1 Corinthians 11:1 – Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
In Acts 27 and 28, we see
Five characteristics of a faithful disciple.
The first three are from Acts 27
1. Trustworthy (verses 1-3)
This is a baseline characteristic for a believer.
Are you trustworthy?
Proverbs 11:3, Luke 16:10
2. Counselor (Verses 4-12)
Julius ignores Paul’s counsel
verse 11 points out the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said.
The next verses show the storm getting worse and worse, so what we’re seeing here is how NOT to make Decisions.
How NOT to be in God’s will:
1. Be impatient.
Don’t wait on the Lord’s timing
2. Listen to the expert advice above godly widsom.
Experience and right motives don’t trump Godly wisdom.
3. Follow the Majority
Just because most people want it doesn’t make it right.
Verse 12 – the majority decided
4. Look for Perfect Conditions
Verse 13 – the south wind blew gently
Even when the conditions are perfect, don’t ignore biblical wisdom.
Always look to Scripture: The Instruction Manual. The Inspired, inerrant, authoritative, sufficient Word of God.
It’s the Final Word.
3. Encourager (Verses 21-26)
Paul encouraged them in several ways
1. He shared God’s Word with them.
We don’t need visions or visits from angels because we have the Word of God.
As we encounter storms, and you’ve been intentional with the Bible, hiding God’ Word in your heart you’re better able to encourage others with God’s Word.
An encourager encourages with the Word
2. An encourager warns
Those trying to escape were being selfish, rebellious, and acting in unbelief
God’s promise was: you’ll be safe with Paul
They’re rejecting that promise, taking their lives into their own hands. We’ll be better off out on our own they were thinking. They were wrong.
One of the great benefits of being a part of a local church is the protection it offers. When we’re doing life together, we’re stronger because we have one another. You’re not better off doing it on your own.
3. An Encourager sets a good example
Living the Christian life before them
Paul sets a great example praying and encouraging them to eat. He’s put his Christian life on display.
4. An Encourager Rescues Others
Everyone on the ship benefited from Paul being on the journey with them. Many would have perished had he not been on board.
How do those that God as placed in your proximity benefit from you being in their lives?
Would those around you say they’re better off because you’re part of their world?
Is the waiter/waitress glad you sat at their
table?
Is your neighbor glad you’re living next door?
Are your in-laws glad you married into the fam
Are those you work with glad they hired you?
rather than asking: when is he going to quit?
Are the people in your SS class, Home Group, etc. thinking: “I’m so glad they’re part of our church!!”
in Discipleship:
More than just deepening relationships.
Is our church better because you’re part of us?
Lessons we’ve learned so far:
• Storms come as a result of disobedience & sin
• Storms Reveal Character
• Storms Don’t Affect God
• Storms Bring Ministry Opportunities
––> Psalm 121
How Do I stand firm Through the Storms of Life?
1. Always Remember: God is with you.
Matthew 28:20, Lamentations 3:22-24
2. Remember: You belong to Him
Acs 27:23 – the God to whom I belong
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
The GOSPEL makes ALL the difference
Galatians 3:13 – Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us
3. Remember You’re Serving The Lord
Wherever you are, God has you there for a reason: to serve Him.
If you’re still here, God isn’t finished with you.
4. Trust Our Trustworthy God
Verse 25 – take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told
You absolutely can trust God with the details:
I pray that God’s Word, through the Holy Spirit, captures your heart and mind, and that you are changed because of His working both in and through you!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Pastor Rob
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