HOW TO LEAD THROUGH STORMS
We trust today’s message encouraged and guided you in your journey of following Jesus. These notes are meant to help you remember and reflect on the message, help you go deeper into study on the subject, or be used for a sermon group discussion.
Sermon Title: HOW TO LEAD THROUGH STORMS
Scripture References: ACTS 27
We left off with Paul giving his defense to multiple leaders and being sent to Rome for a hearing before Caesar. Luke goes into lengthy detail about Paul’s journey on a ship to Rome. The purpose of Luke's detail is to show God’s sovereign protection and direction for Paul’s ministry. God’s will is for Paul to be in Rome to preach the gospel to the Gentiles but on the way, they encounter a great storm. The journey there isn’t easy but we get to witness Paul’s unwavering faith, peaceful composure, and confident leadership which brings glory to God. Today, I would like to show you why and how we can be leaders through storms.
V. 1-12 Sailing to Rome
Aristarchus evidently accompanied Paul to be his helper. Aristarchus stayed with Paul during his Roman incarceration (Col. 4:10; Phile. 24). Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 427). Victor Books.
In Myra, a port city on the south coast of Asia Minor, the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy. This was a grain ship (27:38) large enough to carry 276 passengers (v. 37). Egypt was Rome’s breadbasket. The grain ships would commonly sail north to Asia Minor and then make their way west across the Mediterranean using the islands for as much protection as they could obtain from them. Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 427). Victor Books.
V. 13-26 The Stormy Sea
Paul has experience with ships and this wouldn’t be his first shipwreck
2 Corinthians 11:25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea.
Get rid of baggage. Don’t keep things in and let it go.
V. 27-38 Shipwreck
Though this sounds like an observance of the Lord’s Table, it probably was not. Most of those 276 people were not Christians. Rather it was a public testimony by Paul of his faith in the God and Father of the Lord Jesus as well as a practical expedient of eating in order to muster strength for the ordeal ahead. Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 428). Victor Books.
The breaking of bread and giving of thanks was the customary Jewish form of blessing a meal, and Jesus was observing that custom in the Lord’s Supper. Paul also observed that custom and in the presence of a predominantly pagan group. It was scarcely a eucharistic celebration. Polhill, J. B. (1992). Acts (Vol. 26, p. 527). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
The meal thus had a meaning for them it could not have had for the pagans—their Lord continued to be present with them. He was present in that time of particular need. For them the meal was more than needed sustenance—it reassured them of their Lord’s presence to deliver them. Polhill, J. B. (1992). Acts (Vol. 26, pp. 527–528). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Paul’s faith continued to be the source of their courage. Polhill, J. B. (1992). Acts (Vol. 26, p. 528). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Your faith can be a source of strength for those who don’t know God yet and then they learn not to put their faith in you or man but to put their faith in God.
V. 39-44 Make it to shore
They find a shoreline but don’t quite make it. The ship falls apart and the soldiers consider killing the prisoners but the commanding officer wants to spare Paul. So the crew and prisoners grab whatever they can to float to shore and everyone arrives safely on land. This fulfills the promise God made to spare everyone on the ship bringing glory to God and credibility to Paul.
Paul gives wise counsel about when and where to sail. Paul shares the Word he received from God that they would all survive, putting faith in God to fulfill His Word in front of the whole crew. Then Paul calmly directs the crew to eat and to stick together. There are reasons Paul can lead like this through a storm and the answers are the same reasons we can too. Yes, you and I can go through difficult times with great faith and peace like Paul did which will help others to see the glory of God and choose to trust in Him too. The question is how?
Application: How to lead yourself and others through the storms of life…
Get to know God while life is good so you know God’s presence when life is hard
In other words be prepared for storms
What we see in Paul is the overflow of a strong relationship with God that has been developed and tested in good times and in hard times.
We typically cry out to God when things go bad and get complacent when things are good.
Let me encourage all of us to read and store God’s Word in our hearts, store the truth of who God is in our hearts and minds so that peace that surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7).
Exhibit A: Psalm 89:9 You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them.
Exhibit B: Psalm 107:23-30 NLT
Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble".
As you read, you learn God is sovereign over all things, real waves, and the metaphorical ones, finding comfort and peace in the trials and tribulations we go through.
Expect adversity and be willing to go through it rather than around it
We live in a fantasy world if we think life is smooth sailing all the time. I think the American dream has contributed to this false sense of security. Sin has brought upon this world so much pain and suffering.
But we find our joy in all circumstances from knowing Jesus is with us now and knowing the future hope of a new heaven and new earth.
But here on earth, we need to realize difficult times will come. Paul himself is a persecuted Christian and prisoner, yet he is composed and leads them to safety. Jesus said I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
You've probably heard the popular quote “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor” Franklin D Roosevelt. The same goes for our faith. A smooth journey never tests or strengthens our faith in God.
When adversity and stormy seas come look at it as an opportunity for your faith and character to grow.
Hold onto God’s Word and Keep Your Integrity
Hold on to God’s Word.
Where we go for help and hope in adversity is key. Go to God’s Word where it reminds us we can have confidence and comfort in God’s sovereignty.
Paul held onto a Word from God that promised their safety and kept Him composed and at peace to sail forward.
Paul also held onto the Word and plan God had for Him in Rome.
We may be hanging on to a piece of wood floating into safety or one scripture verse but sometimes that’s all you need!
Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Keep your integrity and your wits about you. Don’t panic or crumble.
Paul made sure they nourished their bodies for strength.
Eat, sleep, exercise, pray, read your Word, call a friend to pray with you, etc.
Model for others how to go through private and public storms with God so you can help them go through theirs…
Difficult circumstances are not an excuse to respond wrong. Who we are under pressure is who we truly are and reveals what's going on in our hearts. God, help us not to do or say something wrong while going through our storms.
Look for ways to help others get through their storms
We lead through storms when we see and help all those in the boat with us. We can focus on helping others because we know God is at the helm of our own lives. We can focus on helping others because we have peace and strength from God.
2 Corinthians 1:4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
Galatians 6:2-3 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
Paul was a vessel for God to bring honor to His name and character. When we face and go through storms with the peace and strength of God it helps people around us see God! Consider the purpose in our storms, the divine opportunity to help others get through their storms, witness God at work, and come to believe in Him for salvation and eternal life.
Discussion:
What did God use in this sermon to speak to your heart or situation?
What part of the scripture stuck out to you and why?
What scripture or story in the Bible have you held onto tightly to get through difficult seasons?
How can knowing God and His Word help you lead others through a storm?
How can someone focus on helping others while going through their own storm?
Is there a storm in your life or someone close to you that we can pray about?
The most important decision you will ever make!
If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and when you’re ready say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!
We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.
Pray Together
We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!