"Brought to New Life" - Acts 9:32-43
- Series: "Pandemic" - The Gospel Unleashed
- by: Chris Mayfield 04/04/10
Acts 9:32-43 "Brought to New Life"
This passage is a beautiful picture of what the gospel of Jesus does for us. Aeneas was not born paralytic but had been stricken with it at some point after birth. Over the past eight years the disease became so extreme that he gave up hope of ever moving freely and easily again and stayed in his bed. Certainly those around him were despairing as well for they had to take care of him. And yet at his moment of greatest despair, when he was without strength in his bones and his situation seemed hopeless, God was merciful. Jesus sends Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to heal Aeneas. Jesus brought new life to Aeneas physically and spiritually.
Having heard of what God had done for Aeneas, the friends of Dorcas send for Peter. Dorcas had already deceased and one would think there is less hope for her than there was for Aeneas. Many were already morning her passing. But the Lord desired to raise Dorcas from the dead so that His power might be made manifest for the praise of His glory. And so God answered Peter’s prayer and raised Dorcas from the dead.
God alone gives life and can restore life, both physically and spiritually. This is exactly what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. We were spiritually dead in our sin, without hope of ever changing ourselves. Mercifully, while we were yet sinners, Jesus died for us. Christ’s death and resurrection brought new life, freed us from sin and death and redeemed us. We were dead to God due to the sin we committed, but though Jesus’ obedience, he reconciled us unto him. Praise be to God!
Engage the Text
1. Who healed Aeneas?
2. How was Aeneas' healing used to glorify God?
3. Why do you think Dorcas’ friends laid her in the upper room? Why wouldn’t they have buried her?
4. Were Aeneas and Dorcas healed because of anything they had done? Because of their faith?
5. What do you think was God’s purpose for these miracles?
From Thought to Action
1. God builds his church in so many ways. Some people in Scripture came to faith in Christ through healing. Others come through relationships that showed them Christ's love. For some, it is simply hearing the gospel preached. How did God you come to faith in Jesus?
2. Knowing that God is able to do anything, we can begin to love God for his gifts and not just for who he is. Have you ever struggled with this? In what ways do you worship God for who he is, not the gifts he has given you? Are your prayers filled with a laundry list of requests or do they praise God for his majesty and greatness?
3. Is there an area of your life or specific circumstance in which you lack faith in God? Share with your group this area of struggle. How can we encourage one another to grow in faith?
