3. DORCAS: EXAMPLE OF DOING GOOD

Acts 9:36-42.

This story is packed full of lessons. It is possible that the believers met in her home for worship and prayer.

3.1. DORCAS' NAME IMPLIED HER DEVOTION

Acts 9:36 "Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works ..."

Dorcas meaning Gazelle. A gazelle is a very graceful animal. It is elsewhere referred to in the Word, as the Hind, and is a symbol of Naphtali.

Genesis 49:21 "Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words."

THE GAZELLE is referred to as:

Panting after the water-brooks (Psalm 42:1 ) symbolising seeking everything in God

Nimble of foot - leaping (2 Samuel 2:18 ) symbolising life in the Spirit (Isaiah 35:6 ).

It is expressive too, of tender love.

Proverbs 5:19 "Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; ..."

Beauty of form (Song of Solomon 2:9 ).

Fruitful at the voice of Jehovah.

Psalm 29:9 "The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory."

Our lives should be gazelle-like, full of grace, like our Lord (John 1:14 ).

3.2. DORCAS SPOKEN OF AS A DISCIPLE

Acts 9:36 "... a certain disciple ..."

This term applied to early followers, that is, a learner. One who sits at the feet of Jesus, and learns of him. Disciple (Acts 11:26 ). There are many who need to be serious about discipleship. A disciple accepts His authority, lordship, discipline, will.

3.3. DORCAS KNOWN FOR HER GOOD DEEDS

Acts 9:36 "... full of good works and almsdeeds which she did."

She was a doer not just a talker. Her talent was not tucked away in a drawer. Acts 9:39 tells us the particular good work.

Acts 9:39 "... the coats and garments which Dorcas made, ..."

A needle is a very small thing. The ability of its use is very common. It is a ministry acceptable to the Lord and has brought much comfort and relief to His children. It is the obligation of every saved person, to be like Dorcas, "Full of good works." (Ephesians 2:10 ). Note the two following faithful sayings.

1 Timothy 1:15 "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."

Titus 3:8 "This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men."

Let us all be "zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14 KJV ). There is plenty of scope for the workers in the church. Dorcas died, then we read that:

	Some of the women ministered by washing her body, and laying it in an upper room. A ministry not everybody could do.
	Two unnamed men ministered by going on an errand to Lydda to fetch Peter (Acts 9:38 ). All of us can be errand runners for God.
	Peter came and exercised a special ministry of faith and prayer (Acts 9:39-41 ). A ministry done in the fullness of the Spirit.
	The widows also ministered (Acts 9:39 ). Weeping with those that weep. We can all reach out in compassion.

3.4. DORCAS WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD

Peter's approach to the situation, instructs us in how to restore dead souls.

Peter put them all out (Acts 9:40 ).

God alone can restore Dorcas, therefore Peter must be alone with Him.

Peter knelt down and prayed.

Reverence, sincerity, earnestness, faith.

Peter spoke to Dorcas.

We must address the one in need.

Peter helped Dorcas, and showed sympathy (Acts 9:41).

This is needful if we would effectively minister, or win the lost.

Peter presented her alive.

What joy for Peter, for Dorcas, and the saints. What joy for us to have a God blessed ministry.

Psalm 126:6 "He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him. "

God was glorified in it all.

Acts 9:42 "And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord."

Many believed, so it was worth while for Dorcas to be ill, to die and to be raised again. What happens to you is worth while when it brings glory to God. Doing good in the Lord has wonderful results.