Service to the Lord

Acts 9:36–43 NKJV

36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.

1. All Ministry is to People.

Acts 9:36–37 NKJV

36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.

Notice that the the scripture doesn't say there was a woman in a generic sense, rather here the scripture is specific, both names are mentioned; Tabitha, who’s name was translated Dorcas. It seems to me that Luke wants us to know exactly who she is.

the scripture says that she was full of good works.

I know I have been called “full of it” I don’t think the “it” they where referring to was good works.

Acts 9:38–39 NKJV

38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.

She died,

The prepared her for burial,

they sent for the Apostle Peter, Because he was close. To make the case for her resurrection they showed proof of her Ministry!

Acts 9:40–43 NKJV

40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.

The Apostle put them out of the room.

Then he knelt down to pray.

Finally, He spoke to her.

He called the People she had ministered too and presented her!

2. We are all built to serve.

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV

10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

we are the workmanship of Christ.

created for Good works.

1 Corinthians 12:4–6 NKJV

4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.

1 Corinthians 12:4–6 ESV

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.

1 Corinthians 12:4–6 NLT

4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. 6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.

1 Corinthians 12:4–6 NAB

4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;5 there are different forms of service but the same Lord;6 there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.

we all have Spiritual Gifts!

this is not limited to a special few.

3. We are all called to serve.

This will take prayer.

This will take meditation.

This will take meditation.

This will take commitment.