Witness to the ends of the Earth

Introduction

Scripture

Father God, we thank You for Who You are. A great Big God who sees each and every one of us here and cares deeply about us. We ask this day, as we are continuing in this time of worship to You, reading Your Word and hearing Your Word, that You refine us with it. Mold us, make us, shape us, rearrange us so that we can more like You, and more made into the image of Christ. Help us be a people who love You and love others so much, that we are moved into action by whatever it is You are going to show us about Yourself today and what that means in our lives. Help us do this, because all to often our selfish and sinless flesh war against our will to follow Yours. As we are doing this, and as we are coming into Your Word today, we ask that You take away any distraction that we may have, and make it go as far away as it possible can, because we want to see and we want to know You better. It’s in these things that I ask and in Jesus Christ’s Holy and precious name that I pray, Amen.

Context

          In last week’s text, we saw Paul and company finally begin their voyage from Caesarea to Rome. This voyage of course, was met with much difficulty, painstakingly slow times, and end the end a deathly serious situation that would ultimately end in everyone’s safe deliverance, just as Jesus had told Paul what would happen. In that text, we saw a particular focus in taking and doing Godly advise, as Paul had given the men of authority before, but it was not headed.

          In today’s text, we see what happens just after that shipwreck and into Paul’s ministry in Rome. If we were to take a step back, and look at a lesson from Paul’s experience during these last few chapters, it is this: You must know that every word Jesus told you, He meant. When Jesus left this earth, to return again one day, the last thing he told all of his disciples, was to go make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of The Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you, and know that I am always with you. Jesus told them this, Jesus tells you this, and through the book of Acts, we see that commission followed out. So, let’s see Paul live out his commission to go and proclaim the name of Jesus in Rome, and consider what lessons we can learn from his example. So, lets jump in and From the text, I want you to see and do these actions as you witness about Jesus wherever you are.

Message

The first action to see and do is: Don’t ignore an opportunity 1-10

28 Once safely ashore, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The local people showed us extraordinary kindness. They lit a fire and took us all in, since it was raining and cold. 3 As Paul gathered a bundle of brushwood and put it on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the local people saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “This man, no doubt, is a murderer. Even though he has escaped the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 But he shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They expected that he would begin to swell up or suddenly drop dead. After they waited a long time and saw nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.7 Now in the area around that place was an estate belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 Publius’s father was in bed suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went to him, and praying and laying his hands on him, he healed him. 9 After this, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. 10 So they heaped many honors on us, and when we sailed, they gave us what we needed.

          The island they shipwrecked at was the island of Malta, which is approximately 115 miles south of the isle of Sicily. The locals their, were very kind people, and sheltered them. We see here, an interesting event with Paul, one that probably didn’t shock him, but would have been absolutely astounding for everyone watching. This was that as he was gathering brush to put on the fire, a viper came and bit him, latching onto him. Now, if this was me, just the sight of the snake would have had me run in fear, but what did Paul do? He merely shook it off and threw it into the fire. Surely, this man will die soon, they all thought. But, to the contrary he was very much well, and unable to understand what happened, the locals supposed Paul was some kind of god. Paul of course, when we look at his past example of when this happened (when he and Barnabas were called Zues and Hermes) wouldn’t allow this and instead he would seize the opportunity to show and share the God he served. So, by the power given to him by God, he was brought to leading men and common people, and laid hands on them and healed everyone who came to him. The people, though we don’t know much more about what happened, appreciated Paul and His ministry, and clearly they thought there must be something to the God that serves. Paul didn’t miss an opportunity, even when he had just been through disaster.

          It makes sense to make the most of every opportunity for ministry that you can. Now of course, it doesn't mean doing every ministry possible all the time (that’s just a recipe for disaster), but making the most of every situation that you can; both targeted/planned and what happens in your day to day life. In the your life as  believer, the opportunity to show others Jesus, tell them about his life, death, burial, and resurrection, and what happens when you put in your faith in Him will happen regularly. What you must be always doing, is keeping your eyes open for them, and not be focused on self, convenience, and fear. That is, it will often be inconvenient and against what your flesh wants you to do, to take time to share the Gospel with others. I mean think about it, Paul could have said, “i’ve been through a terrible situation, and i’m on my way to Rome, so can you leave me alone?” Did he do this? No, his whole being was fully into showing everyone he came across the love of the savior, Jesus Christ the righteous, who came down from His own throne of rule on high, and went so far as to die for you. What you  must  remember is that everything on this earth is not of any importance when it comes to what is important as a follower of Christ. What is important? That others come to know Him. That you are a believer who: Love’s God, Loves People, and Makes Disciples. So, You must know that every word Jesus told you, He meant. And Jesus told you to make disciples; even if it means witnessing to the ends of the earth.

The next action to see and do is to: Encourage the others 11-16

11 After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered at the island, with the Twin Gods[a] as its figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed three days. 13 From there, after making a circuit along the coast,[b] we reached Rhegium. After one day a south wind sprang up, and the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found brothers and sisters and were invited to stay a week with them. And so we came to Rome. 15 Now the brothers and sisters from there had heard the news about us and had come to meet us as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. 16 When we entered Rome,[c] Paul was allowed to live by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

          With the winter months now behind them, and the safer sailing days in spring now upon them, our crew takes a ship finally to Sicily and then mainland Rome. They would come to stop at a port city named Puteroli, which was just a little south of Rome. There, they would come across fellow Christians (isn’t that just amazing how The Gospel had Spread this far already, which in some way had to be related to Paul’s past ministry). There they stayed for a week, and then began the final stretch of the journey to Rome (about a 140 mile walk). When they got to Rome, a very unexpected event happened. It seemed that somehow-someway, word had gotten out to other Christians that Paul was on his way to Rome. So excited to see Paul and greet him, that we see brothers and sisters from two towns which were about 30-40 miles away (if weather allowed a 12 hour journey on foot). Paul was greatly encouraged by this, he thanked God for it, It seems like for some reason at this time he needed some encouragement, and he received it from his faithful God through these faithful and loving believers. While in Rome,  Paul got to enjoy this fellowship, as even though he was a prisoner, he was trusted enough to live not in a prison but in a rented home with only a single guard with him. Paul had no intention in leaving, and they knew it.

          How great it is, to be able to encourage someone. And it’s clear from our bible’s, that we each need to receive encouragement and give encouragement. My mind goes back here, to a time when God provided encouragement to the entire nation of Israel, this was through the mouth of the prophet Isaiah and is recorded in in Isaiah 41. In this passage, the prophet through God’s inspiration describes time of comfort that will come to them after going through a terrible time. Here these words that he tells them, I brought[c] you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said to you: You are my servant; I have chosen you; I haven’t rejected you. 10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand. 11 Be sure that all who are enraged against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will become as nothing and will perish.

          Let’s hear another verse, a command from Paul in the letter of Hebrews that says Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Heb. 3:13).  You must know that every word Jesus told you, He meant. He meant be with one another, He meant encourage one another, and He meant that you are to receive encouragement. So, believer, are you doing life with other believers, so that you can both give and receive encouragement? Do you regularly spend time with them, even if it means a sacrifice on your behalf? If not, why not? And what do you need to do to correct it? Even the great Apostle Paul could not do life as a Christian as a lone wolf, and neither can you or anyone else. So, instead of going it alone, encourage and be encouraged by the others.

The third action to see and do is to: Share sent salvation 17-28

17 After three days he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered he said to them, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 After they examined me, they wanted to release me, since there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 Because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar; even though I had no charge to bring against my people. 20 For this reason I’ve asked to see you and speak to you. In fact, it is for the hope of Israel that I’m wearing this chain.”21 Then they said to him, “We haven’t received any letters about you from Judea. None of the brothers has come and reported or spoken anything evil about you. 22 But we want to hear what your views are, since we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect.”23 After arranging a day with him, many came to him at his lodging. From dawn to dusk he expounded and testified about the kingdom of God. He tried to persuade them about Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets. 24 Some were persuaded by what he said, but others did not believe.25 Disagreeing among themselves, they began to leave after Paul made one statement:[d] “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your[e] ancestors through the prophet Isaiah 26 when he said,Go to these people and say: You will always be listening, but never understanding; and you will always be looking, but never perceiving.27 For the hearts of these people have grown callous, their ears are hard of hearing,and they have shut their eyes; otherwise they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears, understand with their heart and turn,and I would heal them.[f] 28 Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”

          So, upon entering a new town, Paul did what was always his custom when on a missionary journey. He went to the Jewish people first to tell them the good news that their Messiah had come, and his name is Jesus. He found an opportunity, and made an appointed time and place to this, because it was his pleasure to witness the name of Jesus to them. As they had never heard about Paul before, how much of the Jews of the world were against him, they thought it was fine, and were interested in hearing about this living hope he was going to tell them about. When the time came, Paul spoke to them in ways that they would understand (from the law and the prophets) about the savior Jesus. As you would expect, some of them believed him, and some of them did not. When it came time to dismiss, the two sides sharply disagreed with one another, largely on the grounds (once again) that salvation had come to the gentiles (as The prophet Isaiah said it would) and this people would accept the same salvation offer that the Jews would be offered (and oh so many of them would reject).

          Paul made it his aim while here in Rome, to share that salvation is sent far and wide, to anyone that would have it. You see, no matter who you are, or where you are. All of mankind can naturally perceive, we can naturally know that something is wrong with this world we live in. For the follower of Jesus, the follower of Christ, the Christian; we know the answer to this great mystery. It is that the world is cursed because of the power of sin, and because of it we are separated from God. As a result from this sin and separation, bad things happen, in fact they seem to outweigh the good. Every person sees this and knows this, even if they won’t admit it, deep down. You, believer, hold the answers and solution to that great mystery. The answer, is that you need salvation (saving) from sin, and this can only be done by accepting Jesus’ blood sacrifice on the cross to pay the penalty for your sin. There is no other way. So, since you know this, you are to share that salvation is sent and available to us. You must know that every word Jesus told you, He meant. And He Meant that yes, I save, and He meant that yes, you are to be sharing me nearby, a way out, and even to the end of the world. He said it, and He meant it to you believer, so, are you doing it?

Another action to see and do is to: Fulfill your commission 30-31

30 Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house. And he welcomed all who visited him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

          For an entire 2 years, Paul lived out his command and commission to go and Witness (share about) Jesus in Rome, just as he had done in Jerusalem. In his own home, he had many people and shared with them the Kingdom of God and teachings about the Lord Jesus Christ with absolute boldness (no fear) and with no outside hindrance. Here, we see a faithful living out of Jesus commands to the apostles, which read about in Acts 1, that they would go out in the power of The Holy Spirit, and be witnesses in Jerusalem (their home) in all Judea and Samara (places a little ways away) and to the ends of the earth (very far away and in places very different then what you are used to).

          Now, Paul and the apostles were given very distinct and unique commissions, ones that noone else in history will be able to live out. However, You must know that every word Jesus told you, He meant. And Jesus told us, Jesus told you to go and make disciples. Remember the great commission to all believers that says, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of[e] all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember,[f] I am with you always,[g] to the end of the age.” Here, Jesus tells you, he as all Power and authority, nothing and nonone outranks Him in power or importance, so with that authority I commission you to go and make disciples everywhere you can, Baptize them (make them disciples) and train them up (to observe everything I have commanded you), do this knowing that I am always with you. I always see, I always know, and I always empower you. So then believer, are you living out your commission? Are you really and honestly  loving God, loving people, and making disciples? Or are you inactive (disobedient to that)? And what is it going to take to get you to hear the words that Jesus said and Jesus meant? Fulfill your commission, to God’s great glory and delight in and to and through yourself.

Conclusion

          Beloved, as you go and witness to whatever ends of the earth you find yourself, whether it be south west Christian County, all of our county, all of Kentucky, all of the south United States, All North America, or all of the world; remember your God. Remember your savior, the one who has given you the very breath in your lungs, everything you have ever had, and your eternity awaiting you in the presence of God (if you are believer) and remember what He said, He meant. So, Don’t ignore an opportunity 1-10; don’t ignore an opportunity that is before you to honor God and make Him known to others, be sure along the way that you Encourage the others, as you will both need and receive along the way to others and your own benefit. Share sent salvation, that God sent salvation to us from Jesus' Sacrifice on the cross, and remember to Fulfill your commission to share Christ Crucified everywhere you go. As you go, remember to live out everything in the heart of the great commandments and the great commission, love God, love people, and make disciples.

With all of that being said, I would be remised if I didn’t share the Gospel (or the Good News) of Jesus Christ with you today, for the benefit of both believer and non-believer in the room. This begins all the way back at the beginning, God created everything, and he created all things good. He gave His most treasured creation (us, mankind) the ability of free will, the ability to choose Him or rebellion. Man was deceived by Satan and desired to be like God and sinned (or rebelled against God). This brought the curse of sin and death into the world and it remains with us to this day; which separates us from God. God though, loved His creation (mankind) so much that He worked through history to redeem all mankind that would turn to Him from sin so that we can experience a full and perfect relationship with Him again. This was through the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the pay for sins. Accepting this free gift from God, makes you new and forgiven. All you have to do accept this free gift by repenting and believing in the Lord Jesus and you will get to experience the good side of God’s justice forever. So, now that you know this, you can no longer plead ignorance. I invite and urge you to respond today non-believer and apply this to every part of your life believers in the audience today.

With that, Let’s conclude. Brothers and Sisters, I love you all. During our last song together, if you need prayer, or want to talk more about Jesus, or have something you want to talk about, I’ll be here, don’t be afraid to come on down. Let’s pray. Father God, we thank You for who You are and what You are doing to us here in this place. May whatever it is that You are doing in each of heart here, continue as we leave go out into the world this week. Change us, mold us, make us, re-arrange us, that we can be both better lovers of You and better showers of You. It’s in these things that I ask and in Jesus Christ’s Holy and precious name that I pray, Amen.