[ ] 7/25/2010 #892
HOW WILL YOU BE REMEMBERED?
Acts 9:36-43
INTRODUCTION: Salvation is by grace alone. Good works are one of the evidences of a changed life when they are done for the glory of God. Dorcas’ godly life and good works revealed the grace of God in her life. She was so great in her community and church that her fellow Christians could not bear to lose her to death. We are known by what we do. What we are on the inside will show up on the outside. Dorcas was a great Christian.
I. DESCRIPTION OF DORCAS
A. SHE WAS A BELIEVER. (v. 36)
Dorcas was a devoted follower of Christ. She was a disciple of the Lord. As a true disciple of Jesus, she followed His example. Peter said in Acts 10:38 that Jesus “went about doing good.”
B. SHE WAS BEAUTFUL. (v. 36)
Tabitha was her Jewish name. Dorcas was her Greek name, which means “gazelle.” She was beautiful inwardly as well as outwardly. Her deeds revealed her inward beauty. She lived in Joppa, which also means "beautiful."
In the Civil War, there was a Union nurse who labored among the wounded troops. Her face had been disfigured in a fire when she was younger. When asked why she volunteered to work among so much death and carnage, she replied, "The wounded soldiers don't notice my scars as much as others. To them, I'm beautiful."
C. SHE WAS BLESSED. (v. 36)
Dorcas must have been a woman of wealth. She was a talented woman who used her abilities to glorify God and to be a blessing to others. She was a compassionate and generous woman.
II. DEEDS OF DORCAS
A. HER WORKS. (v. 36)
"full of good works" thoroughly permeated, covered in every part
"almsdeeds" merciful pity, giving of oneself for the benefit of the less fortunate
Good works are those deeds done in the name of God and for His glory.Dorcas was known for her good works and alms deeds. Salvation is by grace and not good works. (Eph. 2:8-9) According to Ephesians 2:10, all born again Christians are “created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Paul said: “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” (Titus 3:8)
B. HER WITNESS. (v. 39)
Dorcas had been a great witness for her Lord. Her life reflected her Christ-likeness in the way she cared for the poor widows in Joppa. The widows displayed her works of love that Dorcas had made for them. Their brokenness reveal their love for her.
Jesus said: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (This little light of mine. I’m going to let it shine!)
Jesus said we are to “bear much fruit.” (John 15:8)
John said: “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
Paul said to be “fruitful in every good work” (Colossians 1:10); to be “rich in good works” (1 Tim 6:18); and to “learn to maintain good works.” (Tit. 3:14)
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:7-10
III. DEATH OF DORCAS
A. REMEMBRANCE OF DORCAS.
Peter found the widows weeping because Dorcas had died. She obviously had a great impact upon her church and community.
B. RAISING OF DORCAS.
Her life is an example for us to follow. Her resurrection is a reminder of our future. We who are saved will be raised from the grave. The raising of Dorcas revealed the power of our God.
LESSONS FOR LIFE:
1. Man is justified before God by faith alone. (Rom. 5:1) The saved man’s faith is revealed to other men by his works. (James 2:14-20)
2. Like Dorcas, we should be rich in good works for the glory of God. We are a blessing to God when we are a blessing to others.
3. What will people remember about you when you die? What kind of legacy will you leave behind for others to follow? What rewards will you receive in heaven? Think about it!
4. If you are not saved, your good works will not profit you when the judgment comes. You must first be born again. Come to Jesus. Call upon Him to save you from your sins today!