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Instruction For the Sick

A Dispensational Consideration

By Clyde Pilkington, Jr

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Have all the gifts of healing? 1 Cor. 12:30

"Is any among you afflicted? Is any sick?." James 5:13,14

"Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. " I Tim. 5:23

In this verse we find a remarkable instruction given by Paul the apostle to Timothy. The dispensational light which is given by this passage on sickness is often over looked. According to this scripture, Timothy was plagued by stomach problems and frequent weaknesses or diseases. These could have been easily relieved under the program of the "kingdom" (i.e. that of the twelve apostles) and even in the early transitional ministry of Paul. But in Paul's latter ministry, after having received the full knowledge of the mystery program, he no longer had such powers. ...but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick" 2 Tim.4:20. Paul tells the Philippians that Epaphroditus "-was full of heavi- ness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy, on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow ... because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life... " Phil. 2:25-30.

In I Tim. 5:23 (quoted at the beginning), notice what Paul's instruction to Timothy was not. It was not

1) that he had sinned and needed to confess his sin to be healed.

2) that Satan had inflicted this upon him and that he must "deny it."

3) that his faith was weak or lacking and that if he would only believe God's promise to pray the "prayer of faith" he would receive deliverance from his sickness.

4) that he should call for the elders of the church (He was one!) and have them anoint him with oil.

5) that his healing was in the atonement and he just needed to claim it.

6) that he should apply special handkerchiefs or aprons.

7) that he should go to a healing service and get into a healing line.

8) that he should simply pray about it.

NO! Paul gave Timothy only one instruction. He prescribed the common medicine of that era - wine! Paul was used to having a doctor near, since Luke, the beloved physician, was a companion of his. Paul advised taking a "drug" for relief...... use a little wine .... ..

Paul's direction was for medical attention to be given for the weakness and frailty of Timothy's corruptible body. Paul gave no further hope than that which could be received through medical resources.

Does that seem strange or "unspiritual" to you ? What happened to the healing ministry of Paul? A now order (a dispensational change) had completed its transition and was now in full operation. No longer was the attention of the believer placed upon the physical aspect with its many miraculous signs, wonders, and hearings. Now it was (and is) focused upon that which was (is) real and lasting-the eternal, the unseen. "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal" 2 Cor 4:18.

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God" Col. 3:2-3.

We can team much from Paul, our pattern (I Tim. 1:16) and our apostle (Rom. 11:13). We understand and realize from him that deliverance is not the answer to our physical infirmities.

"And he (the Lord) said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities.... .. 2 Cor 12: 9-10a.

...... for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content ... I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me " Phil. 4:11,13.


Posted By Brother Love :)

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