The God of all Power

Acts 9:32–43 NKJV

32 Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. 33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. 35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. 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.

Peter was a forgiven servant.

Peter could have been known for his failure.

We can’t appropriately appreciate this passage without remembering who Peter was.

We have talked about it before, but...

This is the man who betrayed Christ.

Matthew 14 his great faith failed while walking on the sea.

He was known to miss what Christ was teaching.

Jesus has to rebuke him (Matthew 15)

He, with the other disciples, tried to chase the children away from Christ. (Matthew 19)

He spoke without thinking.

He was selfish.

He was a failure as a friend.

God isn’t looking for perfect servants!

Proverbs 24:16 NKJV

16 For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity.

Peter determined to live in God’s grace.

We were just talking about this last Sunday night.

Revelation 12:10 NKJV

10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

Romans 8:1 NKJV

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

1 John 2:1 NKJV

1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

It isn’t recorded, but how many times do you think Peter wrestled with his failures?

Peter chose to live in God’s grace and forgiveness.

Peter was an engaged servant.

Peter was engage in churches.

Acts 9:32 NKJV

32 Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.

Acts 9:32 ESV

32 Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.

This refers to the churches in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria.

Peter was traveling to all them and ministering to them.

This was not necessarily exciting stuff.

Not like preaching and seeing 3000 people come to Christ.

We need to be faithful during the normal times.

Galatians 6:7–10 NKJV

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Peter was engaged in communities.

Acts 9:33 NKJV

33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed.

It seem here, and bible scholars would agree

This man was not a believer.

Peter likely had a couple of things in mind when he was working.

Jesus’ plea for laborers.

Matthew 9:36–38 NKJV

36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Jesus promise to build the church.

When God’s servants are engaged in what matters, it often leads to amazing opportunities to see God’s power.

John MacArthur: “Those actively involved in ministry are usually the ones to whom God grants the most ministry opportunities.”

Peter was a faith-filled servant.

Peter had faith God would heal.

Acts 9:34 NKJV

34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately.

Peter had faith God would raise from the dead.

Acts 9:40–41 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.

Maybe you are wondering what this has to do with you and I.

Though God still works miracles, these were done as signs that we don’t see today.

We do still see this today - spiritually.

Through salvation God gives life to the dead.

Through salvation God heals and restores people who cannot help themselves.

Just as God used Peter, He uses you and I to bring help.

I want to pause for a minute so you don’t miss this...

Let’s switch our focus from Peter to Tabitha.

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.

Acts 9:39 NKJV

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.

We have asked - if the church disappeared today, would the community miss it?

BUT - you and I are the church.

So - we see a room full of needy people - widows from the community - some unsaved who are mourning the death of Tabitha.

Who will miss you or who will miss me when we are gone?

Just the church, or will there be others?

Peter was an effective servant.

Peter was a vessel for God’s power.

In both cases Peter believed God for the impossible.

No more wavering faith!

God had proven Himself faithful many times!

This was not the first time Peter had seen this happen!

Peter is very aware of the presence of Christ.

Vs 34 “Jesus Christ heals you.”

Peter also knows who is doing the work.

We see a man who is walking in God’s grace and busy doing God’s work and now He sees God do the impossible.

If we are doing the ordinary things right, it is quite likely we will see God do extraordinary things.

Just as God used Peter, God’s plan is to use you and I as a vessel for His power to bring salvation and change lives.

There are things I believe God would have us do as a church.

They seem impossible right now.

But I believe we will see God do some extraordinary things if we are obedient and simply keep the main thing the main thing!

This is not presumptuous of us. It is simply believing the promises of God.

The New Testament tells us over and over that we will see fruit if we are faithful.

Peter’s miracles were a means for spreading the gospel.

Acts 9:35 NKJV

35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

Acts 9:42 NKJV

42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.

Don’t lose sight of this!

God did what He did to see the gospel spread.

Our goal for the impossible shouldn’t be for selfish reasons.

Just to make us or our church look good.

Or to feel like God is somehow showing more favor to us.

BUT… to fulfill the great commission!