(The Gospel of Healing) 2. PRACTICAL DIRECTIONS
A.B. Simpson emphasizes that unwavering faith grounded in the clear promises of Scripture is essential for believers to receive divine healing.
In this teaching sermon, A.B. Simpson addresses the practical steps believers must take to receive healing through faith. He underscores the necessity of grounding faith firmly in the promises of Scripture and overcoming doubts and objections that often hinder believers. Through a careful examination of biblical texts, Simpson encourages listeners to stand unwavering in their conviction and confidently seek God's healing power.
Text
We have already considered the Scriptural grounds of the doctrine of healing by faith in God. The practical question next arises: How can one who fully believes in the doctrine receive the blessing and appropriate the healing?
Be fully persuaded of THE WORD OF GOD in this matter.
This is the only sure foundation of rational and Scriptural faith. Your faith must rest on the great principles and promises of the Bible, or it never can stand the testing of oppositions and trials which are sure to come. You must be sure that this is part of the Gospel and the redemption of Christ that all the teachings and reasonings of the best of men could not shake you. Most of the practical failures of faith in this matter result from defective or doubtful convictions of the Divine Word.
The writer may be permitted to mention the case of a lady who had fully embraced this truth and accepted Christ as her Healer. She was immediately strengthened very much both in spirit and body, and her overflowing heart was only too glad to tell the good news to all her friends. Among others, she met her pastor and told him of her faith and blessing. To her surprise, he immediately objected to any such views, warned her against this new fanaticism, and told her that these promises on which she was resting were not for us; but only for the Apostles and the Apostolic age. She listened, questioned, yielded, and abandoned her confidence. In less than one month, when the writer saw her again, she had sunk to such depression that she scarcely knew whether she even believed the Bible or not. If those promises were for the Apostles, she argued, why might not all the other promises of the Bible also be for them only? She was invited to spend a season in examining the teaching of the Word of God. The promises of healing from Exodus to James were carefully compared and every question calmly weighed, until the truth became so manifest, and its evidence so overwhelming, that she could only say, "I know it is here, and I know it is true, if all the world should deny it." Then she knelt and asked the Lord\
Sermon Outline
-
I. Foundation of Faith
- Faith must rest on the Word of God
- Convictions must be sure and unshakable
- Faith endures trials and oppositions
-
II. Common Obstacles to Faith
- Doubt arising from others' objections
- Misunderstanding promises as only for Apostles
- Yielding to skepticism leads to spiritual decline
-
III. Reaffirming Scriptural Truth
- Careful examination of healing promises
- Comparing Scriptures from Exodus to James
- Overwhelming evidence confirms healing is for all
-
IV. Practical Application
- Be fully persuaded of God's Word
- Stand firm despite opposition
- Ask the Lord with faith and confidence
Key Quotes
“Be fully persuaded of THE WORD OF GOD in this matter.” — A.B. Simpson
“Most of the practical failures of faith in this matter result from defective or doubtful convictions of the Divine Word.” — A.B. Simpson
“I know it is here, and I know it is true, if all the world should deny it.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Ensure your faith is firmly rooted in the clear promises of Scripture.
- Do not be swayed by objections or skepticism from others regarding healing.
- Regularly examine and meditate on God's Word to strengthen your conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the foundation of faith for healing according to A.B. Simpson?
Faith must be fully persuaded and rest firmly on the promises of the Word of God.
Why do many fail to receive healing?
Many fail due to doubtful convictions and yielding to objections that the promises are not for today.
Are the promises of healing only for the Apostolic age?
No, Simpson argues that healing promises are found throughout Scripture and are applicable to all believers.
How should one respond to opposition regarding healing faith?
One should carefully examine Scripture, reaffirm their faith, and stand firm in the truth.
What practical step does Simpson suggest for receiving healing?
Kneeling in prayer and asking the Lord with full confidence in His Word.