God's Power Delivered

Jeff Pagel

Gospel of Jesus • Sermon • Submitted 5 years ago

Acts 9:36–43

God's Power

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The power of healing given to the disciples

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Where is the Gospel?

Gospel Transformation Bible: English Standard Version Study Notes for Acts

In the book of Acts, God’s gospel not only overcomes formidable ethnic and geographical barriers but also breaks through the most formidable barrier of all: human sin. Saul learns firsthand how closely Jesus identifies with his church, here described as “the Way.” In persecuting those of the Way, Saul was persecuting Christ himself. In response to the question, “Who are you?” Saul would have preferred any response to the one he receives: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” In opposing God’s people, Saul has opposed God himself (cf. 5:38–39).

Saul is blinded by the magnificence of this appearance of Christ, and his physical blindness allows him to see himself truly. He finally recognizes his own powerlessness and weakness, and accepts his blindness in humility. Before commissioning Saul to take the gospel to the Gentiles, God tears down his reliance on his religious zeal. Only after being brought to a position of abject humility is Saul ready for the uplifting gospel of Jesus Christ. “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

Saul was at his worst, overseeing the murder of men and women in the church, with no sign of repentance, when Jesus met him on the Damascus road. Here again we are admonished against condemning anyone as lost beyond hope, and this includes ourselves. God will reach to his farthest-out enemies, he will defeat the uttermost human rebellion, but in doing so he does not crush these rebels but loves and converts them into chosen instruments of the good news (Acts 9:15). In Saul we see a rebel against God, an enemy of the long-promised Messiah. Yet Saul is reconciled to God through Jesus and is called God’s ambassador, through whom God makes his appeal to the entire world (2 Cor. 5:20).

Acts 5

Acts 5:38–39 NIV

Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

James 4:6 NIV

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

2 Co

2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

The Healing of Tabitha

Acts 9

Acts 9:36–37 NIV

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room.

A disciple (Tabitha or Dorcas - both meaning “Gazelle”)

Doing Good

Helping the poor

--------------

She became sick -

“fever grabbed her”

“sickness entered her”

“God took her”

And died

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Custom and necessity would say

washed

wrapped

covered with spices

buried that same day

or early the very next day

Acts 9:38 NIV

Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”

Acts

Acts 9:38 NIV

Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”

Acts 9

In the same fashion that Jesus had raised the daughter of Jairus.

Luke 8:49–56 NIV

While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.” Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

Luke 8:

Luke 8:49–50 NIV

Luke 8:51 NIV

When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother.

Notice that “Peter” was among those who Jesus allowed to go with him.

Jesus shared the evidence of his power, why

John 14:12 NIV

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Of the multitude of “works” that Jesus has been doing is healing… Peter saw by example , the works he could do.

Acts 9:39 NIV

They were mourning

There is some discussion, perhaps that Tabitha was a leader of the women is some fashion or another.

Acts 9.

Acts 9:39–40 NIV

Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.

Did you hear this correctly…SHE GOT UP

SHE GOT UP, SHE GOT UP. Formerly dead she is now alive!!

Acts 9.

Acts 9:41 NIV

He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive.

Acts 9.

Acts 9:42–43 NIV

This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

The result of the use of the gift was not self-adulation, was not honor and glory paid to anyone but God.

“Healing” as one of the more demonstrative gifts is met with GREAT skepticism...

But she was healed. She was dead and now she was alive.

I want to return to a scripture that we have already reviewed...

John 14:12 NIV

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Jesus says:

Believe in ME!!

You will already will be doing to work the Jesus has ben doing

BUT… I’m adding

What are doing LORD..

When are you returning…He says he will return.

I am going to make a bold statement!

WE, you and I, all believers can and do perform the gifts that God has left for us.

HE DID NOT LEAVE THEM FOR NOTHING

His time had come…but he was fully prepared to use the gifts.

His father gave gifts so the he, GOD would be glorified!

We know there is a movement especially in our country and in many 1st world nations to exploit the name and ministry of Christ. Of course is for personal gain… I’d rather have a Millstone around my neck!!

The power to heal belongs with the disciples…those who have learned the power and glory of God and determined to use these gifts for God’s Glory

Who would those people be...

Matthew 28:

Matthew 28:18–20 NIV

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Me, You, ALL BELIEVERS everywhere to all time+

Let’s act like it!!

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