2.4.6 Working of Miracles
I Corinthians 12:10 — To another the working of miracles;
- Matt. 8:7 The raising of Lazarus — Jn. 11 Lazarus was dead. This is as sick as a person can get. Jesus raised him up after he had been four days in the tomb. There is nothing too hard for God.
The working of miracles is the third gift of power. Two other gifts of power are Gifts of Healing and the Gift of Faith.
1. The Nature of the Gift of Working of Miracles
A. It is the supernatural intervention into the ordinary course of nature.
- God is not bound by man's laws.
- Biblical examples of miracles.
- Joshua 10:12 Sun standing still
- Ex. 14:16 Crossing the Red Sea
- Ex. 3 The burning bush
B. The difference between healing and miracles:
All healings performed by the power of God are miracles to a certain degree, though all miracles are not healing.
The man upon whom God has graciously bestowed the gifts of healing does not necessarily have the gift of working of miracles. Also, the one that has the power to perform miracles may have little success in healing the sick.
II. The Purpose of the Gift
A. The deliverance of God's people
- Ex. 14:13=16 Miracles performed by Moses
- I Kings 18 Elijah calling down fire
- Luke 5:17-26 Jesus healing the paralytic
B. The awakening of the soul to repentance.
- Man stand in awe in the presence of a miracle.
- Acts 3 The healing of the lame man. Acts. 4:10
- Acts 14:8-18 The impotent man at Lystra.
C. To provide for those in want
- Manna from heaven. Ex. 16:14-25
- Cruise of oil I Kings 17:14-16
- Loaves and fishes Mark 6
- Water into wine John 2
- Water from rock Ex. 17:5-7
- Bitter water at Marah Ex. 15:23-25
D. To carry out divine judgment - Ex. 7-12
- Water made blood
- Frogs
- Lice
- Flies
- Cattle disease
- Boils
- Thunder and hail
- Locust
- Darkness
- First born slain
E. To Confirm the Preached Word
- Mark 16:15-20
- Acts 13:11,12
F. To deliver in situations of danger
- Matt. 8:23 Stilling the tempest
- Acts 12:11,12 Peter deliverance
G. To raise the dead
- The widow's son
- Jairus' daughter
- Lazarus
- Dorcas raised - Acts 9:36-43
- Smith Wigglesworth — raised several that were dead