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A Certain Disciple Named Dorcus |
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Text Verse: Acts 9:36 Introduction Our passage today speaks of a great woman. A woman so great in her community that her fellow believers could not bear to lose her to death. From this passage we will see the importance of our Christian labors in life and in eternity. We are known by what we do. Whatever we are on the inside, will show up on the outside. Dorcas was a great Christian. We can be, too. Acts 9:36-37 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 1. The Sisters Devotion (36-37) A. Her Description 1. Her name means gazelle. Definition: A small graceful antelope with large shining eyes and horn that twist back is a spiral. 2. She lived in Joppa (A place of beauty) 3. A disciple (A learner or a follower) Wasn’t concerned about her outward beauty but rather her relationship with the Lord. B. Her Deeds 1. Full of good works 2. Almsgiving (Compassion) C. Her Death 1. All that she was has ceased. 2. The Saints Desire (38-39) Acts 9:38-39 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. A. Their Hope They were willing to go to any length to get her back. She was too wonderful to lose! They realized that Peter was nearby and they thought that maybe God could use Peter to restore her back to them. B. Their Heartache (Weeping) C. Their Heritage What a beautiful picture. They put her godly works on display! They were saying, "This was her! This shows you her love, her labors!" 3. The Servants Difference (40-41) Acts 9:40-41 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. A. Peter’s example of service. 1. He request privacy (Didn’t make a spectacle. 2. He engaged in prayer (No labor is complete without prayer) 3. He presented her to the people (The fruit of our labor is apparent to all) B. Dorcus example of service. 1. Her opening (Have we opened our eyes to what the Lord would have us to see?) 2. Her obedience (She had been obedient in her life and now she was obedient in death.) 3. Her opportunity (She saw more opportunity to serve.) 4 . The Savior's Design (42-43)Acts 9:42-43 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. 43And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner. A. Publicly "And it was known throughout all Joppa." God's work publicizes itself! No need for worldly means. If God shows up, people will hear about it! 2. Perception "And many believed in the Lord" 3. Providence "And Peter tarried many days" This is the place that Peter had the vision about opening the gospel to the Gentiles. Acts 10:34-36 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) Close: God helps us all to adopt the spirit of this woman into our daily lives. |
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