Comforting Courage

Investigative

Paul is nearing the end of his voyage and what an eventful one it has been.

Paul and the crew had spent the winter in Malta and now hitched a ride on a different ship to take them the rest of the way.

The ship had the Gemini gods of the Romans on the front which they believed would grant them good fortune on the seas.

Ironically, even after all that they encountered, there still would’ve been a blending of thoughts more than likely of both Paul’s God and the Roman gods giving them good fortune.

They made their way from Malta to the island of Sicily and to port in the southern regions of Italy.

Luke mentions another south wind that came up that lead them into Italy…I’m wondering what the sailors thought when they heard this happen considering what happened with the last south wind that got them into this predicament.

I’d imagine once it hit they’d all look at Paul like “you heard anything from God or are we good to go”

Once they made land they had visitors come who were believers…the Gospel had made it all the way to Italy and ultimatley we’ll see even to Rome itself.

When they arrived at Rome, Paul was visited by various believers who had heard about his arrival.

they traveled approximately 35-45 miles to see him from some of the surrounding areas.

Point out the locations on the map slide

This would all have been done still under the watchful but seemingly permissive eye of the Roman Centurion Julius.

I believe in some ways he is the unsung character in this passage. Although not the central one we see Luke consistently mentioning him during this journey.

The text highlights not just that Paul was happy to see them but more so the connotation is that they brought him courage to face whatever he was to face.

Finally arrived at Rome, this would’ve been approximately 3 years since Paul wrote to the Romans wishing to see them while he was in Corinth and now he’s here.

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.

Take 5 minutes to discuss as groups then we’ll open it up to the larger room.

Parents Section

Talk to your kids about how Paul was encouraged when he saw his friends

Talk to your kids about how his friends gave him courage to face a tough time and how they could do that for their friends or people that need courage.

Do they have anyone at school or family that have been nervous about something? What could they do to help them?

How has Jesus help them with something they’re nervous/scared about?

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?

Declarative

Main Point: There’s a courage that’s secured in the comforting of Christ

What season are you headed into? What trial are you coming out of? How are you approaching it?

These are all questions that we need to ask ourselves.

The arrival of the land isn’t what brought Paul courage…it was the presence of Christ made manifest through the lives of believers.

There will be a time when you face the first south wind, the one that seemed good yet lead to trajedy but take heart.

There is another south wind that carries you to a place encouragement.

Neither remove you from the journey but both are seasons that you will encounter.

During both winds of life, those that challenge and those that empower, Jesus is there!

However, we have the opportunity to play a role either in receiving courage from others as we press toward our challenge OR to be the courage giver, empowering your brother or sister to stand firm in the faith.

I think of our sister in the faith Rita Horton, who no less than a month ago stood here and gave her testimony and now is believed to be in her final days.

I think of my friend Mike Roberson, who’s wife is battling cancer and this past week had her closest encounter with death.

Although their journey is not mine…how far will I travel to bring them courage? To let them know I’ve heard of them and tell of how they inspired me?

There’s a courage that’s secured in the comforting of Christ…consider that you might be the one to deliver it...