*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*
*LAYING OF HANDS....*
*Scripture Treasure.*
1 Tim 5:22 *Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.*
*Insight and Highlight.*
Not everyone is praying. Some are only preying.
*Scripture Commentaries.*
The scripture warns us strictly to be careful on who we lay hands on.
The scriptures encourage us to lay hands on those to be ordained, prayed for, especially, to be healed.
Laying of hands is recognized and endorsed in the scriptures, Heb 6:1-2.
Laying of hands is mentioned as approved for receiving the Holy Ghost, Acts 18:8, 19:1. For spiritual gifts 1 Tim 4:14, 2 Tim 1:6.
There is however a call for the excercise of caution and discretion.
The believer should be aware of a few things.
First, it is important we test all spirits, 1 John 4:1. Not all willing heads for the laying of hands need prayers. Some submit their heads for laying of hands so that they may prey on the person laying hands.
It also warns us that there are people who prey on innocent and gullible souls. They deceive, entrap souls and hold them captive, lsaiah 8:14-15.
As much as the layer of hands is being warned so also the receiver of laying of hands is warned.
Second, people lay hands on others for money. For example when a child of God is enticed by a handsome monetary gift. He may not take caution to seek God's acceptance. We must first check with God. Furthermore some give handsomely yet their hearts are not right with God. They are those who are willing to buy the gifts of God for money, Acts 8:18-21
Third, the man of God willing to lay hands must first of all make sure he is well furnished and grounded in Christ.
It is important he/she is pure and holy in the Lord, 1 Tim 5:22.
When one lays hands on demonically possessed people, one may be under a counter attack from the enemies.
Demons know those who are God's.
The sons of sceva are good examples of how demons deal with people who are not well furnished in Christ though they pretend to be, Acts 19:14-16.
If you are not standing well in Christ and you lay hands on people, you could be inviting some problems into your life.
This is what Paul means when he warned about a sudden laying of hands can cause people to partake in other people's sins.
Do not be hasty to lay hands. Be cautious, pray for the leading of the Spirit of God.
Are you well furnished for the good work of laying of hands?
*Remorse corner.*
Be holy before you lay hands on the unholy. Be thoroughly made perfect in the will and power of God.
*Call to Word action.*
Laying of hands is not for sale neither is the impartation from it for monetary gains.
Acts 8:18-20 *And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,*
*Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.*
*But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.*
*The Christian clarion duty.*
We do not know everyone's intentions.
Equip yourself.
2 Tim 3:17-18 *All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness*
*That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works*
*Prayer.*
Lord, help me to exercise caution and discretion in dispensing God's grace of laying of hands, in Jesus name.
Good morning all and be blessed as you go today.
God bless you.