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Lydia

Lydia

“A Woman of Success”

Scripture References: Acts 16:9-15, 40

ABOUT HER

• She is from the city of Thyatira
• Seller of purple goods (a successful business woman)
• Described as a worshiper of God
• She was baptized and her whole household with her
• A woman of wealth, prayer, prominence and influence

“Scholars have debated whether she was a widow, divorced, a married woman who had her own business and property, or perhaps a freed woman [ex-slave] who had never married. At any rate, Luke makes it clear that it was ‘her’ household.” -Sue Poorman Richards, Women of the Bible

Some believe Lydia was a widow who carried on her husband’s trade to care for her children.

“Lydia was successful in the business world. In sacred history she is prominent because she was the first European convert and her family was the nucleus of the Christian church at Philippi.” -Frances Vander Velde, Women of the Bible

HER BUSINESS (seller of purple)

“That she became prosperous in business is seen in that she owned a spacious home, and had servants to care for her.” -Herbert Lockyer, All the Women of the Bible

Lydia is successful

We also see the Proverbs 31 Woman being business savvy.

Proverbs 31:24 NKJV “She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants.”

“You will never exhaust your capacity to grow toward your potential or run out of opportunities to help others. When you see success as a journey, you’ll never have the problem of trying to ‘arrive’ at an elusive final destination.” -John C. Maxwell, Your Road Map For Success

Jesus does not tell us to arrive...but to abide.

John 15:5 NKJV "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

What does “success” look like for you?

“The picture of success isn’t the same for any two people because we’re all created differently as unique individuals. But the process is the same for everyone.” -John C. Maxwell, Your Road Map For Success

Take a moment to think about it, pray about it and write it here:

How does the Bible define success ?

• Your focus being on Christ
• “A great number of Christian workers worship their work. The only concern of Christian workers should be their concentration on God.” Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest Updated Edition
• Read Philippians 3:7-15

• Having an intimate knowledge of God’s Word in your relationship with Him.
• Joshua 1:8 ESV “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
• Hebrews 4:12 NKJV “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
• There will be a “success element” in our relationship with God when we let His truth set us free (John 8:32) and when we let His truth have it’s way in us.
• John 17:17 NKJV “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”
• Romans 12:2 NKJV “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

A good book of the Bible to study when it comes to wise living and success is the Book of Proverbs.

When you view success as a journey...you can be successful today.

When you view success as a journey rather than a destination...you can have success today...right now!

Why? Because we put our HOPE in Christ. Romans 5:5 NKJV “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Psalm 118:24 NKJV “This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Base your true success from beginning to end solely on your relationship with the Lord.

“Today’s tasks are preparation for tomorrow’s calling.” -Priscilla Shirer, Gideon

“Success is when preparation meets opportunity.” -Henry Hartman

“Wherever you are now is where you are meant to serve now. These innermost circles are often the ones that offer the least amount of recognition. This is why so many people try to circumvent them. And yet your greatest impact will be done here -in the ordinary rhythms of your daily living.” -Priscilla Shirer, Gideon

God is with you in the moment so abide...don’t strive to “arrive”.

You can be successful in the wrong way and with the wrong heart.

Luke 16:15 ESV “ And he said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”

HER BELIEF (she paid attention)

Lydia was a successful, independent business woman who recognized she had a need.

“We work and we work and we work. Striving for what we already have. However, a filled calendar does not reflect a fulfilled life.” -Sharon Jaynes, A Sudden Glory

“Ten men were required to organize a synagogue, and apparently this quorum was missing in Philippi. Not having a synagogue in which to gather the women met outside of town to pray.” -Elizabeth George, Women Who Loved God

“Lydia was a Gentile businesswoman in Philippi to deal in purple. Paul was a Jewish Christian in town to sow seeds of the gospel. They traveled in two different circles with two different agendas.” -Brenda Poinsett, She Walked With Jesus

Who does Jesus help?

Mark 2:15-17 NKJV “Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi's house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, "How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?" When Jesus heard it, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."

“Lydia was not too proud to join a small group. Here, in service and prayer to God, she found blessing, renewed strength, and new hope for the future.” -Frances Vander Velde, Women of the Bible

How did these two cross paths? It was on God’s agenda!

“Lydia is described as a worshiper of God (Acts 16:14). While Lydia most likely was not Jewish, Lydia knew and worshiped the God of the Old Testament. This is not surprising, as many non-Jews in the first century were attracted to the God of Judaism and to the Old Testament’s high moral standards. These people, often called God-fearers, were recognized as adherents of Judaism who had chosen not to go the route of full conversion or for some reason were prohibited from a full conversion.” -Sue Poorman Richards, Women of the Bible

How do you place yourself in the path of God’s agenda? Through prayer.

Prayer is the path.

It was at the prayer meeting that Paul met Lydia.

Philippians 4:6 NKJV “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;”

God’s business is seen by those who pray. Those who pray are those who truly “work” for God.

James 5:16b NKJV “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

Ephesians 6:18 NKJV “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--”

All of this led to Lydia being Paul’s first convert in Europe. The early Philippian church met in her house.

HER BUILDING (church at home)

The Lord opened Lydia’s heart and then Lydia opened up her home. True church starts in the home.

“In order to view serving as the privilege it is, we must serve out of the overflow of our hearts.” -Lori Wilhite & Brandi Wilson, Leading and Loving It

“Work that does not flow out of worship remains just that: work. If our serving does not come from the overflow of our abiding in Christ, we will feel drained quickly.” -Sharon Jaynes, A Sudden Glory

“Devotion always comes before service.” -Kay Smith, The Privilege

Acts 13:1-3 NKJV “Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.”

When you read the book of Philippians...think about Lydia! She played a vital part in the establishment of this church.

Lydia understood the practical and hard work that goes into the ministry. She gave Christ followers a place to meet.

Romans 12:11 KJV “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;”

Proverbs 14:4 NKJV “Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; but much increase comes by the strength of an ox.”

Life Lesson

Lydia was a woman of success -but not only in the things pertaining to the world. She was on a journey to find the true and living God who became a humble servant of His, leading her whole household to Christ and helping to establish a church.

Discussion Questions:

1. In what ways did the Holy Spirit operate in the heart of Lydia?
2. What are some things you define as being successful?
3. Where did Lydia’s true success lie?
4. Take a moment to pray for those unsaved loved ones in your own household or extended family.

Dorcas (Tabitha)

Dorcas (a.k.a. Tabitha)

“She was full”

Scripture References: Acts 9:36-43

ABOUT HER

Read Acts 9:36-43

• Dorcas is also known as Tabitha
• “Dorcas was the Greek name for the Hebrew Tabitha, which means gazelle -that is, beautiful, graceful. Peter called her Tabitha, but the people of Joppa called her Dorcas. As Dorcas, her name has been perpetuated in all the women’s societies whose object is charity, more specifically, sewing for the poor.” -Frances Vander Velde, Women of the Bible
• She lived in Joppa
• She was called a disciple (she is the only woman to be directly referenced as a disciple)
• Her parentage and genealogy are unknown
• She was restored to life after she died
• She was known for serving the widows
• She was one of eight people in all of scripture to rise from the dead

“Through the Spirit-empowered ministry of Philip the evangelist, a Christian Church was established at Joppa -now known as Jaffa -and from an early date the church was not only a center of fervent evangelism but also of a well-organized social service. Possibly Dorcas came to know Christ as her Saviour in this church, and there caught the vision of how she could serve Christ with her money and her needle.”  -Herbert Lockyer, All the Women of the Bible

HER PRACTICAL SERVICE

She was full.

Acts 9:36b ESV “She was full of good works and acts of charity.”

It starts with our salvation -“Behind her sewing of garments was a saved soul.” -Herbert Lockyer, All the Women of the Bible

John 3:16-17 NKJV "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

We are saved and redeemed for God’s purposes.

Titus 2:14 NKJV “who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”

“You are not saved by faith plus works but by a faith that works.” -Warren W. Wiersbe

James 2:14-17 ESV “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

To be full on the outside we must be full on the inside.

“When Luke says that Dorcas was full of good works, he meant the word “full” to refer primarily to her inward grace, which prompted the outward deeds. Good works are only genuine and Christian when the soul of the performer is imbued with them. The cup of cold water to be acceptable must be given in His name. With Dorcas, then, being good meant doing good. Her manifold good works flowed from a heart grateful to God for His saving grace.”  -Herbert Lockyer, All the Women of the Bible

“A great number of Christian workers worship their work. The only concern of Christian workers should be their concentration on God.” Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest Updated Edition

It is always important to serve others out of the overflow.

Jesus is our ultimate example of meeting needs. He did not walk around trying to meet every need and He was not burdened by the pressure and frantic in the magnitude of the ministry that surrounded Him.

He said in John 6:38 NKJV "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

There will be a day when the work God has for us to do will be finished.

John 17:4 NKJV "I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.”

She did what she could-

“Hers was the humble but worthwhile service of the needle. Her days were spent in sewing new garments, washing and smoothing rough old cloth, and in remaking, fitting, and mending garments for the poor.” -Frances Vander Velde, Women of the Bible

Proverbs 31:19-20 NLT “Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.”

We can get confused and think by being a godly woman we need to learn how to sew. Different women in the Bible did different things. What has the Lord uniquely gifted you to do that you can serve Him with?

• Deborah -governing and leadership
• Anna -known for her fastings and prayers
• Martha -hospitality
• Mary -anointed feet of Jesus with alabaster jar

God uniquely created you to create.

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Serving others is a remedy for the sickness called selfishness.

“When you feel like throwing in the towel...pick up the towel”

“The virus of self-gratification is far too contagious. If we don’t want to catch it, we must deliberately immunize ourselves against it.” -Beth Moore, Daniel

Matthew 25:40 NIV "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'

Proverbs 11:25 NLT “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

HER SPIRITUAL IMPACT

It is God’s will that we are bearing fruit in our lives.

John 15:8 ESV “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”

True works of God cause those around us to believe.

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

There is something going on in the spiritual world around us when we serve God in the practical works that He has prepared beforehand to walk in (Ephesians 2:10).

True works of God bring glory to God.

Matthew 5:16 ESV “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16 NLT “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

HER LIFE AFTER DEATH

One of the tender moments in scripture that leaves a mark is when the weeping widows showed Peter the garments Dorcas had made for them.

She was loved! “Acts 9:38 NLT “But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, ‘Please come as soon as possible!’”

The Holy Spirit works as does as He decides.

“Why did Peter raise Dorcas from the dead? There is no indication that anyone asked him to, and we can't say that it was Peter's custom to raise every dead believer that he saw. It must have been a response to the direct leading of the Holy Spirit.” -David Guzik commentary

“We know not whence He comes nor whither He goes. We cannot tell where next He will display His mighty and gracious power.” -R.A. Torrey, The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit

The disciples were comforted that they had their beloved Dorcas back!

Read Philippians 2:25-28 on the reality Paul expressed of possibly losing a fellow laborer in the gospel who had a profound personal impact on his life.

1 Thessalonians 3:12 NKJV “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you”

Life Lesson

Write in your own words Ephesians 2:10:

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you personally like most about Dorcas or what quality of hers particularly ministered to you right now in this season of your life?
2. What are the dangers of being full of works on the outside while not being full of Christ on the inside?
3. What are some unique giftings,services or abilities that God has given to you that you can share with others? (If you have a hard time identifying these things in yourself pray for God to show you and also ask a friend what abilities they see God has given to you)
4. How can we use giftings and abilities in a way that glorifies God?