with the laying on of hands, and what steps can you take to grow in this area? [27:54]
7. Reflect on the concept of spiritual transfer through the laying on of hands. How can you be more intentional about seeking or offering this practice in a way that aligns with biblical teachings? [21:53]

Devotional

Day 1: The Spiritual Significance of Laying on of Hands
The laying on of hands is a profound biblical practice that goes beyond a simple gesture of comfort. It is a significant spiritual act intended for the transfer of blessing, healing, authority, or spiritual gifts. This practice is deeply rooted in biblical tradition and is meant to have a real spiritual impact, not just a symbolic one. Understanding this practice is crucial for believers who wish to fully engage with the spiritual tools God has provided. By recognizing the true purpose and power of the laying on of hands, believers can more effectively minister to others and participate in the spiritual life of their community. [03:06]

"Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit." (Acts 8:17, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a time when you have witnessed or experienced the laying on of hands. How did it impact your understanding of spiritual authority and power?


Day 2: Rediscovering Foundational Teachings
The Bible considers the laying on of hands an elementary teaching, yet it is often misunderstood or neglected in modern churches. This practice is foundational and should be revisited and understood by all believers. By returning to these foundational teachings, believers can deepen their spiritual maturity and ensure that they are not missing out on the spiritual resources available to them. It is important for the church to educate its members on these practices to foster a more robust and biblically literate community. [06:37]

"Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment." (Hebrews 6:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: What foundational biblical teachings have you overlooked in your spiritual journey? How can you begin to explore and understand them more deeply this week?


Day 3: The Fourfold Purpose of Laying on of Hands
The laying on of hands serves four main purposes: blessing, healing, commissioning, and impartation. Each purpose plays a distinct role in the spiritual life of believers and should be practiced with understanding and intention. Blessing involves invoking God's favor, healing is about divine restoration, commissioning sets individuals apart for specific ministry roles, and impartation involves the transfer of spiritual gifts. By understanding these purposes, believers can more effectively use this practice to support and empower others in their spiritual walk. [15:32]

"And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying." (Acts 19:6, ESV)

Reflection: Which of the four purposes of the laying on of hands resonates most with you? How can you incorporate this understanding into your interactions with others this week?


Day 4: The Reality of Spiritual Transfer
When hands are laid on someone, there is a transfer of spiritual authority or power. This act is not just symbolic but has a real spiritual impact, as seen in various biblical accounts. Understanding the reality of this spiritual transfer is essential for those who practice it, as it underscores the responsibility and honor involved. Believers are called to approach this practice with reverence and a deep awareness of its spiritual significance. [27:54]

"Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure." (1 Timothy 5:22, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you might have underestimated the spiritual impact of your actions. How can you approach such situations with greater awareness and responsibility in the future?


Day 5: Responsibility and Honor in Practice
It is important to approach the laying on of hands with responsibility and honor. Not everyone should lay hands on others, and those who do should understand the spiritual significance and authority involved. This practice requires discernment and a deep respect for the spiritual dynamics at play. By approaching the laying on of hands with the right mindset, believers can ensure that they are honoring God and effectively ministering to others. [51:20]

"Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off." (Acts 13:3, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life do you feel called to bless, heal, or empower through the laying on of hands? How can you prepare yourself spiritually to take on this responsibility?

Quotes



The laying on of hands is a transfer of something through one person to another thing. Now you may wonder why I choose the word thing at the end and not person. Thing, it can be person, it usually is person, but there are some exceptions in the scripture that it's not a person. [00:09:00]

The Bible would actually call this an elementary teaching, however, it is not done as it is not done in most churches and it's not understood in many churches where it is done. This is the laying on of hands. The laying on of hands, it's not done in most churches. [00:02:57]

The laying on of hands is a biblical practice meant for the transfer of blessing, healing, authority, or spiritual gifts. It is not merely a gesture of comfort but a significant spiritual act with real impact. [00:03:06]

The first reason why somebody would have hands laid on them is found in Genesis 48 verse 14. Genesis 48 verse 14, it says in Israel, that's Jacob, stretched out his hand, his right hand, and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh. [00:15:48]

He laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. He laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. I want to actually point this out for a second. Look at what it says in this verse because we often gloss over this and we get to the unbelief. [00:26:33]

The laying on of hands is not the only way that somebody can receive Divine Healing, right? But it is a way that people receive Divine Healing. Go to Luke 4:38. Luke chapter 4 verse 38 says this, and he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon's house. [00:28:20]

The laying on of hands, it produces healing. One of the reasons, blessing. Second reason, healing. Third reason for the laying on of hands is commissioning and setting apart. Commissioning and setting apart. Basically, what this type of laying on of hands is, is this is to lay hands on someone for a transfer. [00:37:33]

The only right way to ever leave a church is being sent out. Only right way to ever leave a church is to be sent out. What I mean by that is this: you go to the pastor and say, I feel that it's time for me to move to a different area or time for me to go to a different place. [00:44:45]

Impartation can come mainly through the laying on of hands, but it can come other ways as well. What is impartation though? Let's define it. This is by the laying on of hands, the transferring power of transferring Power, Authority, spiritual gifts, or releasing something from one person to another. [00:47:10]

When someone lays hands on you for something, you have to understand that when you have hands laid on you, that their ceiling becomes your floor. So if someone lays hands on you that's at a higher level than you to impart something and they impart their Spirit into you. [00:54:40]

Impartation is not a guarantee that you'll be successful. You still have to do what God's called you to do and obey his instructions, but impartation allows you to start ahead. It makes it harder for you to fail. It makes you go further faster, just like Pastor Ted's book. [00:58:40]

Notice this, you have a responsibility with what you receive through the laying on of hands. Notice that says do not neglect the gift you received. You have a responsibility with what you received. What you do with the hands that are laid on you is up to you. [01:01:08]

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Transcript
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