He Keeps Flipping Switches On: Unleashing God's Healing Power Through Scripture Luke 24, Isaiah 53, and Acts 2 & 10
Sermon Resources
Sermon Summary
Title: He Keeps Flipping Switches On: Unleashing God's Healing Power Through Scripture
Sermon Summary: This sermon explores the concept of divine healing, emphasizing that it is God's will for everyone. The pastor discusses how healing is available through meditating on and internalizing Scripture, moving from the written word (logos) to the living word (rhema) in one's life. He stresses that healing is not limited to those who are born again and encourages persistence in faith even when symptoms persist.
Key Points:
Healing is available to all, not just believers, as demonstrated by Jesus' ministry
The importance of meditating on Scripture to activate healing
The transition from logos (written word) to rhema (living word) in one's life
The role of prevenient grace in preparing hearts for healing and salvation
The difference between being healed and walking in divine healing
The need to persist in faith even when symptoms worsen or healing seems delayed
The purpose of laying on hands as a "jump start" to the healing already within
5-Day Personal Devotional
Day 1: The Seed of Faith Reading: Mark 4:26-29
Devotional: Just as a seed grows mysteriously, our faith often develops in ways we don't fully understand. God plants the seed of faith in our hearts, and it grows through His nurturing presence. Today, reflect on how your faith has grown over time. What small beginnings have led to significant spiritual growth in your life? Remember that God is constantly at work, even when we can't see the immediate results. Trust in His timing and care for the seed of faith He's planted in you.
Day 2: God's Healing Grace Reading: Isaiah 53:4-5
Devotional: The prophet Isaiah foretold Christ's suffering for our healing - both spiritual and physical. As you meditate on this passage, consider how Jesus' sacrifice applies to every aspect of your life. Are there areas where you need God's healing touch? Whether it's physical ailments, emotional wounds, or spiritual struggles, bring them before God today. Trust that His healing power is available to you through faith. Remember, healing may not always look the way we expect, but God's grace is always sufficient for our needs.
Day 3: The Power of the Holy Spirit Reading: Acts 1:4-5, 8
Devotional: Jesus promised His disciples a power beyond their own abilities - the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This same power is available to believers today. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit's power in your life? Perhaps in moments of courage, in spiritual insights, or in the ability to love others. Today, ask God to fill you afresh with His Spirit. Seek His guidance and power for the challenges you face, and be open to how He might want to work through you to bless others.
Day 4: Overcoming Spiritual Blindness Reading: Luke 24:45-49
Devotional: Even Jesus' closest followers struggled to understand God's plan at times. It took divine intervention for their eyes to be opened to the truth of Scripture. We too can experience spiritual blindness, failing to see God's work in our lives or misunderstanding His Word. Pray for God to open your mind to understand the Scriptures more deeply. Is there an area of your faith where you need greater clarity or insight? Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate God's truth in your heart today.
Day 5: Perseverance in Faith Reading: Genesis 32:22-32
Devotional: Jacob's wrestling with God is a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual journeys. Sometimes, growth in faith requires struggle and perseverance. Like Jacob, we may need to hold on to God, refusing to let go until we receive His blessing. What are you wrestling with in your faith right now? It might be doubt, a difficult circumstance, or a long-awaited answer to prayer. Today, commit to "wrestling" with God in prayer over this issue. Be honest about your struggles, but also determined to seek His face. Remember, even our struggles can be transformed into blessings when we engage with God persistently and faithfully.
Small Group Guide: Physical Healing and God's Word Opening Prayer Key Takeaways:
God's healing power is available to everyone, not just believers.
Healing can come through meditating on and internalizing God's Word.
There's a difference between the logos (written word) and rhema (living word) of God.
Persistence and "wrestling with God" are important in seeking healing.
Laying on of hands can "prime the pump" of healing, but isn't necessary for God to heal.
Discussion Questions:
The pastor shared a personal story about shutting down God's healing offer. Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt God was offering something, but you refused? What was that like?
How do you understand the difference between logos and rhema as explained in the sermon? Have you ever experienced God's Word becoming "alive" to you in a new way?
The sermon mentions "wrestling with God" as part of the healing process. What does this mean to you? Have you ever wrestled with God over an issue in your life?
How does the concept of "prevening grace" (grace that goes before salvation or healing) impact your understanding of God's work in people's lives?
The pastor emphasized meditating on Scripture as a key to healing. What has been your experience with Scripture meditation? How might you incorporate this practice more into your life?
What are your thoughts on the pastor's explanation of laying on of hands as "priming the pump"? How does this view impact your understanding of prayer for healing?
Practical Applications:
Choose a Scripture related to healing (like Isaiah 53:4-5) and commit to meditating on it 4 times a day for a week. Journal about your experience.
Identify an area in your life where you may be resisting God's work. Spend time in prayer, asking God to help you be open to His leading.
Practice "praying over your medicine" this week, thanking God for medical advancements and asking for His blessing on your treatment.
If you're comfortable, share a physical healing need with the group. Pray for each other, incorporating the principles discussed in the sermon.
Reflect on past experiences where you've seen God's healing power at work. Share these testimonies with the group to encourage faith.
Closing Prayer
Encourage group members to continue reflecting on the sermon throughout the week and to support each other in applying its teachings.
