1. Welcome

2. Tabitha
God’s Servant
Acts 9:36-43

3. “Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” Acts 9:36 3

4. Tabitha Acts 9:36 Disciple = Christian Acts 11:26 Jewish Name
Dorcas ~ Greek translation
Good Works
Almsdeeds
For the poor
Devoted to charity
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have…” Heb.13:16 ESV

5. “And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.” Acts 9:37
“And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.” Acts 9:38 5

6. Tabitha Acts 9:37-38 Died Eccl. 3:20 Sent for Peter Comfort Funeral
Joppa
Lydda
Jerusalem

7. “Then Peter arose and went with them
“Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.” Acts 9:39 7

8. Tabitha Acts 9:39 Peter came immediately Widows weeping and crying
Showed coats and garments
“…their works do follow them” Rev. 14:13

9. “But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.” Acts 9:40
“And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.” Acts 9:41 9

10. Tabitha Tabitha Arise Acts 9:40-41 Peter put them out of the room
Why ?
“Not my will, but thine, be done” Luke 22:42
Presented her alive
Tabitha Arise

11. “42. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
43. And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.” Acts 9:42-43 11

12. Tabitha Acts 9:42-43 All in Joppa heard about this
Miracle had 2 effects
Strengthened faith
Many converts
Peter stayed for many days
Greater
Joy

13. Lessons from Life of Tabitha
Some day we will die
Heb. 9:27 “appointed”
Eccl. 3:1-2 “A time to be born, and a time to die”

14. Lessons from Life of Tabitha What is a successful life ?
Not by length of days
Not by Possessions
Luke 12:15
Mt. 16:26
Eccl.2:11

15. Lessons from Life of Tabitha What is a successful life ?
By service to others
“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Mt.23:11
Live and help live

16. Lessons from Life of Tabitha What is a successful life ?
By service to others
Two enemies of service…
Self-centered
Lazy

17. Lessons from Life of Tabitha What is a successful life ?
By service to others
Happiness is a by-product
Of making others happy

18. Tabitha Lived a successful life Righteous Woman Faithful Christian
Life of Service

19. 28. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29. And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
John 5:28-29

21. Nelson Chapel Church of Christ
5039 Six Mile Road
Maryville, Tn
May 28, 2017
Sermon by Arthur Pigman
2705 Druid Hill Dr.
Maryville, Tn