Scripture: Acts 27:25
Sermon notes
Paul finds himself in a very difficult and dangerous place. He is a prisoner on a ship with other prisoners bound for Rome. He is on this course by his own choice. Cp 25:10. Trouble often comes to the Christian as a result of deliberate, God-honouring choices he makes.
However, the immediate danger he faces, in terms of exposure to the storm, has not come as a result of his own decisions. Cp v10-13. The majority had disregarded his counsel and sailed into the storm that was now threatening to destroy them all. Many times the believer finds themselves in trouble that is not directly die to their own actions/choices, but which comes due to the choices of the society that they are part of.
Day after day of a living nightmare had unfolded in the lives of these men. Cp v20, 27, 33. An intense struggle for survival went on day and night. For two weeks Paul too is caught up in the danger and fear of their circumstances.
Then suddenly, a voice is heard above the storm. He speaks words of encouragement, comfort and hope. His message climaxes in the thrilling words of v25.
I THESE WORDS EMERGE FROM COMMUNION WITH GOD.
The happy confidence that Paul expresses here can be traced back to its origins.
Long abstinence, v21. Paul had fasted too over the days that the storm had lasted. There was a recognition on Paul’s part that Divine intervention was needed and that obtaining that intervention was more important than food or any other material comfort. It is clearly suggested that Paul had been praying. The word given, v24 suggests Paul had asked. More often than not it is the case that God meets with His servants in this way in the place of prayer. It is worth noting the reference in v23—this night. Cp also v33. Paul had sacrificed sleep/rest to pursue this encounter with God.
An encounter with the messenger of God, v23. An angel meets Paul. There is a private experience of Heaven. In this there is a clear indication of how God meets His people even in such extremity. The angel represents a tangible, definite experience of God’s presence and of Divine communication—angel = ‘messenger’. Paul emerges from this experience specially focusing on two things:
- He belonged to the Lord. There is clearly an application of comfort to Paul in this regard. No doubt Paul had a fresh awareness of this great truth to promote further consecration self-sacrificing dedication.
- He was the servant of God. Even in this context/environment Paul is made to be conscious that he is the servant of God presently. He must serve the Lord in this context. His work/duty at this moment is defined: to please God in these circumstances.
The confidence Paul displays in his words, v25, belongs to one who has these two truths burning in his heart: I am the Lord’s and I am in the will of God now. The present purpose of God for Paul was not a particularly pleasant one. He was prisoner headed for Rome, v24.
A clear word from God. Paul got a word from God which he now communicates to all in the ship. Here is the ultimate purpose in an encounter with God. Inevitably the revealed word of God is given priority as far as Paul’s words, feelings and actions are concerned. At this point, Paul’s response to the storm is dictated by what God has said.
II FAITH SIMPLY TAKES GOD AT HIS WORD.
It shall be as it was told me. Paul expresses the absolute conviction that God’s word will stand. He takes the revealed words at face value, believing the simple sense of the language employed. Cp v34.
His faith in the word ultimately rested in the character of God, v25. The character of the speaker determined the character of the words. They were believable because of what Paul knew of God. While it is clearly implied that he believed the message; it is in fact stated that he believed God. Cp Is 55:10-11, Num 23:19. Knowing that the words came from God determined his response to them. What we know of God determines our response to His word! The calm assurance of faith rises out of a knowledge of God. Ignorance of God leads men to dismiss His words of command and comfort.
He believed in the face of natural evidence to the contrary. All the natural evidence screamed that disaster loomed ahead. In the darkness of the night around him the storm still raged. The worst part of the whole nightmare still lay ahead, v27, 42. Danger/trouble does not go away in the face of faith! Believing God does not automatically make everything calm and peaceful. Paul would still experience shipwreck. He would still have to go to Rome and face trial.
III THERE IS JOY IN SUCH SIMPLE TRUST IN GOD.
Paul himself has joy. He leads the way in the good cheer here. He himself eats and encourages them to do so.
He imparts joy to the ship. The joy of confidence in God and His truth is not selfish. He is surrounded by distressed heathen souls in desperate need of comfort. He can impart that comfort as he himself leans on the word of God. This desire and ability to communicate the glad tidings to needy souls is a fruit of Paul’s confidence in God and the word He has revealed.
This joy contrasted with the pall of hopelessness. Cp v20. Humanly speaking there was no hope left. But here is hope and joy! Faith triumphs when hope has no natural reason to exist. There is only one thing here that stands between no hope and be of good cheer! Faith in God’s word.
The joy of faith is not misplaced. Paul’s confidence and joy are ultimately vindicated, v44. Paul’s faith was not misplaced. God did not fail him. The word Paul believed and rejoiced in was proved to be worthy of that trust. We will ever find it to be the same.