Andrew Fountain - Spiritual Gifts 6: Healing and Sin

1. Original Sin

Why is there suffering and death in the world?
- The Bible Does address this problem in Romans 5
- The best solution is to understand the difference between guilt and consequences
- Jesus has come to totally reverse all the evil that has come about as a consequence of Adam’s sin

all pain, suffering and death is ultimately due to sin
- Sometimes there is a direct connection, often there is not John 9:2-3
We must distinguish between consequences and punishment
- The goal of discipline is that we should grow and mature, whereas punishment is about justice
Places in the Bible where sickness is linked to sin

Personal relational sin
- Rebellion against God Deuteronomy 28:58-61
  - True believers who backslide into rebellion Psalm 107:17-20
- Jealousy and anger against Moses Numbers 12:1-15
Self-centredness and lack of love
- 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
How do we know what the sin is?
- Jesus didn’t need to tell the man who had been disabled 38 years: John 5:14
- James seems to assume the person knows: James 5:14-16
- In some cases it may be revealed prophetically: Revelation 2:21-22
Sometimes there is a connection with demonic oppression

(I don’t agree with too much emphasis on confessing sin to others)

Ask God to show you if you have sinned
Be willing and open to what he has to say
- particularly with relational-type sins like causing disunity or unforgiveness
- but also sins like rebellion or sexual sins
Confess the sin to God and ask for forgiveness
- with a determination in the heart to turn from it (even though you might slip back from time to time)
- If it is against another person, and appropriate, confess it to them and ask for forgiveness
Ask for healing
If you think that demonic powers may be involved, then you need help from others

Updated on 2010-03-14 (r.156) by Andrew Fountain