Post by Zac Loh on Jun 8, 2010 0:15:01 GMT -5
The Blessings Of A Man Of God
Acts 27:9 – 28:10
1. The Perception Of God
Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. (Acts 27:9-11)
The person who is given to the purpose of God is blessed with divine foreknowledge. Blessed to be a blessing, the person of God will be a blessing to others who are with him/her.
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (John 16:13)
Paul perceived by the Holy Spirit that they shouldn’t go on in the journey, otherwise, it would end in a fatal disaster. But the centurion was more inclined towards human experience and expertise. So disaster struck and they were on the verge of death, except that they finally listened to Paul, after having been proven correct.
Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up. But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ (Acts 27:20-24)
God preserved their lives because of Paul. First reason, Paul has to be in Rome. Second reason, God’s favor rested on Paul, spilled over to those around him.
A man of God seeks God’s purpose specifically for his life. He agrees, accepts and surrenders to God’s direct communication. And God will share His perception with him.
2. The Miracle of God
But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. (Acts 28:3-6)
A man of God is consecrated, sold-out to God’s purpose. He is not afraid to die. He knows that he will die only at God’s own appointed time. He is a true believer. His faith is such as one walking on water, trusting fully, leaning totally on God. And God will bless him with many miracles.
3. The Favor Of God
And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. (Acts 28:2)
They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary. (Acts 28:10)
All was not bad. It was true that Paul would be executed. It was true that Paul was still a prisoner at this time. But Paul had considered the exceeding greatness of life on the other side of the mortality line. Paul invested this life, laid it down as a down payment towards future appreciation in the realm of eternity.
In the meanwhile, God’s hand was revealed, God’s goodness sprinkled on Paul’s mix of circumstances and situations.
Acts 27:9 – 28:10
1. The Perception Of God
Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. (Acts 27:9-11)
The person who is given to the purpose of God is blessed with divine foreknowledge. Blessed to be a blessing, the person of God will be a blessing to others who are with him/her.
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (John 16:13)
Paul perceived by the Holy Spirit that they shouldn’t go on in the journey, otherwise, it would end in a fatal disaster. But the centurion was more inclined towards human experience and expertise. So disaster struck and they were on the verge of death, except that they finally listened to Paul, after having been proven correct.
Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up. But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ (Acts 27:20-24)
God preserved their lives because of Paul. First reason, Paul has to be in Rome. Second reason, God’s favor rested on Paul, spilled over to those around him.
A man of God seeks God’s purpose specifically for his life. He agrees, accepts and surrenders to God’s direct communication. And God will share His perception with him.
2. The Miracle of God
But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. (Acts 28:3-6)
A man of God is consecrated, sold-out to God’s purpose. He is not afraid to die. He knows that he will die only at God’s own appointed time. He is a true believer. His faith is such as one walking on water, trusting fully, leaning totally on God. And God will bless him with many miracles.
3. The Favor Of God
And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. (Acts 28:2)
They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary. (Acts 28:10)
All was not bad. It was true that Paul would be executed. It was true that Paul was still a prisoner at this time. But Paul had considered the exceeding greatness of life on the other side of the mortality line. Paul invested this life, laid it down as a down payment towards future appreciation in the realm of eternity.
In the meanwhile, God’s hand was revealed, God’s goodness sprinkled on Paul’s mix of circumstances and situations.