Deceptive Winds

Investigative

Paul is sailing to Rome and begins his journey

He previously warned that they should have set sail but instead that they should wait until the season was more favorable.

The soldiers and crew ignored Paul and instead set sail

They started to received a gentle southern wind that was favorable.

In many ages that would have been seen as a good omen and that they were headed in the right direction.

Yet soon after, the gray skies turned dark and a storm arose that was feared by all sailors during that time in that region.

The sailors were caught off guard so much that they even forgot to bring in the boat that they usually towed behind them.

Progressively they gave way to it and began to throw gear overboard in an attempt to lighten the load.

Their decision had led them to be directionless in a storm on a ship that was certain to be destroyed.

At this point I can imagine that leadership of Paul began to elevate in their eyes as they contemplated his words from before.

It’s interesting how often we make decisions, opposed to sound wisdom, because of a momentary southern wind only to find ourselves adrift in a storm.

Times have gotten so bad that you have to just give way and say come what may…at this point it’s intriguing what happens.

Paul speaks up and states...”I told you so…but listen to me this time...”

God was not only going to care for Paul…but apparently upon Paul’s request, granted to him the lives of those who were with him.

Paul’s rejection, that endangered his very life, didn’t led him to be repulsed by them but prayed for them as well.

Thank for the audacity...”you didn’t listen to me the first time, now look at you but don’t be dismayed…you’ll be saved because I requested it and God granted it”

There may be some here that are ONLY here because someone requested it.

However, although God would deliver, it’s not going to be as pleasant as it could’ve been. They’re going to run aground.

Paul was constantly reassuring them that although they would suffer loss they would be saved.

They were all encouraged by that, the situation that they were drawing near to land, and then ate, tossed the rest, and waited for the next step as they drifted toward land.

TR: I’ll pause there and ask us to take a moment to reflect on what I’ve said and the truths of this passage, in a few moments I’d like for you all to verbally respond in a Q&A time to three questions. 1) Where is this passage challenging or presenting some conflict with you? 2) Where is this passage bringing some clarity to you or confirming something for you? 3) What thoughts does this passage lead you to?

Expressive

As we move into a time of response and explore what God is doing among us, I’d like to outline some ground rules.

Please don’t share more than a minute so other people can have a time to respond, you can also text in a question or statement in the GroupMe.

Please remember we are different humans with different opinions and it’s okay to hear something you don’t agree with.

This is a time to be nourished by listening to what the Spirit of God is doing amongst each other.

Kid’s Section

Need two kids volunteers

Run down and back as fast as you can

Now sometimes when we don’t listen…we still have to do the same thing but because we didn’t listen the first time…it gets harder.

But…because God loves you…He’ll give you the strength to carry it and get through it.

TR: SIT DOWN ON A STOOL

Collective

TR: STAND UP

I’d like to take a minute to collect our clarities and our conflicts

What are some themes you see on the board?

What are our feelings? What is intriguing?

What might God’s Spirit be saying?

COMPOSURE

ABANDONMENT OF SELF RELIANCE

GRATEFULNESS

surrender

Declarative

Main Theme: God calls us to believe His Word over life’s circumstantial winds...

Believe in His Method

This world is rife with people telling us, informing us, of this way and that.

There are all sorts of philosophies that pile into our minds at every waking moment

Here you had seasoned sailors, swearing by their own wisdom, and understandably so.

However it is not the most seasoned that is wise but rather it is the most submitted.

Something beautifully happens on a long life that’s lived in submission to Yahweh. When years of experience are immersed in truth.

Yet when that is spurned we can find ourselves adrift with the pagan philosophies of this world

Believe in His Messenger

Not just His method but also His messenger.

Here Paul no doubt wasn’t the only one praying. They all prayed to their gods....yet only Yahweh showed up.

The beauty of this is that while Paul received a message he also gave one, one of remembrance of the crew.

We might have made a mistake before. Have made a decision based on favorable winds. Yet God has a message for you!

He has not forgotten you! You are remembered! And he has GRANTED YOUR LIFE TO JESUS CHRIST FOR SAFE KEEPING!!

Yahweh’s purpose for you will be accomplished!!!

Believe in His Model

All you must do is believe in His model…the model of Jesus on the cross.

Here the people on the ship, went from complete dismissal of Paul’s message to embracing it.

After casting all else overboard in an attempt to save themselves....end the end they knew that Paul’s God would keep them.

They were encouraged…battered, but encouraged.

Such is the journey of this life...

Yahweh is calling you, in this storm of life that has deceived you with it’s momentary winds, to throw all the trinkets of this world overboard, and entrust yourself to Him.

What will be your response?

COMMUNION