Sermons
Disciples Like Dorcas
As we open our Bibles to Acts chapter 9, we find Peter traveling through various regions, ministering to the early church. It's during this journey that he encounters the story of Dorcas - a disciple whose life and death had a profound impact on her community.
What made Dorcas so special that Peter would be called to raise her from the dead? What can we learn from her life that can shape our own discipleship? These are the questions we'll explore as we look into this passage. Dorcas's story challenges us to consider what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ. It invites us to reflect on how our faith manifests in our daily lives and impacts those around us.
As we study her life, we'll discover principles that can guide us in becoming disciples who, like Dorcas, leave a lasting legacy of faith and good works. So let's turn to Acts 9 and explore together how we too can be "Disciples Like Dorcas" - followers of Christ whose lives radiate His love and make a tangible difference in our communities.
Acts of the Apostle Peter:
- Traveling “here and there among” the disciples. | v. 32
- Comes to Lydda heals a lame man named Aeneas. | v. 33-35; cf. Luk 5:17-32; Act 3:1-10
- Peter is urged to go ten miles to Joppa to raise a disciple named Dorcas. | vv. 36-38
- Stephen was not raised (8:2), nor will James the apostle be raised either (12:2)
- The raising of Dorcas parallels the raising of Jairus’ daughter. | vv. 39-43; Mrk 5:22-43
How to be a disciple like Dorcas.
Abound in deeds of kindness and charity continually.
| v. 36b; Gal 6:9-10 |
Serve others with what you have.
| Pro 25:14; 2 Cor 8:11-12 |
Don’t try to do everything but do what you can.
| v. 39b; Mat 25:14-30; Rom 12:3-8 |
Don’t wait to be asked take the initiative and serve others today.
| v. 36b, 39b; Act 6:1-6; 1 Cor 15:58 |
Let's strive to be disciples like Dorcas – known for our good works, our compassion, and our impact on the community around us. Whether it's through acts of service, words of encouragement, or simply being present for those in need, we all have the capacity to make a difference. As we leave here today, let's commit to living out our faith in tangible ways, remembering that true discipleship is measured not just by what we say, but by what we do.
