The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity

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4. INHERENT WEAKNESSES. Inherited problems or weaknesses are passed through
generations of the human family. The sins that are passed on from one generation to
another (Ex. 20:5) are sometimes manifested in our physical bodies (i.e. alcoholism, drug
addiction, etc.). This, of course, makes the people with inherent weaknesses (and some are
more obvious than others) the victims of their heritage. It is crucial that these people are
not judged and condemned for these weaknesses inherited from their past generation(s).
5. GERMS. Many people are sick because of natural causes like germs. Viruses and bacteria
cause sickness and it is foolish to spiritualize what is natural. Proper rest and medicine
usually will provide the cure for such sickness.
6. DISCIPLINE (I Cor. 11:30). David was glad for his afflictions because it was through
them that he learned obedience to God’s word (II Sam. 24:13-15; Ps. 119:67-71). Some
claim that God does not inflict His people with illness. This is not true (Ex. 4:11; Miriam:
Num. 12:9-12; Zechariah: Lk. 1:18-20; Paul: Acts 9:3-9). Though God does bring healing
in all these instances, it was He who inflicted the disease). There are other instances where
God inflicts sickness without bringing healing: Acts 13:11; II Kings 5:27. If God’s actions
do not fit neatly into our formula, we better change our formula!
There are also cases in the Bible of God healing through the use of medicine. Many argue
against the use of physicians by citing Asa who was criticized because he sought a physician and
not the Lord (II Chron. 16:12). This is not proof that we should not go to a doctor because
physicians in those days frequently resorted to occult practices. Hezekiah used “paste made of figs
on his boil, and he would get well” (Isa. 38:21). Paul encouraged Timothy to use a little wine for
his stomach because of its medicinal benefits (I Tim. 5:23). Jesus used spittle (Jn. 9:6; Mk. 7:33;
8:33) and the disciples used oil (Mk. 6:13). Both were considered to have healing qualities.
However, the issue is not whether these elements had healing qualities or not, but that Jesus did
not disassociate Himself from medicine. In fact He seemed to sanction it. The priests to whom He
sent the ten lepers represented the health officials of the day (Lk. 17:14). God, then, is the source
of all healing, but He uses various means to heal.
There are other instances of people being sick but not healed (Paul: I Cor. 2:3; II Cor. 1:8-9;
12:7-10; Gal. 4:13-15; 6:11; Timothy: I Tim. 5:23; Trophimus: II Tim. 4:20; Epaphroditus: Phil.
2:25-30). Though in many instances the Bible states that Jesus healed “all” that came to Him (Mt.
8:16; 12:15; Acts 10:38), there are other instances where Jesus healed “many” (Mk. 1:34), one
instance where there was a multitude of other sick people (Jn. 5:1-8). As crowds were coming to
be healed, Jesus would often withdraw to lonely places for a time of prayer (Lk. 5:15-16).
Although Jesus healed all who actually came to Him, everyone in need was not healed.