Completing The Journey

Completing the Journey

Acts 28:1-31

Introduction

We are called to have a common purpose in what we do

-- The purpose is to worship, to love, and to celebrate Christ and share Him always

-- That is our challenge, mission, and it is STILL where we find ourselves today

LAST WEEK:

Even when we are shipwrecked in life, God is still in control … always!

-- We always look for ways to change the outcome, but only God knows it!

-- Paul lived and witnessed for the One who control everything

-- Even though life may be difficult; Salvation is STILL His promise

Today, we conclude our series in Acts which has taken us more than ¾ of a year

-- The journey many would say has been focused on Paul, written by Luke

-- Some would eve say that this has really been about the early church

-- But, I’d like to correct that … Acts is about one thing only: JESUS

If it weren’t for what Jesus has done:

-- Paul would never have been saved

-- The church would have never formed

-- Living Faith Church (we) would not be here to study this

IMP: If we gather for ANY other reason than Christ, we’ve lost our focus

-- Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

As we close this study let’s keep that as our focus and see how this book ends

Point 1 – God gives favor (1-10)

Read Acts 28:1-10

God has a way of making insurmountable situations into favorable ones

-- This is because we (again) like to control what’s happening and see no hope

This snake (v3) was looked at like a curse; something to be feared and avoided

-- APP: Belief was that Paul was a murdered, this was obviously God punishing

-- Murder has been around since Cain and Abel; and it’s a horrible crime

-- God is obviously punishing Paul for his actions; which they approved of

IMP: Man often wants others punished for things they’ve done wrong

-- But, this is not what is happening … God’s timing is perfect in this scenario

It is God who sets this record straight, as Paul’s actions in v4-5 show

-- APP: In times of great struggle, having faith in God reveals who you trust

-- Often we refer to a snake in scripture as the enemy (Garden of Eden curse)

-- Now see Paul’s response to this imagery of wickedness: v5; shakes it off!

God shows us in this event that He controls all that is happening; even in danger

-- Remember the shipwreck? God’s promise is clear: you WILL go to Rome

-- God even provides a place for them to stay to rest and (again) demonstrate faith

-- Paul heals a man who is sick, then healed others, while being treated well

-- APP: Why? Because when God sets you on a journey He brings you through it

-- Philippians 1:6, “… he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Point 2 – Giving Thanks (11-16)

Read Acts 28:11-16

I’d like us to see something interesting here … can you remember your last trip?

-- Surely we talked about the memories, the sights, the places we’ve encountered

-- But, why is it important that ever discuss the actual journey itself?

Paul recounts step by step of his journey for one reason alone: God’s provision!

-- He traveled with other believers; he had fellowship & was taken care of

-- IMP: Let’s remember something here … PAUL IS A PRISONER!

-- Explore: Have you ever seen a prisoner treated so well?

Can you imagine all this happening and what Paul is doing in his quiet time?

-- God has put all of this in place not to glorify Paul, but honor Himself!

IMP: It is in this honor that we see the revelation of Paul’s character:

-- v15, “At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged.”

-- Even in all that was happening, God deserves the thanks and the praise!

Challenge: When you are facing adversity, who do you thank and praise?

-- You have EVERY reason to be thankful, even in persecution and trials

-- Why? The Bible says you are a child of the King, a joint heir with Christ:

-- Romans 8:17, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs -- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

-- John 1:12-13, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God -- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”