"Is Scripture Alone Enough For Healing?" - DAY #2: Firm Foundation October 21-Day Devotional
Is Scripture Alone Enough For Healing?
Proverbs 4:20-22, My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body.
Proverbs 16:24, Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
There are many Scripture texts that reference healing, but are obviously not intended as medical statements. However, this does not mean that Scripture has no bearing on physical health.
We regard ourselves as God’s creation. We are a comprehensive, integrated person. We are spirit, soul, and body –– made in God’s image and likeness. While we relate to God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we also know there is never any separation of the Godhead. God is One.
Christ followers only get in trouble when we “spiritualize” things that are based in the natural world and science, which God created. For example, there is no praying over gravity to suspend it. There is no “believing by faith” that we won’t age. In similar manner, there are no words we can speak, apart from a miracle, that can heal a bone disease.
Many of us lived through the era of “name-it-claim-it,” in which people suffered greatly, and died. This occurred by failure to recognize that, “Faith, without works is dead, being alone.” (James 2:17) We need to stay grounded in Scripture, God’s wisdom, and best practices. The COVID pandemic also exposed poor practice as many attempted to discount science or substitute faith for wisdom. Poor choices cost many people their lives.
Speaking positively is a best practice, though "positive confession" alone is not enough. Saying foolish, empty, and vain things are not helpful and is a violation of the Word of God and teachings of Christ. Obedience is important, whether or not you understand the effects of it.
Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Matthew 12:36, But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
When it comes to healthy living in spirit, soul, and body, we are looking at doing all things well, all the time.
Proverbs 16:24, Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
There are many Scripture texts that reference healing, but are obviously not intended as medical statements. However, this does not mean that Scripture has no bearing on physical health.
We regard ourselves as God’s creation. We are a comprehensive, integrated person. We are spirit, soul, and body –– made in God’s image and likeness. While we relate to God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we also know there is never any separation of the Godhead. God is One.
Christ followers only get in trouble when we “spiritualize” things that are based in the natural world and science, which God created. For example, there is no praying over gravity to suspend it. There is no “believing by faith” that we won’t age. In similar manner, there are no words we can speak, apart from a miracle, that can heal a bone disease.
Many of us lived through the era of “name-it-claim-it,” in which people suffered greatly, and died. This occurred by failure to recognize that, “Faith, without works is dead, being alone.” (James 2:17) We need to stay grounded in Scripture, God’s wisdom, and best practices. The COVID pandemic also exposed poor practice as many attempted to discount science or substitute faith for wisdom. Poor choices cost many people their lives.
Speaking positively is a best practice, though "positive confession" alone is not enough. Saying foolish, empty, and vain things are not helpful and is a violation of the Word of God and teachings of Christ. Obedience is important, whether or not you understand the effects of it.
Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Matthew 12:36, But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
When it comes to healthy living in spirit, soul, and body, we are looking at doing all things well, all the time.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Why does only using Scripture for healing come short? What is the value of this text? “Having done everything, to stand. Stand firm then…” (Ephesians 6:13-14)
ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:
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DAY #1: What Is The Will of God?
