sf701 - THE DEATH OF A GODLY WOMAN (Acts 9 36-42)

Acts 9:36-42

Introduction

Dorcus was a godly woman.

Like Dorcus, Sissie was a godly woman.

Notice the similarities between them.

Their lives remind us that…

1A.      We Should Be Something - A Disciple (9:36a)

Luke 9:23 …"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

Ø      A disciple is repentant sinner, someone who has denied self and sin.

Ø      A disciple is sacrificing servant.  The cross is a place of sacrifice.

Ø      A disciple is an obedient follower, someone who follows Jesus every day.

2A.      We Should Do Something – Good Works (9:36b)

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Ø      The disciple’s purpose: We are created in Christ Jesus for good works.

Ø      The disciple’s path: God set forth our works before creation so that we might walk in them. 

3A.      We Should Leave Something – A Legacy (6:39)

Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, … and through it he being dead still speaks.

Ø      It is our faith and service to God that lives on.

4A.      We Should Expect Something - A New Life (9:41; 1 Corinthians 15:54-55)

On Wednesday, January 23, 2002 one greater than Peter presented Sissie alive to one greater than the saints, when the Lord Jesus presented her to the Father.

5A.      You may ask what about Sissie?

1B.      Why would she do such a thing?  (Isaiah 55:6-9)

There are no rational answers to irrational actions.

When I don’t know why it is either because I cannot understand or do not have to understand.  Either way I can trust God.

Perhaps the better question to ask God is what things are you teaching and showing me?

2B.      Is she in heaven?  (Romans 8:28-39)

Sissie’s salvation originated with God (8:29)

Sissie’s salvation was consummated by God (8:30-35)

Sissie’s salvation was and shall eternally be secure in God.  (8:35-39)

Ø      Our eternal salvation is no more dependent upon how we die than on how we live, it is all GRACE!