August 16, 2020
Morning Service

Heb 6:1-2  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,  (2)  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.  Heb 6:3  And this will we do, if God permit.

 

So far we have looked at the first 3 principles, repentance from dead works, faith toward God, and the doctrine of baptisms.  After hearing the good news concerning salvation, and receiving it into your heart, then these principles begin to come into the picture.  Look at the first example in Acts. 2.  They heard Peter’s preaching, they receive it, they knew they were guilty, so they repented, determined to do better, and now they head for the river to be baptized.  3000.

 

I want us to look at some examples today that has to do with the laying on of hands.  Knowing that all Scipture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God might be thoroughly furnished unto all good works, we will begin with examples in the old testament.  We will see that the laying on of hands is to give forth blessings, to transfer power, and authority, for healing, and for receiving the Holy Ghost.

·        Num 8:10  And thou shalt bring the Levites before the LORD: and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites:  Num 8:21  And the Levites were purified, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them as an offering before the LORD; and Aaron made an atonement for them to cleanse them.

THE LAYING ON OF HANDS, THE WASHINGS WERE DONE TO PREPAIR THE LEVITES FOR THEIR WORK IN THE TABERNACHLE.

·        When it came time for Jacob to bless Joseph’s children it shows laying of hands was for a blessing.  Gen 48:14  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. Gen 48:15  And he blessed Joseph.

·        Now we see this in the N.T.  Mat 19:13  Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. Jesus was transferring a blessing on these children, asking for God’s protection, and blessing.

·        And then for healing.  Luk 4:40  Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.     Also, James 5;        HEALING IS ONE OF THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS, ICOR.12.

·        Ordaining the first Deacons.  Act 6:6  Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.  GIVING THEM AUTHORITY TO SERVE IN THE CHURCH.

Now I want us to look at a very good example that pertains to the laying on of hands to the giving of the Holy Ghost.

·        In Acts chapter 8 this is what happens after the stoning of Steven.  Act 8:1  And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

·        Act 8:5  Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. Act 8:6-20  And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.  (7)  For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.  (8)  And there was great joy in that city.   Just picture this scene.

WHAT THEY WERE WITNESSING WAS A GREAT OUTPOURING OF GOD’S SPIRIT, A REVIVAL IF YOU PLEASE.  BUT THERE IS NO MENTION OF LAYING ON OF HANDS, WHICH PHILIP COULD BE DOING THIS OR NOT.  GOD DOESN’T NEED MAN TO GIVE FORTH BLESSINGS.  WE’LL SEE THIS IN A MOMENT.

·        (9)  But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:  (10)  To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.  (11)  And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. 

·        BUT NOW NOTICE (12)  But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 

THIS IS HOW IT WORKS, THEY HEARD, THEY BELIEVED, THEY WERE BAPTIZED.           NOW NOTICE.

·        (13)  Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.  (14)  Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:  (15)  Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:  (16)  (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)  (17)  Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.  (18)  And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,  (19)  Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.  (20)  But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

·        And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given;  YOU SEE PHILIP COULDN’T TRANSFER THIS GIFT, IT HAD TO COME FROM THE APOSTLES.  NOW AN APOSTLE IS ONE WHO HAS BEEN SENT.  IN THIS CASE THE ORIGINAL TWELVE, PETER , AND JOHN.  BUT IT STATES AN APOSTLE.

·        NOW LET’S LOOK AT SOMETHING;  the receiving of the Holy Ghost.

1.      The outpouring on the day of Pentecost.  No laying on of hands.  Not on the 3000.

2.     Peter and John heals a cripple.  Results; Act 4:31  And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.  LIKE PENTECOST. 

3.     Peter and John in Samaria.  Laid on hands.

4.     Acts 9;  Ananias lays hands on Paul the Apostle, he was healed and filled with the Holy Ghost.

5.     Acts 10; House of Cornelius, no hands laid on.   Proof for those Jews that came with Peter.

6.     Acts 19;  Ephesus.  Paul lays hands on them for receiving the Holy Ghost.

So what do we learn from these examples? 

            We see that when the outpouring or manifestation of the Spirit is witnessed it was for special power for those receiving to have the boldness to further the Gospel message, and to solidify their faith.  We see that God did it without the laying on of hands, and also used the Apostles to lay on hands.  We see that at Pentecost, the speaking in tongues, or manifestation, was a known language to someone.  I believe that when the Bible uses the word tongues it is referring to languages.

·        Now we know that having this special anointing is a gift from God, whether with or without the laying on of hands.  I Cor. 12. 1Co 12:11  But all these (meaning all the gifts ) worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

·        God distributes the gifts as they are needed, and as it pleases Him.  I can’t dictate to God what gifts to give you.

THE CONCLUSION OF THE SUBJECT; 

The laying on of hands is for transferring blessings, authority, healing, and the filling of the Holy Ghost.  As for the gifts, Paul said, “covet earnestly the best gifts”  meaning seek after, or ask God for the gifts you desire, and He may give them to you. 

Now we see that in Acts 2, the 3000 received what was promised, (you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost) which is, a measure of the Holy Ghost Himself, which produces eternal life in the believer.  One does not have eternal life without the abiding presence of Almighty God.

PRAYER: All Mighty God, thank you for your Word.  Continue to bless us with the desire to study to show ourselves approved unto you.  In Jesus name, amen.