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

INTERMEDIATE AND SENlOr AOI
IC-Paurs Leadership.
Ic-The Christian Overcoming Adverse
Circumstances
I. The Voyage wv. 1-20).
1. The Ship wv. 1-6).
It was a vessel of Alexandra sailing
from Myra to Italy.
2. The Company wv. 1-2).
Two of Paul's friends, Aristarchus
and Luke were permitted to go with
him. Besides these three there were
tive hundred and seventy-three In the
ship ". 81.
8. The Storm wv. 7-2O).
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 50 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
fiuous, 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
overruled by God to bring good cheer
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. PauIs Serene Faith wv. 21-26).
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 ". Ply.
This was not mere taunt, but
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.
3. He Promises Them Safety
". 22).
Though the ship 60 to pieces, every
mans life should be saved.
4. The Source Of His Information
wv. 1924.
The angel Of God had revealed it
unto him.
5. The Reason of Paul's Calm Faith
". 23).
"Whose l am, and whom 1 serve"
God can and will take care of His
property John 10 :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
said. We can rest assured that all
God has spoken will come to pass even
though there be broken ship, brutal
soldiers and perfidious crew. Aside
from the fulfillment of Gods prom
Uses, the most important part Of this
section is the splendid sanity which
characterized Paul's action on the way.
Three things marked his sanctifled
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,
We cannot be saved" Why should he
make such 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 Sub
stantial Breakfast tv. 34).
1t was no time to talk to these men
about their souls when their bodies
needed immediate attention.
3. He Gave Thanks to God ". 35).
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.