March 28, 2021

Coming towards the end of ministry

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: Acts 28:1-16
Service Type:

Introduction

Gone through the book of Acts – we have come to the final chapter
Reading Acts 28:1-16
Coming to the end

Nothing human ever lasts – examples
Life is short – quote
Are lives are subject to God’s will and must come to an end

Paul’s life

His plan was to go to Rome and then Spain

In all probability his life ended in Rome

Romans 1:11-13 – He desired to go to Rome but his plans were thwarted
Romans 15:22-24
What hindrances do we have in our lives? – examples

Paul did not think he would go to Rome as a prisoner
Paul did not foresee a terrible shipwreck

Paul was a prisoner of Rome

Do prisoners get special treatment
He was used remarkably on the ship
Tremendous favour was shown him

Paul’s life really counted

Do our lives count?
We are called to finish the race
Do we get things wrong? – example
Paul learnt to wait upon God

Our lives are invincible until God chooses to take us

A poisonous snake fastens on his hand when looking for firewood

God had said that Paul would testify in Rome – Acts 23:11
Do we realise that our days are ordered by God?

This should encourage us

Examples
This means we should trust God

Great men gather sticks

It is easy to judge a man on material matters – examples

God looks not at the outward but the heart

God sees the little things – the servant spirit

Paul did not expect people to do things for himself, he did things for others
The Lord Jesus Christ was a humble servant – Phil 2:7-8

Human judgments so often miss the mark

The native people first thought Paul was a murdered, then a god
Example of Hannah with Eli, the ‘rival’ altar, King Saul

How good a judge of character are we?
We should allow God to be the judge of people

God orders Paul’s footsteps

Examples:

The natives showed these 267 strangers unusual kindness – whether it was just Paul and the smaller group, we don’t know – v2
The leading citizen of the island entertains them for 3 days – v7
Paul healed through the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ – v8
God is using Paul’s privileged gift and position as an apostle of Christ
They provided for their departure – v10

The blessings for Paul were really a blessing to others

Fellowship with other believers

Paul shares deep fellowship with other believers – v14
A delegation from Rome comes to meet Paul – v15
Quote from Bernard Lewis preaching last week
Personal example
Julius [the Centurion] must have been flabergastered at all he saw
Example from the book “Life Stories”
Example of listening online to Jesus Prayer and ‘Behind the Stage”

Closing Remarks