Don’t Push Your Hand But Lay Your Hands

The Divine Transfer: Embracing God's Anointing through the Laying of Hands

Bible Passage: Acts 13:1–4, 1 Timothy 4:14, Nu 27:18–23

Summary: The act of laying on hands throughout Scripture represents a significant moment of spiritual transfer, illustrating the importance of community involvement in affirming and empowering individuals for their God-given missions and roles within the church.

Application: This sermon can encourage believers to recognize the importance of their involvement in one another's spiritual journeys. By actively participating in laying on hands, they can become conduits of God's power and affirmation, thereby fostering a deeper sense of community and commitment to each other's callings.

Teaching: The teaching focuses on the imperative role that the church plays in affirming and empowering its members through the act of laying on hands, showing that these actions are integral for the ongoing ministry and mission of the church as a whole.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context, Jesus embodies the ultimate laying on of hands, as He commissions His disciples, empowering them to continue His work, thus connecting the acts in the Old and New Testaments as a unified effort to establish God's kingdom on earth.

Big Idea: Laying on hands cultivates a culture of empowerment and community, urging believers to actively participate in God’s mission by affirming and supporting one another's roles within the Body of Christ.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider reviewing the specific roles assigned through the laying on of hands from a sociocultural perspective in Logos, exploring how these practices functioned within the early church and how they echo today. Investigating the lexical range of related terms in the New Testament might give you a more nuanced understanding of their significance and application in a contemporary ministry context.

1. Partnership in Divine Mission

Acts 13:1–4

You could explore how the Holy Spirit orchestrates partnership in mission through the laying on of hands. In Antioch, the leaders discern God's call and action this by laying hands on Barnabas and Saul. The church is thereby woven together in spiritual authority, providing the divine impetus for mission. Encouraging the congregation to be open to God's leading when laying on hands can inspire them to actively usher in God’s purpose for each other’s lives, thus deepening communal support.

2. Potential Unleashed Communally

1 Timothy 4:14

Perhaps you can emphasize the importance of recognizing and nurturing God-given gifts through communal affirmation. In Timothy's life, the laying on of hands serves as a catalyst for engaging his spiritual gifts. Highlight the role of the community in affirming and stirring each member’s gifts, inviting the church today to recognize and nurture divine deposits in their midst through the symbolic act of laying on hands.

3. Passing the Leadership Torch

Nu 27:18–23

Maybe consider illustrating how leadership and spiritual succession are affirmed by the act of laying hands, as demonstrated when Moses commissions Joshua. Through this act, a community witnesses and participates in God's continuity and authority. Emphasize the importance of the laying on of hands in ensuring that spiritual leadership is strengthened and supported by the community continually. This point can provoke thought on how churches can embrace and affirm their emerging leaders.

Application

In a public setting like a church service or community gathering, there might be individuals who feel isolated or unseen. Approach someone who looks troubled and, after establishing a respectful connection, ask if you can pray for them right there. While offering to pray, lay your hand on their arm or shoulder to convey warmth and solidarity. Keep your prayer simple and heartfelt, asking God to bless them in their current circumstances. This act can uplift their spirit and encourage others to embrace community prayer.

There was once a pastor who jokingly warned his congregation that if everyone laid hands on him too enthusiastically, he might lift off the ground! With a blend of laughter and seriousness, he emphasized that the laying on of hands is not just a physical act, but a deep spiritual connection. This illustration serves as a reminder that while we may engage in church with a light heart, the profound significance of connection and blessing in prayer should not be overlooked.