Genuine Healing

Those Who Are Suffering or in Trouble, v. 13

A. Meaning of the Greek word, kakapatheia

1. to suffer hardship, trouble, difficult times
2. to be the brunt of mistreatment
3. to be suffering from persecution
4. the word does not refer to physical disease or illness

B. “He should pray,” v. 13

1. No promise that the suffering will stop
2. but in prayer, new strength comes to endure the hardship, see 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

Those Who Are Happy, v. 13–>Let him sing songs of praise

Those Who Are Sick, v. 14

A. Meaning of the Greek word, astheneo, serious illness

1. to be weak; disabled; incapacitated
2. does not refer to a headache or the 24-hour bug

B. First, the sick person takes the initiative to call the elders, v. 14.

C. Second, when the elders arrive, they carry out 2 functions: “let them pray, having anointed him with oil”

1. Anointing precedes times spent in prayer.
   • Two Greek words for “anoint”
     • a religious and ceremonial anointing, e.g. David’s head was anointed with oil before he became the King-elect.
     • A practical use of “anoint”–>”rubbing”
       • Good Samaritan rubbed oil and wine into the beaten man’s wounds.
       • Ancient Greek medical books–>oil prescribed as medication.
   • Practical use here–>”See your doctor and follow his instructions!”
2. Then there is to be prayer.

D. Third, specific results left in the Lord’s hands.

1. “In the name of the Lord”–>colloquialism for “the will of God”
2. When it is God’s will to bring healing, it will occur.
3. “The prayer offered in faith will restore the one” or “save the sick person’s life.”
4. “If he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.”
   • Often, there is a direct relationship between personal sins and physical sickness.
     • Smoking and lung cancer
     • Sexual promiscuity and AIDS & VD.
   • The verse refers to a person who is ill and who knows that he is living a sinful lifestyle and needs to confess and repent of the sin.
   • The result–>cleansing within.

Four Practical Principles to Follow

A. Confession and repentance is healthy–Do it!

B. Praying for one another is essential–Practice it!

C. Medical assistance is imperative–Obey it!

D. When healing comes–Praise God for it!