VOYAGE OF LIFE

EXPOSITORY: ACTS 27

Introduction: Let us not look at this account of the shipwreck as a story in the life of Paul or even as an unusual example of God's Providence, but as an allegory of life. It is an almost perfect outline of the life of multitudes!

I. The inspired warning is disregarded.
Acts 27:9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,
Acts 27:10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.
A. Except ye repent --

B. How many times is the Gospel message brushed aside.

C. Providential warnings of near death or disaster are soon forgotten.

II. They accepted the conclusions and the advice of the worldly.
Acts 27:11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.
A. Most any kind of sophistry or blind reasoning is preferred over the Word of God. Man's twisted reasoning convinces him that it is degrading to acknowledge God, but it is somehow uplifting to think of himself as an animal with no eternal destiny!

III. Seeking the worldly haven of security and comfort.
Acts 27:12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.
A. A cocoon of make believe is no substitute for the security found in Christ.
B. Men will go to almost any length to find social or economic well-being and security but have no thought of God.

IV. Deceived by the seductive 'South wind' of hedonism.
Acts 27:13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

A. The world still hears the soothing,'Thou shalt not surely die--' of Satan

B.Luke 12:16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
Luke 12:17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
Luke 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
Luke 12:19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
Luke 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

C. The 'Now Generation' says, grab it all.

V. The sure 'Euroclydon' of trial and temptation.
Acts 27:14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.

A. The law of seed time and harvest is sure.
Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Hosea 8:7 For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.

VI. There are some irresistible evils sent upon the disobedient.
Acts 27:15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.

Nebuchudnezzar, the prodigal son, human derelicts, broken homes, broken lives, broken health, broken hearts. Defiance of God WILL bring about the wages of sin!.

VII. Resorting to worldly helps and expedients.
Acts 27:16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:
Acts 27:17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, struck sail, and so were driven.

A. Where can a man find comfort and help when caught in the squeeze of sins effects?

VIII. Willing to sacrifice everything to try to save one's life.
Acts 27:18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;
Acts 27:19 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.
A. What will a man give in exchange for his soul?

B. Many who couldn't find a few minutes for God, have spent years in jails and sick-beds.

C. Some who couldn't conquer pride to walk the aisle for Christ have walked the streets in total despair.

D. Many who couldn't afford a dollar for the cause of Christ have seen their fortunes fade away overnight.

E. How much of his great wealth would the rich man in Luke 16, have given for that one drop of water?

IX. Compelled to give up in despair.
Acts 27:20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.
A. This is the point to which all must come. The choice now, To surrender to Christ or to hopelessness.

X. In man's despair is God's opportunity.
Acts 27:21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.
Acts 27:22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.
Acts 27:23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
Acts 27:24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
Acts 27:25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

A. When man has exhausted every possibility, God is only beginning!