Credit the source Acts 9:32-42

We take credit for the money we have We take credit for our intellect We take credit for our looks We take credit for our possessions We take credit for our status We take credit for our children’s success We often say, “You can at least give me some credit.”

What do you have that God hasn’t given you What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift? 1 Corinthians 4:7

Reasons why Peter credited the source How to credit the source

As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. Acts 9:32 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. Acts 9:33

“Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you.  Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up…

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Acts 9:36-37

Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples  heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” Acts 9:38

Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Acts 9:39

Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed… Acts 9:40a Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. Acts 9:40b

God will not share his glory with anyone Peter’s Reasons God will not share his glory with anyone

When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:18-19

“May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Acts 8:20-21

If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit… 2 Corinthians 12:6

Second Reason He couldn’t do anything without the Lord …apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5b

Third Reason He was on assignment All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. Acts 9:35

Third Reason He was on assignment This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. Acts 9:42

How can we learn to credit the source Practice giving credit to the source …give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Realize there are consequences for taking credit So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. 2 Corinthians 12:7b

Practice giving credit to others Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2

Bottom line is this: When you take credit for what you didn’t do, your reward will be limited, but when you give credit to whom it is due, your reward will be limitless.