Understanding Sickness: Faith, Healing, and Divine Wholeness

Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound truth that Jesus is alive, and because He lives in us, we are more than conquerors. This reality is not just a spiritual slogan but a foundation for how we approach every challenge, especially sickness. God desires our wholeness and health, and He has made provision for our healing through Christ. Yet, to walk in divine health, we must understand the sources of sickness, so we can respond with faith and wisdom rather than fear or confusion.

Sickness, as we explored, has multiple sources. First, it entered the world through the fall of man—Adam and Eve’s disobedience opened the door to sin, and with sin came death, decay, and disease. This is the root of all sickness, but Christ has redeemed us from the curse, offering forgiveness and restoration. Second, sickness can be the result of satanic and demonic oppression. The enemy seeks to afflict and destroy, but Jesus came to set the oppressed free, and His name is above every demonic affliction.

Third, disobedience to God’s commands can open the door to sickness. The Scriptures show that rebellion removes us from God’s protective covering, and sometimes God allows sickness as correction, not out of cruelty but to draw us back to Him. Fourth, unhealthy and unwise lifestyle choices—neglecting our bodies, poor diet, lack of rest, or substance abuse—can bring about sickness. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and caring for them is an act of worship and stewardship.

Finally, some sicknesses are simply the result of natural causes and human frailty. Aging, genetics, and environmental factors are part of living in a fallen world. Yet, even here, God can grant us strength and renewal, as He did for Caleb and others who trusted Him. In all these, the call is to examine our lives, walk in obedience, steward our bodies well, and trust God as our ultimate healer. No matter the source, God’s mercy and healing are available, and He invites us to come to Him with faith, repentance, and expectation.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Fall of Man as the Root of Sickness Sickness entered the world through Adam’s disobedience, making it a symptom of humanity’s fallen condition. Yet, Christ’s redemptive work on the cross offers us freedom from the curse of sin and its consequences, including sickness. Understanding this root helps us appreciate both the seriousness of sin and the depth of God’s remedy in Christ. Our hope is anchored in the fact that Jesus has already provided the way back to wholeness. [37:00]
• 2. Satanic and Demonic Oppression as a Source Not all sickness is physical; some have spiritual origins rooted in demonic oppression. Jesus confronted and cast out spirits that caused infirmities, showing us that spiritual discernment is vital. When medical solutions fail, it may be time to address the spiritual dimension through prayer and the authority of Christ. We are called to resist the enemy and stand firm in faith, knowing that every demonic affliction must bow to Jesus’ name. [42:22]
• 3. Disobedience and Breaking God’s Commands Persistent rebellion or neglect of God’s instructions can remove us from His protective covering, sometimes resulting in sickness as a form of correction. God’s commands are not meant to limit us but to protect and bless us. Examining our hearts for obedience is crucial, as returning to God in humility can restore His covering and bring healing. Even when discipline comes, it is an invitation to repentance and restoration, not condemnation. [48:28]
• 4. Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices and Stewardship Many illnesses arise from neglecting the body God has entrusted to us—through poor diet, lack of rest, or harmful habits. Our bodies are not our own; they are temples of the Holy Spirit, and caring for them is both a spiritual and practical responsibility. Healthy living is an act of worship and obedience, enabling us to be available for God’s purposes. Ignoring this stewardship can invite unnecessary affliction, but wise choices honor God and preserve our usefulness. [58:23]
• 5. Natural Causes and Human Frailty Some sicknesses are simply part of aging and the limitations of mortal life. While we cannot escape the effects of time and genetics, God promises to renew our strength and sustain us through every season. Even as the outward body weakens, the inward spirit can be renewed daily. This perspective frees us from fear and reminds us that our ultimate healing and immortality are found in Christ, not in this temporary body. [68:34]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [24:20] - Proclamation: Jesus is Alive
• [28:15] - Gathering and Testimonies
• [29:05] - Introduction to the Healing Series
• [29:40] - Understanding the Sources of Sickness
• [30:54] - Jesus’ Ministry of Healing
• [32:09] - Natural and Spiritual Roots of Sickness
• [37:00] - The Fall of Man and Sickness
• [42:22] - Satanic and Demonic Oppression
• [48:28] - Disobedience and Sickness
• [58:23] - Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices
• [68:34] - Natural Causes and Human Frailty
• [73:23] - Responding to Sickness: Faith and Repentance
• [75:15] - Personal Testimony of Healing
• [81:14] - Prayer for Healing and Deliverance
• [90:04] - Thanksgiving and Closing Worship
• [91:22] - Announcements and Offering
• [94:35] - Special Prayers for Families
• [97:33] - Closing and Benediction

Bible Reading

Acts 10:38 (NKJV) — > "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him."

Romans 5:12 (NKJV) — > "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—"

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV) — > "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."

Observation Questions

1. According to Acts 10:38, what was one of the main things Jesus did during His ministry? How does this relate to the source of some sicknesses? ([30:54])
2. In Romans 5:12, what entered the world through Adam, and what was the result for all people? ([38:00])
3. What does 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 say about our bodies, and how should this affect the way we treat them? ([59:20])
4. The sermon mentioned several sources of sickness. Can you list at least three of them as described by the pastor? ([36:28])

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon teaches that not all sickness is purely physical. How does understanding the spiritual roots of some sicknesses change the way a believer might respond to illness? ([44:25])
2. The pastor said that disobedience can remove us from God’s protective covering, sometimes resulting in sickness. What does this suggest about the connection between our choices and our health? ([51:11])
3. If our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, as 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, what does it mean practically to “glorify God in your body”? ([59:53])
4. The sermon mentioned that some sickness is simply due to natural causes and aging. How should believers balance faith for healing with the reality of human frailty? ([01:08:34])

Application Questions

1. The pastor shared that Jesus is alive and lives in us, making us more than conquerors. When you face sickness or weakness, how does this truth affect your attitude and prayers? ([24:20])
2. Have you ever experienced or witnessed a situation where medical solutions failed, but prayer brought breakthrough? How did that shape your faith or understanding of spiritual roots of sickness? ([47:10])
3. The sermon challenged us to examine our hearts for obedience. Is there an area of your life where you sense God is calling you to greater obedience, especially regarding your health or habits? What step could you take this week? ([57:10])
4. The pastor talked about unhealthy lifestyle choices as a source of sickness. Are there any habits—like diet, rest, or stress—that you feel God is prompting you to change? What is one practical change you can make this month? ([01:01:46])
5. Sometimes, sickness is simply a part of aging or genetics. How can you encourage yourself or others to trust God for strength and renewal, even when facing natural limitations? ([01:10:11])
6. The sermon emphasized that God’s mercy and healing are always available. Is there a specific area in your life where you need to come to God with faith, repentance, or expectation for healing? How can the group support you in prayer? ([01:22:21])
7. The pastor shared a personal testimony of healing after prayer. Have you ever hesitated to ask for prayer for healing or deliverance? What holds you back, and how can you take a step of faith in this area? ([01:15:15])