Character Studies - ElectronicGospel

esteem, wondering what we will do without them3. I think all of us would like to think that we will be mourned this emotionally when we aregone–at least missed this much anyway, but if we maintain our emotional isolation and apathy about theneeds of people around us, it is unlikely that many will notice when we depart4. it is not that we do good in order to be applauded and eulogized positively, but we do goodbecause it is the right thing to do and our only hope is that God will approveD. Resurrected1. death is usually not a condition that proves immediately temporary and although all the deadwill one day be resurrected to judgment, few return to life as rapidly as Tabitha, whom Peter lifted up2. can you imagine the look on the widows’ faces when Tabitha walked out of her death chamberand was presented to them alive?3. as we contemplate the general resurrection of the redeemed, it ought to be with an even higherdegree of anticipation and joy, for Tabitha eventually died again and the next time it was probably morepermanent, but one day she and all will be raised to her ultimate rewardII. Some ApplicationsA. A Disciple1. there should not be a difference, but there can be a distinction between one who calls himself amember of the church or a Christian and one who is genuinely a disciple of Jesus Christ2. actually, we use that phrase rather sparingly these days, preferring to call them anything butbelievers, saints and disciples3. the word disciple does denote an attribute that is too infrequently found among those who callthemselves Christians–a willingness and yearning to learn and submit to the discipline, or teaching ofChrista. too often, our interest in the faith stops at the surface where we accept the convictions ofour forefathers, but without any real impact on our own way of thinking about daily choices andperspectives on morality and life itselfb. somehow our faith has to penetrate the ceremonial and customary to sink deeper into ourhearts where we think and live and that is what real discipleship is about1. Jesus said, “It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher” (Matthew10:25), but added to that decision a certain cost (Luke 14:25-30)2. a disciple learns and applies and imitates his Teacher4. here is learninga. Matthew 9:9-13b. Matthew 11:25-30c. “And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they maynot be unfruitful” (Titus 3:14)B. Full of Good Works and Charitable Deeds1. the evidence that one has learned something is not in passing an academic test on a piece ofpaper, but of performing the knowledge in the field and under pressure2. Tabitha showed her discipleship by her good works and charitable deeds, in the way that youmight “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father inheaven” (Matthew 5:16; cf. First Peter 2:12)a. but Tabitha was surely not trying to earn a mournful departure or the congratulations of thewidows when she made her tunics and garments, for that would have completely stained all of her efforts(Matthew 6:1-4)b. that can be a fine line to walk–letting your light shine before men without adopting theirapproval as an ambition for charitable deeds in the first place or in the processc. and the answer is humility and a sincere desire only to do the right thing and let all else fallinto place as it will3. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God preparedbeforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10), “for it is God who works in you both to willand to do for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).a. not everything is about you–your convenience, your amusement, your enrichment, yourleisure–and as often as not, something you do should be about somebody else164! Jeff S. Smith