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)
-- Why? It was an unreached people whose survival was dependent on them
-- Plus, he’s Obviously he was a criminal (brought here in chains/shackles)
-- And their opinion was that the snake bite was God’s ‘justice’ towards him
- However, look how quickly Paul turns this around as an opportunity
-- Since he was unharmed, they were more receptive to hear the message
-- APP: He had their attention, and was willing to share what he knew
-- Don’t miss: He’s not a god, but he knew THE God they needed!
- FACT: Ordinary men cannot understand the miracles of God … miracles:
• Demonstrate something outside of man’s control at work
• They have no explanation that we can rationally accept
• But they give opportunity for praise of what the TRUE God has done!
- For Today: Without Jesus, we are all unable to understand how God works
-- He came to show us the perfect example of what each of us needs (salvation)
-- Paul’s demonstration of this amplifies his own need to know/trust Christ
-- It is ALSO an invaluable testimony that we each have today to share
- God used the miracle of Paul’s healing to open the door for him to share Christ
-- He was even able to pray over others who would be healed from sickness (v9)
-- You might ask yourself … why would this be important to focus on?
-- Aren’t there other things happening in our story? Yes, but …
- Believers are to stand firm during trials, enduring with faith in God alone
-- And we are to use these trials as opportunity to share (evangelism)
-- Yes, this means that we witness even when we do not “feel like it”!
-- That is the key ... that is the secret sauce to witnessing … to just do it, always
BIG IDEA
- Yes, Paul was destitute and without the basic comforts of home
-- Yes, Paul was without anything that they could benefit materially from
-- But God steps in and takes care of his needs, abundantly! (fire, food, comfort)
- Paul’s complete trust in God even allows him to boldly share his faith … why?
-- He knows the promise of God! Deuteronomy 31:6, “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
- Can’t we see how critical this is for us right now?
-- BEGIN: Where are you lacking in trust and need to seek God?
-- THEN: Where can you testify to the goodness of God and share Him today?
- Each of us has a story – a testimony – a powerful truth of God’s abilities
-- The fact that it is personal to YOU ought to empower you to share it!
- BIG: What is keeping us from telling others who He is in our lives?
-- Don’t miss this -- all Paul knows how to do is tell of the goodness of God …
- CHALL: What has God done for you this week that you need to testify about?
- Pray
