Paul’s Trust Despite Facing Life’s Trials Series

To the Ends of the Earth, Part 41

Paul’s trust despite facing life’s trials

Acts 28:1-15

Introduction

- Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 sermon series, “To the Ends of the Earth”

-- Last week we completed a two-part message focused on:

• A picture of man’s way vs. God’s way of salvation (see what God has done)

• A picture of fear vs. Godly trust (see how God provides)

• A picture of life’s trials and God’s providence (see how God rescues)

- KEY: God did exactly what He told Paul He would do!

-- Why does it matter? Because to not trust God is to depend on our capabilities

- Today as we begin our final chapter of Acts, want us to take special note:

-- God’s protection never waivers from His servants; even in the toughest times

-- Paul, being a faithful servant, has been obedient from his first calling

- His ministry at this point, is roughly 28 years old; 28 years of trials/faithfulness

-- He has been through many challenges, many abuses, many opportunities to quit

- For you and me, there can be no greater lesson to take note of than this:

-- In everything, God provides for and protects those who are called by Him!

-- BIG: Even when we doubt and distrust, God remains faithful in everything

- Read Acts 28:1-15 / Pray

Point 1 – Paul’s trust in God’s ability to overcome life’s struggles

- God had brought them to the island of Malta (they shipwrecked off of it)

-- (MAP) They are located about 60 miles south of Sicily; under Roman control

-- Truth be told, this island was also not part of the trade routes of the world

- RE: Paul has been through a violent storm that lasted more than 14 days

-- He and the crew would have faced utter hopelessness and despair

-- The crew wanted to abandon ship and Paul had to convince them to:

• not kill the prisoners (including Paul), and,

• remain on board to follow God’s direction (receive promise)

-- They eventually ran aground and would have had to swim for the shore

- Need to see this: Despite everything that has happened, God kept His word!

-- 2 Timothy 4:18, “Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.”

- Marooned on an island, Paul now has another challenge … what now? (v1)

-- Who are these people? Obviously not Roman citizens based on culture …

-- They were hospital, kind, and provided Paul with many comforts / grace (v2)

-- However, it was widely known that the world would have called them barbarians

- Why? All non-Greeks and non-Romans were referred to as “barbarians”

-- Greek: barbaros; a foreigner, one who speaks neither Greek nor Latin

- Note: These people could have easily felt threatened and attacked the survivors

-- They could have taken advantage of them, stolen their valuables, and left them

- But see this: God had another plan for the survivors of the shipwreck (276)

-- The natives showed kindness (built a fire) / provided comfort for the survivors

- This particular kindness is, in the Greek, a well-known word today

-- Greek: philanthrópia; love for mankind, kindness, benevolence

-- APP: Rather than be selfish and guarded, they welcomed others hospitably

-- Where we get the word “philanthropy”; to promote the welfare of others

- Paul, wanting to contribute, gathers sticks and wood for the fire (v3)

-- As he is working, he encounters a poisonous snake who attacks and bites him

-- Now look … we are not going to handle snakes today to “prove our faith”

- But … imagine if Paul had just used this moment as a chance to just give up!

-- Surely, he would have to be thinking, “Really God? Really???”

-- “I just had to swim to shore and now I’ve been bitten by Mr. No Shoulders!?!”

- Yet, look at how Paul responds to this:

• God takes care of Paul through this healing him instantly, and,

• While he was labeled as a “god”, he instead testifies and heals others

• APP: God uses this trial to allow him to witness to others about Jesus!

- APP: Let’s consider this realistically for a moment…

-- What are you going through that perhaps you might have a chance to witness?

-- Hard times? Health issues? Financial issues? Family issues? Etc.?

-- Could you not speak on the goodness of God even during these challenges?

- TR: Let’s dive a little deeper into how Paul handles this …

Point 2 – God’s miracles demonstrate His ability to rescue

- Paul would have faced superstition and heavy paganism in Malta (v6)