Don't Take This for Granted

Scott Worthington

Acts

Sermon Only Sermon Audio

Nov 1, 2026

Acts 9:32-43

In this message, Pastor Scott Worthington preaches from Acts 9:32–43.

Through the miracles of Aeneas being healed and Tabitha being raised to life, we are reminded not to take for granted the power of Jesus to heal, His people who love and serve us, and the promise of resurrection through Christ.

But what if Jesus chooses not to heal the way we’re asking Him to? We wrestle with that question and see how we can apply the promise of resurrection in our suffering.

Check out this sermon to learn more!

Sermon Notes

Acts
“Don’t Take This for Granted”
Acts 9:32-43

"Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner." Acts 9:32-43

“So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.” Acts 9:31

“Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, ‘Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.’ And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.” Acts 9:32-35

Don’t take for granted…
1. His power to heal

“‘I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.’” Mark 2:11

“And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.” Acts 9:35

“We forget that God's primary goal is not changing our situations or relationships so that we can be happy but changing us through our situations and relationships so that we will be holy.” Paul David Tripp

"When we can't trace His hand, we can trust his Heart." Charles Spurgeon

2. His people who serve

“Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.” Acts 9:36

“In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, ‘Please come to us without delay.’ So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.” Acts 9:37-39

3. His promise of resurrection

“But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, ‘Tabitha, arise.’ And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.” Acts 9:40-42

“…but he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. Taking her by the hand he said to her, ‘Talitha cumi,’ which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.’” Mark 5:40b-41

“And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.” Acts 9:42

“We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.” Romans 6:9

“‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’” John 11:25–26

Sermon Notes

New Here? Request Prayer Follow Jesus