THE K I N G ' S B U S I N E S S
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FEBRUARY 8, 1920 P E T E R A T L Y D D A A N D J O P P A . Golden Te*t: “ The prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up.” Jas. 5:15. LESSON TEXT Ac. 9:32-43. (Read Ac. 9:32-43; Ps. 61.)
(32) And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. (33) And there he found a certain man named ALneas, which had kept his bed eight years, 'and was sick of the palsy. (34) And Peter said unto him, Asneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee'wholes arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immedi ately. (35) And all that dwelt at Lydda and Sarori saw him, and turned to the Lord. (36) Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabi- tha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. (37) 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. (38) And for asmuch. a s.Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter Outline. (1) The Restoration of Aeneas, vs. 32-35. (2) The Raising of Dorcas, vs. 36- 43. INTRODUCTION: • Following the conversion of Saul, the Church had a season of rest from perse cution and presents a most peaceful and prosperous picture. . Three things are fied. Through the preaching of the Word of God they were brought to a more perfect knowledge of God’s will. The Old Testament Scriptures were il lumined by the light of the revelation of Jesus Christ, whose death and resur rection had, served to confirm the prophecies and to remove all doubt as to His being the Messiah of God. The word “ edified” means “ built up.” The great need of all believers in these LESSON EXPOSITION T. C. Horton said to have charac terized the believ ers at this time: 1.
They were edi 2. They were sanctified. “ Walking in the fear of the Lord and the com fort of the Holy Spirit.” The truth separated them gnd they found great peace in the quiet pursuit of a holy life. Conversation and conduct were “ such as becometh the Gospel .of Christ.” A holy, reverent fear pervaded their daily lives. God, the Spirit, was with them, manifesting His gracious help and com fort (2 Cor. 7:1; Col. 1:10). . 3. They were multiplied. The tes timony of lip and life was abundantly owned and many were added to their number. This is the third stage of arithmetic in the history of the Church: First,__ there were added such as were being saved (Acts 2 :47 ); second,— there was was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. ( 39 ) Then Peter arose and went with them. And 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 madè, while she was with them. (40) 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. (41) And he gavé her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows presented her alive. (42) And it was known throughout all Joppa; and mans believed in the Lord. (43) And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner. days, when Satan has snared so many through fads and fancies, is that they may be built up in faith. This can only be •done through the teaching of the Word of God. (1 Tim. 4:11.) “ These things command and teach.” (Also 2 Tim. 4:2; Col. 1:28.)
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