How does Acts 14:9 demonstrate the importance of faith in receiving healing? The Text at a Glance “This man was listening to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed.” (Acts 14:9) What Paul Saw • An attentive listener—“was listening to Paul.” • A visible, discernible faith—Paul “saw” it. • A readiness for God’s power—“faith to be healed” already present before any command was given. Why Faith Matters for Healing • Faith is the channel God consistently honors. – Mark 5:34: “Daughter, your faith has healed you.” – Matthew 9:29: “According to your faith will it be done to you.” • Faith aligns the heart with God’s will. – Hebrews 11:6: “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” • Faith activates divine promises rather than merely admiring them. • Faith gives God-entrusted servants confidence to speak healing, as Paul did. How Faith Is Stirred Up • Hearing the proclaimed word—Romans 10:17: “Faith comes by hearing.” • Receiving the word personally, not abstractly. • Allowing truth to override long-standing conditions (“lame from birth,” Acts 14:8). • Remaining attentive until inner assurance rises; then faith becomes observable. Living This Truth Today • Stay under the sound of Scripture; it feeds faith for every need. • Expect God to recognize and respond to genuine trust just as He did in Lystra. • Pray and minister with confidence that “the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick” (James 5:15). • Move from passive hope to active belief—faith that can be “seen” still invites healing power. |
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