Scripture Text: Exodus 15:22-27; Deuteronomy 7:6-15
Memory Verse: Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2
Lesson Aim: To define and show the origin of divine health and how to live in and maintain divine health.
Key Points
- Divine health is God-given health.
- Sickness and death did not exist prior to Adam’s sin.
- To live in divine health requires obedience to biblical dietary laws.
- Healing is the process of returning to divine health.
- Spiritual and natural healing are ordained of God and work together.
Divine health is God-given health. Divine health is part of God’s plan for mankind. God formed Adam of the dust of the earth. Adam was a healthy soul – a perfect product of God’s creative ability. There is no record of physical or mental illness prior to the time Adam chose to disobey God’s ordinance not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the midst of the Garden of Eden. Because of Adam’s disobedience, sickness and disease entered the world, afflicted the human race, and have become rampant in the earth.
Divine health may be further defined as that physical and spiritual state Adam experienced prior to sinning. That state was one in which Adam was flawless and free from pain and illness. He was sound in mind, body, and spirit.
When considering the subject of divine health in a sinful world, we must also consider healing. Healing is the process of returning to divine health. It is necessary to understand that healing takes place in two realms, the natural and the spiritual (divine). The two are ordained of God and work together. In the natural realm, a number of things contribute to the maintenance of health and healing. They are exercise, good nutrition (Genesis l:29), proper rest (Exodus 20:10), and good care of one’s physical body (2 Corinthians 7:1). God expects us to care for our bodies with which He has blessed us and not neglect or abuse them in any way (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).
When we have done the best we can do and still get sick, then we need divine intervention. Entering the divine realm requires faith. It is here that we stand on the promises of God. Miracles begin where our abilities cease. The Holy Bible has many examples where people who were experiencing ill health reached out by faith and were restored to divine health being made whole by the healing power of God (Mark 5:25-29, 33-34; Luke 5:12-14; 6:17-19).
God wants us to have divine health (3 John 1:2). To live or walk in divine health we must be obedient to biblical principles designed by God to keep us healthy. What would happen to an automobile if the oil was not changed regularly or if water was put into the gas tank? What if you never serviced it, failed to put air in the tires or replace the air filter? Instead, you just drove, drove, and drove it. What do you think would be the life span of that car?
Well, do you know that many people are doing the same thing to their bodies. We are filling our stomachs with junk food and drinks and wondering why we don’t feel well. We are caught up in a fast-paced life and fast-food style. God has power to heal, but He desires that His people live healthy lives by obeying the principles of good health.
The Apostle Paul summed it up very well when he wrote in Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect, will of God.” Keep in mind we are the temple of the Holy Ghost. Therefore, let us glorify God in our bodies and in our spirits. Take care of your wonderfully made body.
Questions and Discussion
- What marvelous benefits did Adam and Eve enjoy prior to sinning? Genesis 1:26-29
- Under the Old Covenant how extensive were God’s promises to the Israelites for obedience to His laws and statutes? Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy 7:15; 28:1-14
- For what reasons did God restrict the Israelites in their diet? Leviticus 11:44-47; 20:24-26; Deuteronomy 14:1-3
- Under the New Covenant what has God made available to believers through Jesus Christ? John 10:10; Hebrews 8:6; 2 Peter 1:2-3
- What wonderful promises are foretold for the inhabitants of the world of tomorrow? Revelation 21:1-6