The Focus of a Ship

Acts 27:1-44 Pastor Eric Wilmeth 7.25.10

Intro: Our Trip Itinerary

Paul is undergoing another major traveling leg of his missionary journeys.

Show map – add overlay to set the scope

Let’s not get our sights out of focus by getting lost in all the details of the trip.

Let’s fix our focus on the Father.

1. A Fishbowl Focus v. 9-13

Have you ever noticed that nothing looks right when you look into a fishbowl?

· Wasted Warning

· Wrong Focus

o 5 contributing factors that factored in to the centurions wrong decision

1. Passing Time (v.9)

2. Expert Advice (v.11)

3. Personal Discomfort (v.12)

4. Majority Rule (v.12)

5. Favorable Circumstances (v.13)

We cannot allow our focus to be skewed by looking through the fishbowl view of this world while ignoring the truth of God’s word. We must remember that the One who is in control is the One providing us wisdom and our focus must remain on Him!

2. A Faithful Focus v. 21-26

Paul reminds them of their failure to follow God then comforts them with His Word.

Those whose gaze remains faithfully focused on the Father find comfort from His Word.

3. A Following Focus v. 30-32; 42-43

The sailors were following their own plan, giving no weight to Paul’s faith in God

The centurion follows and puts his faith in the faith of Paul

The result is action against reason

4. A ReFreshing Focus v. 33-39

Paul encourages them to eat, rest, and prepare.

Food for the body and God’s word for the soul

Time to Be In10tional:

1. What/Who are you turning to in the midst of today’s life storm?

2. Is your faith worth following?

3. What can you do to recharge and be ready for the storms you will face in the morning, next month, and next year?