Foundational Truths: Laying On of Hands - Impartation of the Blessing
Notes
Transcript
FOUNDATIONAL TRUTHS
FOUNDATIONAL TRUTHS
Text: Hebrews 6:1-2
I. Introduction
Review
II. Read the Text
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
III. Principles of the doctrine of Christ (vs 1)
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Six Doctrines
1. Repentance from dead works
2. Faith toward God
3. Baptisms
4. Laying on of hands
5. Resurrection of the dead
6. Eternal judgment
VI. Laying on of Hands — Blessing from Generation to Generation
A. Laying on of hands was used in Scripture as an act of blessing.
a. The person laying on hands spoke blessing over another person.
b. The hands represented identification, relationship, and the giving of blessing.
c. The blessing came from God, but the person was used as the instrument through whom the blessing was spoken.
B. Jacob Blessed Joseph’s Sons
And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.
a. Jacob deliberately laid his hands upon Ephraim and Manasseh.
b. The laying on of hands accompanied the blessing he pronounced over them.
c. His hands identified the individuals who were receiving the blessing.
C. The Blessing Was Spoken
And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,
The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
a. Jacob laid his hands upon them.
b. Jacob spoke the blessing over them.
c. He called upon God to bless them.
d. The laying on of hands and the spoken blessing worked together.
D. The Right Hand Had Significance
And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father’s hand, to remove it from Ephraim’s head unto Manasseh’s head.
And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head.
And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.
Joseph expected Jacob’s right hand to be placed upon Manasseh, the firstborn.
Jacob intentionally placed his right hand upon Ephraim.
a. The placement of the hand showed whom Jacob was identifying for the greater blessing.
b. Jacob was not acting accidentally.
c. The laying on of hands expressed the blessing God intended for each son.
E. The Blessing Continued to the Next Generation
And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.
a. The blessing affected their future.
b. The blessing concerned their identity and destiny.
c. The blessing became part of the heritage of Israel.
VIII. Jesus Blessed Children Through Laying on of Hands
A. Children Were Brought to Jesus
Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
a. The people specifically wanted Jesus to place His hands upon the children.
b. Laying on of hands was connected with prayer and blessing.
B. Jesus Received Them
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.
a. Jesus did not reject the practice.
b. He laid His hands upon the children.
c. His touch expressed acceptance, love, and blessing.
C. Jesus Blessed Them
And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
Notice the pattern:
a. He received them.
b. He laid His hands upon them.
c. He blessed them.
The laying on of hands became a visible expression of the blessing being pronounced over their lives.
IX. Principles of Blessing Through Laying on of Hands
A. The Hand Identifies the Person
B. The Mouth Speaks the Blessing
C. God Is the Source of the Blessing
The hand does not possess power by itself.
God is the source.
The person laying on hands is the instrument.
D. Faith Receives What God Gives
The laying on of hands is an outward act of faith and agreement with what God desires to do.
E. Blessing Can Concern the Future
Jacob’s blessing concerned the future of Ephraim and Manasseh.
The blessing spoke over their identity, fruitfulness, and destiny.
X. The Pattern
Hands were laid upon them.
Prayer or blessing was spoken.
The individual was identified.
God was acknowledged as the source.
The blessing concerned what God desired for their life.
XI. Application
A. Parents Can Bless Their Children
Parents can lay hands upon their children and pray God’s blessing over them.
B. Leaders Can Bless Those They Serve
Spiritual leaders can pray over people and speak biblical blessing over their lives.
C. The Church Can Practice Biblical Blessing
The laying on of hands can accompany prayer for:
a. God’s protection.
b. God’s direction.
c. Spiritual growth.
d. Calling and purpose.
e. Strength and encouragement.
f. Fruitfulness in ministry.
XII. Conclusion
Identification → Laying on of Hands → Prayer → Blessing
VIII. Conclusion:
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Have a blessed day!
Have a blessed day!
