Never Give Up The Ship

BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday Morning

January 28, 2001

11:00 A. M.

Intro: Storms come into our lives for several reasons, how we react in those situations reveals our faith and level of spiritual maturity.

Core: In the book of acts we see how Paul reacts in a storm. He knows God’s will and tries to warn those around of impending danger. Just as we warn those around us of the danger of not trusting Christ as savior.

Body I. Acts 27:10 & 11, "And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be

with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives." (11) "Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul."

A. Paul warns that the ship will be in peril if they set sail.

1. The Centurion listens to the ships’ captain.

2. Just as the world listens to those in it.

B. Paul has heard the Lord.

1. He is going through a real test.

2. He stands out from the crowd.

3. He gives a warning, which they wish later they, had heeded.

C. The Spiritual superiority of Paul is evident.

1. There is no confusion in Paul’s life.

2. No uncertainty,

3. No frustration.

4. He is balanced in his personality.

D. Paul knew the way he was going.

1. Paul’s message when arriving in Rome, was "this one thing I do,"

2. These things are evident in his behavior, throughout the voyage.

3. Paul lived his life as a man in touch with God.

II. The captain like all mankind was depending on self and the wisdom of man.

A. People with years of experience like himself had sailed these waters for years.

1. Paul was looking to God.

2. Later in this crisis Paul would confess, "I believe God."

3. This seen in (v. 25) notice he didn’t say "I believe in God" but that "I believe God."

B. Life is a great sea and our lives are like little boats.

1. We can sail our boats in many situations by human suppositions and wisdom, if we choose too.

2. But keep in mind there is a storm looming.

3. The tragic thing, which occurs, is that, amid confusion, world chaos, and darkness, most men are still guessing.

4. There are thousands of human plans out there for world peace, solving hunger, ending poverty, helping all mankind to have a better life.

5. Yet everyone, of man’s plans is failing.

6. While if we look to God, "All things work together for good."

III. Then as we see in verse 14 the great storm hits.

A. A great Northeast wind began to blow.

1. It was a "tempestuous wind"

2. It was in this storm that Paul’s warning, which went unheeded, is realized.

B. Paul and all those with him are caught.

1. Sometimes the righteous, suffer with the sinner.

2. Sometimes our prayers are answered through storms. Romans 1:10 - 12, " Making request, if by any means now at length I might have prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you." (11), For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; (12) That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me."

3. With great desire to do God’s will storms come. Acts 19:21, "After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome."

4. The greatest trial Paul had faced came in Jerusalem, which lead to this journey.

C. It was in that time of darkness, despair and seeming defeat that God spoke in a mighty way to Paul.

1. Giving him great assurance that he would attain his goal and desire, to arrive in Rome.

2. We see this in Acts 23:11 which states, "And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome."

3. The Lord assured him that he would reach Rome.

4. Not only would he reach Rome but also, he would preach the gospel message to them.

IV. Then in acts 27:15 - 18 we see the intensity of the storm grow.

A. The people were afraid on board that ship.

1. They knew they were going down.

2. They began to throw it all in.

3. They were ready to quit.

4. That is how some believers get when hard times come.