Detailed Summary of "Healing School #19 | Peter's Mother-In-Law"

Podcast: Dufresne Ministries Podcast
Host/Speaker: Pastor Nancy Dufresne
Date: July 15, 2021
Episode Theme: Exploring the Healing of Peter’s Mother-in-law and the Biblical Authority for Believers to Rebuke Sickness

Episode Overview

In this episode, Pastor Nancy Dufresne examines the account of Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law, as recorded in Luke 4:38-39. She delves into the authority Jesus operated in, the spiritual laws of speaking and believing, and how these principles apply to believers today. The message encourages listeners to act on their faith, use their God-given authority to speak to sickness and circumstances, and to use the strength God gives for His purpose.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Textual Study: Luke 4:38-39

• Scripture Read: [01:22] Pastor Nancy reads from Luke 4:38-39, narrating Jesus’ visit to Peter’s house, noting Simon Peter’s mother-in-law’s “great fever.”
• Observation: The phrase "great fever" signals the seriousness of the illness, affirmed as significant since Luke, being a physician, uses this descriptor.

2. Jesus’ Method: Rebuking the Fever

• Action Noted: [03:10] Jesus “stood over her and rebuked the fever.” Nancy emphasizes Jesus spoke directly to the illness, illustrating the importance of addressing sickness and circumstances with spiritual authority.
• Spiritual Insight:
  • “Talk to sickness, talk to Disease. Rebuke it.” — Nancy Dufresne [03:23]
  • Rebuking sickness is equated with resisting the devil (James 4:7).
  • Jesus demonstrated that believers are to use their authority, not wait for dramatic manifestations of evil.

3. Believer’s Authority and Responsibility

• Application: [05:40] Believers, as representatives of Jesus, are authorized to rebuke sickness, lack, and other negative circumstances.
  • “You are now Jesus’ representative in the earth. Because the life of God is in you.” — Nancy Dufresne [06:30]
• Scriptural Basis: Emphasizes Jesus’ words: “The works that I do shall you do also” and the delegated authority (“I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions...”).

4. The Power of Words

• Teaching: [10:38] The importance of speaking faith-filled words; words are the most powerful tool a believer possesses.
  • “Words rule. Words are governing things. This is why the greatest thing God could give us is his word.” — Nancy Dufresne [12:15]
• Salvation Example: Entry into salvation itself demonstrates the power of words (“whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved”).

5. Addressing Mountains (Challenges) Directly

• Highlight: [15:35] Referencing Mark 11:23, believers are to talk to their “mountain,” not about it or merely to God about it.
  • “Most talk about their mountain. He said, talk to your mountain.” — Nancy Dufresne [16:45]
• Faith Focus: When addressing mountains, focus attention on God, the source of power, not the problem itself.

6. Immediate Response and Action of Faith

• Observation: [19:37] After healing, Peter’s mother-in-law immediately got up and ministered — demonstrating faith is completed by action.
• Anecdote: Story of Amy Semple McPherson’s ministry where those who responded in faith and action to the instruction "Rise and walk in the name of Jesus" were healed, versus one who did not act on it:
  • “If you will just put forth the effort, the power will meet your effort.” — Nancy Dufresne quoting Amy Semple McPherson [22:25]
• Insight: The power of God meets you when you step out in faith, even if it’s just a small action (“move your little finger toward God”).

7. Maintaining Healing through Service

• Point: [25:10] Peter’s mother-in-law used her new strength to serve Jesus. Nancy stresses serving God as a key to retaining what you receive from Him.
• Warning: The devil seeks to steal what God gives, but using your restored health or blessings in God’s service safeguards them.

8. Testimony: Obedience Is Essential

• Example Given: [27:15] Pastor Nancy recounts a singer miraculously healed by Jesus after an accident but subsequently killed in a later accident after returning to her former lifestyle and not fulfilling God’s plan.
  • “This spectacular experience was no substitute for her obedience.” — Nancy Dufresne [31:00]
• Lesson: No supernatural experience supersedes the necessity of obedience. Blessings and protection are maintained through walking in God’s plan.

9. Finding and Pursuing God’s Plan

• Encouragement: [32:45] Every believer has a role and a place in God’s plan, typically beginning with involvement in their local church and practical service.
  • “The local church is a family. And in a family, every family member has chores, they have responsibilities.” — Nancy Dufresne [33:20]
• Action Step: Seek God’s guidance about your place and commit your strength to fulfilling His purpose.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “Believing is a choice. It’s not a feeling, it’s a choice.” — Nancy Dufresne [01:15]
• “When you’re rebuking sickness, you’re rebuking the devil.” — Nancy Dufresne [04:20]
• “Every sickness and disease has ears to obey my authority.” — Nancy Dufresne [08:53]
• “When you understand the authority of words, you quit speaking negative words that sabotage your life.” — Nancy Dufresne [11:45]
• “Words rule. Words are governing things.” — Nancy Dufresne [12:15]
• “He said, talk to your mountain. But the key... your focus is the mountain mover, not the mountain.” — Nancy Dufresne [16:45]
• “If you can’t move any part of your body, just at least move your little finger toward God.” — Nancy Dufresne [22:51]
• “There’s a God side to every healing and a man’s side. You can’t do God’s side, but God can’t do your side.” — Nancy Dufresne [24:48]
• “Anything that you receive from God, the devil’s busy trying to steal it from you.” — Nancy Dufresne [25:59]
• “This spectacular experience was no substitute for her obedience.” — Nancy Dufresne [31:00]
• “Ask him about it. Talk to him about it. Find out from him. Father, what do you want me to do?” — Nancy Dufresne [34:55]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:15] – The importance of choosing to believe and of active faith
• [03:10] – Jesus rebukes the fever; believers called to do likewise
• [06:30] – Believers’ authority as representatives of Jesus
• [10:38] – The power and authority of words
• [12:15] – Words as governing forces in life
• [16:45] – Talking to your mountain and focusing on God
• [19:37] – Action following healing: Peter’s mother-in-law arises
• [22:25] – Story: Amy Semple McPherson and the five wheelchairs
• [24:48] – The God side and man’s side in healing
• [25:59] – Using what you receive from God to serve
• [27:15] – Testimony: singer miraculously healed but later lost
• [31:00] – Obedience is irreplaceable, even after divine encounters
• [33:20] – The local church as family and fulfilling your part
• [34:55] – Seeking God’s plan for your life

Final Encouragement and Prayer

[35:45] Pastor Nancy closes the teaching by inviting listeners to believe in the present power of God, to receive their answer by faith, and reaffirms the importance of obedience and practical service in God’s plan for their lives.

For listeners: This episode offers foundational teaching on using your authority as a believer, using the example of Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law. It challenges you to believe, to act, to speak faith-filled words, and to commit your strength to God’s service, reinforcing that faith always requires corresponding action and ongoing obedience.