MODEL CHRISTIANS - THE PEOPLE OF ACTS

(4) MODEL LIVES: ACTS 9.31-43

This week we learn a little about Peter’s ministry and the churches at Lydda and Joppa.  These two places are quite close together, both in the vicinity of modern Tel Aviv.  Joppa is on the Mediterranean Sea and Lydda is a few miles inland. Joppa has associations with Jonah (1.3) (and of course with Peter himself, 9.43 and 10.)  Lydda is also called Lod and is the site of the modern Ben Gurion Airport where all air travellers to Israel touch down. It is also the place where, in the legend, St George slew the dragon!

MODEL PASTOR:  9.31-32 (and following verses)

These verses describe Peter’s activities in a time when the Church was enjoying a time of ‘peace’ and was growing.

Peter the Peripatetic Pastor! (i.e. travelling around!)

• We aren’t given much detail about the exact nature of Peter’s activities.  What impression do you get about the nature and purpose of his travels?
• What do you think an ideal pastor ought to spend his time doing? On what do you base your idea?

‘Peace’ and Church Growth: We are constantly told in Acts of the growth of the Church: 2.41,43, 4.4, 5.14, 6.1,7, 9.31,35, 9.42, 11.21,24, 14.1,21, 16.5 17.12

What things lead to ‘Church Growth’?

can we find any clues about factors essential to ‘Church Growth’ from the above references?

How essential (or otherwise) is a period of ‘peace’ to ‘Church Growth’? (See 1 Timothy 2.1-6)

MODEL LIVES: 9.32-43

ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE LORD’S POWER IN ACTION: (Aneas and Dorcas)

Discuss the impact created by what happened to Aneas and Dorcas.

• What factors seen in Christians’ lives move others to turn to the Lord?
• Do we make enough opportunities for the sick to be prayed with?

ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE LORD’S LOVE IN ACTION;  9.36-39 (Dorcas)

(A man once called his very reliable car ‘Dorcas’ because it was ‘full of good works’ like Dorcas (9.36 AV).  Though her name means ‘gazelle’, Dorcas has become synonymous with someone ‘full of good deeds’.

• Discuss Dorcas’ life of love and its impact. in what practical ways can we be like her?
• Should it be the ambition of all to be like her? Or was it her special gifting? (see Matt 5.16, Eph 2.10, Acts 10.38, Tit 2.14)
• What good content and associations have people you know brought to the name given by their parents? (- Do you know what your name means?
• What ‘meaning’ do you think you might have given to your name??)

CONCLUSION:

FOR THOUGHT: What am I ‘modelling’?

FOR PRAYER:  Thanksgiving for those who have impacted your life for good by what they modelled. Prayer for model pastors, leaders and members.