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  • Ericca Dunn

The Book of Acts - Chapter 27



The Book of Acts

Chapter 27


Things to Do When Facing a Shipwreck


Paul Sails for Rome

“When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius… 8 We moved along the coast with difficulty… 9 Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous… So Paul warned them,


When facing a Shipwreck #1 “Try to Foresee it”


“Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” 11 But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.

#2 In storms, people will be tempted to look out for

their own interests.

The Pilot and Owner of the Ship

12 Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there… 14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force… swept down from the island. 15 The ship was caught by the storm … we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure, 17 so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along. 18 We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard.

#3 Do what you legally and morally can do to

“Hold it together”


#4 When in a storm, ”Prioritize”

Save your energy for the ESSENTIALS.

Q: What do you need to “throw overboard”?


19 On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands… neither sun nor stars appeared for many days… storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. 21 After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail… “then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. 22 BUT now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God… stood beside me 24 and said, Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26 Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”


#5 When in a storm, there will be damage,

but “Trust” what you know about God’s promises.

have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26 Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”


#6 Pray


The Shipwreck

27 On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea… 29 Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. 30 In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow.

#7 “Don’t selfishly-abandon others”


31 Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away.


#8 Let things go that are not helpful”

32 “So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away.”

“All safety nets are not ‘safety nets’”.


33 Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. 34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.”


#9 Don’t not eat

“Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.”


35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. 36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 Altogether there were 276 of us on board. 38 When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea. 39 When daylight came…they decided to run the ship aground if they could. 40 Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. 41 But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf. 42 The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. 43 But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan.

#10 Thing to do when facing a Shipwreck

“When its God’s plan, STICK WITH THE PLAN”


He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44 The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.


#11 “Realize that not everyone needs

the same amount of help”

Conclusion

Remember people have different needs.

Always stick to God’s plan.

Get nourishment.

Let non-essentials go.

Don’t “selfishly” abandon others.

Pray.

Trust God’s promises.

Prioritize.

Hold it together.

Be aware of selfish motives.

Try to foresee coming storms.

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