Dorcas: A Woman of Good Works

By David Woods

Open: What is your favorite hobby?

Read Acts 9:36-39

Discussion: If you find a person with a good character, can you assume he/she will be a person devoted to good works? Why or why not?
(Not necessarily. While you might associate some of the fruits of the Spirit with good works, there is a whole level of good works beyond simply the results of being a godly person. And yet, good works to a degree are the result of a godly character.)

Discussion: What was required of Dorcas to begin and succeed in this ministry?
(Courage, initiative, sacrifice, and perseverance are a few of the ingredients I believe Dorcas must have possessed in order to begin and succeed in this ministry.)

Discussion: What does the expression "full of good works" imply to you?

Discussion: Can a person be full of good works without intentionally being involved in doing good works?

Discussion: How did Dorcas benefit from the good works she did?

Discussion: Why did the disciples ask Peter to come be with them?

Read Acts 9:40-42

Discussion: Do you think the people were expecting God to perform a miracle through Peter? Why or why not?

Discussion: Why did Peter expect God to perform a miracle?

Discussion: What is necessary to have a faith like that of Peter?

Discussion: Why does God perform miracles?

Read Matthew 5:14-16

Discussion: Are good works a natural result of being saved?
(In a sense, yes. We want to do what is right because of the "new man." On the other hand, many Christians have done very few "good works." Therefore, it appears that doing good works in a large degree is dependent upon our willingness and obedience to God's call.)

Discussion: What is the connection between our "light" and our "good works"?
(Good works and one's "light" are almost synonymous in our text.)

Discussion: Is it right for us to draw people's attention to our good works?
(I realize most would say "no" because of pride issues. On the other hand, if our intent is to bring glory to God's name by the good works, should we let the world know - "I'm doing this wonderful good work because Christ saved me and changed me.")

Discussion: What should be our motivation for doing good works?

Discussion: What must we do to make a lasting impact on our world for Christ?

Discussion: How can we transform the workplace from a mere job to an opportunity to perform good works?

In this lesson, there is one thought that I have tried to emphasize over and over through our discussion questions. That point is, if we want to really be used of God, if we want to do good works, we are going to have to take some initiative to do so.

Yes, I realize that some good works come somewhat naturally for the Christian. If we see a person in trouble, God's love flowing through us makes us want to help them.

But many needs are not visible to the passerby. You have to probe and dig a little to find many needs. Therefore, we must be willing, we must be desirous, and we must be observant if we want God to use us in a great way. But I believe this is true:

Big Idea: God can use you greatly if you will let Him.