A Dedicated Disciple Making a Difference

Acts 9:36-42

Introduction: What kind of “GOOD  WORKS” do you have? No. We’re not saved by “Works,” but if we are saved, there should be some “Works” (Eph 2:8-10; James 2:14-26).

**Remember the Wendy’s commercial (1984 – Before your time?) – “Where’s the beef?” Well, “Where’s the works?”

Are you “helping” people  or “hurting” people? Do you take time to SERVE the Lord? It pays to serve the Lord! Are we wanting to “be” a blessing or wanting to “get” all the blessings? A closer investigation of the life of a “DEDICATED FEMALE DISCIPLE” named Dorcas reveals where her heart was and how her hands and works proved to be a blessing to others.
 

1. Dorcas was a CHRISTian woman of faith in the God of the Bible and she was “FULL of GOOD WORKS”! (Acts 9:36)

“Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms deeds which she did…..all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made.” 

{The word “Disciple” here is mathetria, which means a female disciple. Tabitha, or Dorcas’ name, means gazelle.}
{The word “Alms deed” is the word elehaymosoonay, which means mercy and pity}

    • Dorcas recognized needs of others
    • Dorcas was used by God to meet those needs
 

2. Dorcas grew SICK, succumbed to her illness, and DIED! (Acts 9:37)

“And 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.”

    • Our bodies are wearing out (2 Cor 4:16)
    • But one day we will have a brand new body (1 Cor 15:35-43)
 

3. Dorcas was RAISED from the dead! (Acts 9:40-42; also 1 Thess 4:13-18; John 14:1-3; Rev 21:1-7) 

“But Peter…kneeled down, and prayed….and turning to the body said, Tabitha arise. And she opened her eyes….and sat up.”

    • Peter had known about Lazarus, the widow of Nain’s son, and Jarius’ daughter, whom Jesus raised from the dead
    • Peter also witnessed the empty tomb and later the resurrected Christ 

 

4. Because of Dorcas’ love and faithful service to Jesus, “Many believed in the Lord”! (Acts 9:42) 

“Many believed in the Lord.” 

    • Jesus used her sickness and even death to bring many to faith in Him 
    • Dorcas was raised like every believer will be at the rapture (1 Thess 4:16, 17)
 
Conclusion: The Holy Spirit of God inspired Luke to record the life and legacy of this DEDICATED DISCIPLE named Dorcas. No telling how many millions of CHRISTians have been motivated by her love for Jesus that was manifested in her GOOD WORKS for other women. She was a “Woman on a Mission Making A Difference”! 
 
You & I can do the same ….all for the Glory of our God!!
Love y’all, 
Dr. Randy Reese