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Jesus Heals Through Us

For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. PHILIPPIANS 2:13 ESV

I am crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me. GALATIANS 2:20 ESV

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. JOHN 14:12 ESV

Jesus heals through us:

When we pray for one another

Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone happy? He should sing songs of thanks to God. Is anyone among you sick? He should send for the church leaders and they should pray for him. They should pour oil on him in the name of the Lord. The prayer given in faith will heal the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Tell your sins to each other. And pray for each other so you may be healed. The prayer from the heart of a man right with God has much power. JAMES 5:13-16 ESV

By taking our misery and turning it into ministry

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-7 ESV

When we’re in community

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. HEBREWS 10:24-25 ESV

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. ECCLESIASTES 4:9-10 ESV

When we forgive others and reconcile

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. EPHESIANS 4:32 ESV

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. COLOSSIANS 3:13 ESV

This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart. MATTHEW 18:35 ESV

When we invite others to Him

Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world. JOHN 4:39-42 ESV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Spend a few minutes slowing down, releasing any burdens from your day. Invite Jesus into this time, asking him to help you have eyes to see yourself (and him) more clearly during this time. As you reflect on your personal healing, ask God to reveal times when he has healed you physically, emotionally or spiritually. Thank him for those times he has healed you, and ask him for the faith and courage to pray diligently for anything you may need healing from today. Next, ask God if there is anything you need to do to cooperate in his healing work in your life (confessing sin, letting go of bitterness or resentment, asking others for forgiveness, etc). Finally, ask God to reveal to you anyone in your life you need to forgive right now. Ask God to give you his forgiveness for them and to lead you in the healing process. Close your time by thanking him, writing your reflections in the space below, and sharing with your community group if you feel comfortable.

Discussion Questions

  1. PERSONAL REFLECTION: Begin group time by completing the Personal Reflection Guide, (found in the sermon notes). Use this time to process your own experiences in processing the forgiveness of God. (Tip: playing some soft background music is helpful here!)

  2. REAL WITH SELF: Unforgiveness is cancerous to our soul, whereas forgiveness releases bondage. Where might this be missing in your life (forgiving yourself, forgiving others, etc.)?
  3. REAL WITH GOD: Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV. Where have you seen God turn your misery into ministry? How could your attitude be different in misery if your perspective was different?
  4. REAL WITH OTHERS: Jesus often brings about healing through community. As you examine your current relationships, which relationships pull you away from God? Which ones bring you closer to him?
  5. REAL WITH OTHERS: When we pray for each other, it makes a difference. How can you be more diligent about remembering to pray for one another? If you have any tips that work for you, share those with the group.
  6. TAKE ACTION: Read John 4:39 NLT. Where have you told people about Jesus and what he's done in your life? How can you invite others to come and experience the purpose, the healing, and the hope that Jesus provides?