I Believe God
Notes
Transcript
Conflicting Advice
Conflicting Advice
9 Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” 11 Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there.
The helmsman spoke as an experienced sailor and the owner as a successful business man.
People are often more inclined to listen to the “voice of experience” or “success” over the word of God.
The “majority advised to set sail,” how many would rather listen to the majority than to God!
Paul was a prisoner and preacher, and he was close to God, but they ignored his advice.
False Comfort
False Comfort
13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete.
The comforting conditions convinced them that Paul was wrong.
Many times we ignore God’s word and feel like we’ve made the right choice because the way seems easy.
11 Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. 12 Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him.
9 Rejoice, O young man, in your youth,
And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth;
Walk in the ways of your heart,
And in the sight of your eyes;
But know that for all these
God will bring you into judgment.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.
All Hope Lost
All Hope Lost
14 But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon. 15 So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive. 16 And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty. 17 When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven. 18 And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship. 19 On the third day we threw the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands. 20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.
Euroclydon and a small frail vessel.
Valuable cargo lost.
20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’
No way to navigate.
23 O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself;
It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.
They had been so certain but now all hope was lost!
How sad that so many have the same loss of hope in the storms of life!
25 For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me,
And what I dreaded has happened to me.
One Voice of Hope
One Voice of Hope
21 But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. 22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.
Paul reminded them that his word was reliable - he spoke the word of God!
He did this to encourage them to listen to him now, there was still hope to survive the storm.
All would be lost but their lives - what is stuff compared to life!
What is stuff compared to salvation!
36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?
The Greatest Hope of All - I Believe God
The Greatest Hope of All - I Believe God
25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.