The Six Elementary Teachings of Our Faith
Daily Bible Studies for November 10-15, 2008
Let's Get Back to Basics!
This Week’s Scripture: Hebrews 3:1-6; Mark 1:40-42; Luke 4:38-41; Mark 10:13-16, Acts 8:14-17; 1 Timothy 5:21-22 NLT
1So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding. Hebrews 6:1-3 NLT
40A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said. 41Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” 42Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. Mark 1:40-42 NLT
38After leaving the synagogue that day, Jesus went to Simon’s home, where he found Simon’s mother-in-law very sick with a high fever. “Please heal her,” everyone begged. 39Standing at her bedside, he rebuked the fever, and it left her. And she got up at once and prepared a meal for them. 40As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one. 41Many were possessed by demons; and the demons came out at his command, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But because they knew he was the Messiah, he rebuked them and refused to let them speak. Luke 4:38-41 NLT
13One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. 14When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 15I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” 16Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16 NLT
14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. 15As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. 16The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-17 NLT
21I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. 22Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 1 Timothy 5:21-22 NIV
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, As we consider the power of the “laying on of hands” this week, I pray that You will show me the power of Your touch in my life. Touch me and fill me with the Holy Spirit that I may live boldly and confidently in You. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
1So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding. Hebrews 6:1-3 NLT
Why do you think “the laying on of hands” is included as one of the six elementary teachings of our faith?
When have you seen “the laying on of hands” used in your experience as a follower of Jesus?
Today’s Challenge: I will remember the power of touch for good and harm, and use it only as a means of bringing wholeness to others!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, As Jesus touched the leper and brought healing to him, even as He brought “uncleanness” to Himself, give me boldness to touch those who are hurting, and bring healing to them in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
40A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said. 41Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” 42Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. Mark 1:40-42 NLT
Why was Jesus willing to touch the leper, even when He knew to do so would be to become unclean?
When have you touched someone in a healing way in your life?
Today’s Challenge: I will seek to use the power of touch to bring healing to others in my life today!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Jesus had the ability to touch and heal. Since “the laying on of hands” is one of the six elementary teachings of our faith, that same ability must be in our hands as well—through Your Holy Spirit. Fill me with that Spirit that my touch may bring healing to others in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
38After leaving the synagogue that day, Jesus went to Simon’s home, where he found Simon’s mother-in-law very sick with a high fever. “Please heal her,” everyone begged. 39Standing at her bedside, he rebuked the fever, and it left her. And she got up at once and prepared a meal for them. 40As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one. 41Many were possessed by demons; and the demons came out at his command, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But because they knew he was the Messiah, he rebuked them and refused to let them speak. Luke 4:38-41 NLT
Why do you suppose Jesus’ healing seems to have been conferred on the multitude through touch?
Since Jesus did heal others without touching them, why do you think that touching the sick was normative in Jesus’ ministry?
Today’s Challenge: I will seek those who are hurting today and offer God’s healing touch to them!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as Jesus touched and blessed the children in today’s Scripture, touch me and bless me that I may be a blessing to others. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
13One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. 14When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 15I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” 16Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16 NLT
Why do you think the disciples didn’t want the parents to “bother” Jesus?
Why do you think Jesus said that we must become like children to enter the Kingdom of God?
Today’s Challenge: I will live with childlike faith in Jesus today!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the assurance of Scripture that it was not only Jesus who conferred blessing, wholeness and power through the laying on of hands, but that You do that through Your people as well. Fill me with Your Spirit that I may live in His power and help others to experience that power as well. This I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. 15As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. 16The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-17 NLT
What is the connection between the laying on of hands and the receiving of the Holy Spirit in this passage?
Do you think this event is “descriptive” or “prescriptive”? That is does it only apply in the situation it describes, or is it prescribed for believers in all times and places?
Today’s Challenge: I will take opportunities when they arise to lay hands on others in prayer, drawing attention to God and not myself!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as the Apostle Paul reminded Timothy not to be hasty in the laying on of hands—to confer leadership on others--I pray that You will give wisdom to New Life’s leaders that they may identify and call leaders who have your anointing on their lives. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
21I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. 22Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 1 Timothy 5:21-22 NIV
Why did Paul remind Timothy not to be “hasty” in the laying on of hands?
What is the application of these verses to our lives today?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in the power of the Holy Spirit that I may be a faithful leader in my home, as part of New Life and in the community!