Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1925-12-05


1t is I: be not afraid."-Matt. 1927.
PRIMARY TOPIC-Paul in n Storm
ut Sea.
JUNIOR ToP1c-The Story Of .
Shipwreck.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
IC-PauIs Leadership.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
Circumstances.
I. The Voyage wv. 1-2O).
1. The Ship wv. 1-6).
1t was a vessel of Alexandris sailing
from Myra to Italy.
2. The Company wv. 1-2).
Two Of Paul's friends, Aristarchus
and Luke were permitted to 60 with
him. Besides these three there were
two hundred and seventy-three in the
ship ". 81.
8. The Storm wv. 7-20).
The ship made little Roadway on &C
count Of unfavorable winds. Paul ad-
vised that they winter in Fair Ravens
wv. 9-12), but his advice was I'M
needed. The gentle south wind de-
ceived them so they loosed from Crete
only to be overtaken by the tenn
pestuous wind called Euroclydon.
They did everything possible to save
the ship; they took up the boat which
was towed behind; they bound great
cables around the ship to strengthen
it for the storm; they lightened the
ship by bringing down from the masts
and rigging everything that was super
fluous, and finally the cargo and
tackling were thrown overheard. All
this seemed to be Of no avail and all
hope Of being saved was removed. 1T
seemed that wicked men and material
forces were combined to prevent the
great apostle from reaching Rome.
However, these very experiences were
and salvation to many on the way.
We should remember that tempestuous
winds as well as soft breeZes await
Gods faithful ones. The presence of
storm does not prove that we are going
the wrong way.
II. 2auI's Serene Faith wv. 21-26).
To a man who does not know God,
upon the failure of the sun and stars
to shine for many days, the fading Of
all hope is natural; but to the man Of
faith, hope still burns brightly. God
is just as near to His own in the midst
of stormy sea as in their quiet homes.
Observe Paul's behavior:
1. His Rebuke for Their Failure to
Heed His Advice at Fair Ravens ". 2D.
This was not a mere taunt, but q
reference to the wisdom Of his former
advice, urging them to give him a more
respectful hearing.
2. Bids Them Be Of Good Cheer
". 22).
He inspired them with hope.
8. He Promises Them Safety
". 22).
Though the ship go to pieces, every
mans life should be saved.
4. The Source Of His Information
wv. 1924.
The angel Of God had revealed 1t
unto him.
5. The Reason Of Pauls Calm Faith
". 23).
"Whose I am, and whom I serve"
God can and will take care Of His
property John 1O:2S-29). Those who
have been redeemed by the blood Of
Jesus are not their own, but Gods.
III. The Ships Crew All Safe on
Land wv. 27-44).
This was exactly as the Lord had
hot oil
God has spoken will come to pass even
though there be a broken ship, brutal
soldiers and a perfidious crew. Aside
from the fulfillment Of Gods prom
ises, the most important part Of this
section is the splendid sanity which
characterized Paul's action on the way
Three things marked his sanctifed
common sense.
1. His Vigilance Detected That the
Sailors Had Planned to Escape ". 3O).
He knew how much they would be
needed presently, and at once took
steps to prevent their escape. He went
straight to the man in charge and
said, Except these abide in the ship,
ye cannot be saved" Why should he
make such a declaration when God
had said that all should be saved? 1t
was because he was not one Of those
foolish men who ignore human agency.
He practiced the truth that genuine
reliance upon God is the all-powerful
incentive to human action.
2. He Got Them to Take a Sub
ctontio1 Rroo u 20 Of (u Qdl
1t was no time to talk to these men
about their souls when their bodies
needed immediate attention.
3. He Gave Thanks to God ". $50.
This he did in the presence Of them
ALL His prayer for that meal had
more effect upon the people than his
preaching would have had.
The Men Who Succeed
The men who succeed best in public
life. are those who take the risk Of
Standinu nv their own conviotiOnS