(Clip) Reasons for Sickness
Zac Poonen teaches that a significant cause of sickness among believers is unforgiveness, and true health comes from living a forgiving and humble life in Christ.
This sermon emphasizes the impact of unforgiveness on physical health, attributing at least 20% of sickness among believers to harboring unforgiveness. The speaker highlights the importance of forgiveness for maintaining health and preventing sickness, advocating for forgiveness as a means to achieve lasting health rather than just seeking healing. Personal testimony is shared to support the claim that forgiveness leads to better health and longevity.
Full Transcript
Do you know why many believers are sick? Why so many people have incurable headaches? Many sicknesses like arthritis and asthma and so many sicknesses. Not all, but at least 20% of sicknesses among believers are because they haven't forgiven somebody. 80% of sicknesses are because we are living in a world which is under the curse.
But 20% of sicknesses are because you haven't forgiven somebody. So we may not be able to eliminate the 80% because we are living in a world under the curse. But we can eliminate the 20%.
You know there are many Christians who preach about healing. Jesus can heal. I believe in something better than healing.
That is health. Prevention is better than cure. It's better to be healthy than to get sick and be healed.
I don't want Jesus to be my healer, I want Jesus to be my health. And one way I can be healthy is by forgiving other people. By never feeling bitterness against anybody.
Never being jealous of anybody in the world. Never exalting myself over anybody in the world. Never hitting back at somebody who hits at me.
Simple things like this. You can be healthy. That is better than healing.
I have proved it. I am 70 years old, I have proved it for 50 years. If you don't forgive others, you will become sick.
You can be cured if you forgive those people. But Jesus tells you to forgive. But the giant says don't.
Sermon Outline
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I. Causes of Sickness Among Believers
- 80% due to living in a cursed world
- 20% due to unforgiveness
- Examples include headaches, arthritis, asthma
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II. The Importance of Forgiveness
- Unforgiveness leads to sickness
- Forgiving others can eliminate 20% of sickness
- Jesus commands forgiveness despite opposition
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III. Health Over Healing
- Prevention is better than cure
- Desire Jesus to be health, not just healer
- Living without bitterness, jealousy, or retaliation
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IV. Practical Application
- Forgive others to maintain health
- Avoid bitterness and jealousy
- Practice humility and non-retaliation
Key Quotes
“Not all, but at least 20% of sicknesses among believers are because they haven't forgiven somebody.” — Zac Poonen
“I don't want Jesus to be my healer, I want Jesus to be my health.” — Zac Poonen
“If you don't forgive others, you will become sick.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Practice forgiveness daily to prevent sickness caused by bitterness.
- Focus on cultivating health through humility and avoiding jealousy.
- Reject retaliation and choose peace to maintain spiritual and physical well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do many believers experience sickness?
Many believers suffer sickness because they live in a cursed world, but a significant portion is due to unforgiveness.
How does unforgiveness affect health?
Unforgiveness causes bitterness and spiritual blockage that can manifest as physical sickness.
What is better than healing according to Zac Poonen?
Being healthy through prevention and living a forgiving life is better than needing healing after sickness.
Can forgiving others really improve health?
Yes, Zac Poonen shares from his experience that forgiving others can eliminate sickness caused by bitterness.
What practical steps can believers take to maintain health?
Believers should forgive others, avoid jealousy, bitterness, and retaliation to maintain spiritual and physical health.