LGC - Unstoppable Part 40

Curriculum

Dive Deeper

Unstoppable (Part 40)

Henson Lim

INTRODUCTION

As we approach the finale in our series on Acts, we find Paul navigating fierce storms, fearful boat passengers and a shipwreck. On his way from Caesarea towards Rome, Paul faced life-threatening dangers and through the four times he spoke, we can see four traits which we can aspire: he was Perceptive, Prophetic, Practical and Pastoral. He was empowered to rise above the circumstances because he saw the Providential hand of God moving through their situation. May we, too, learn to recognize God’s fingerprints in our circumstances and trust Him as we carry out our kingdom assignment.

DISCUSSION

Read Acts 27:1-13. Paul and company set off from Caesarea by ship. After spending some time at Fair Havens, in verse 10, Paul makes an observation of the weather and sailing conditions and perceives that it would be dangerous to set off at this time.

a. How did the centurion respond to Paul’s advice? From verses 11 and 12, why do you think he responded this way?

b. Was Paul’s advice given with faith? Why or why not?

c. How might Paul’s actions affect your own understanding of faith in your life?
Read Acts 27:20-26. Despite Paul’s warning, the centurion ordered them to set sail and soon found themselves in the midst of a terrible nor’easter. After many days with no sun or stars appearing, the passengers on the boat had lost all hope of salvation. In this situation, Paul speaks up.

a. What do you learn about Paul from his message to the passengers?

b. What do you learn about God from the message Paul shares?

c. When we serve God and walk according to His ways, He speaks into our situations. In what situation do you need to hear God’s voice today? How might you hear Him?
Read Acts 27:30-32. Paul once again speaks up, this time to stop sailors from abandoning the ship. Here he demonstrates his practical wisdom. We learn that trusting God does not mean we have nothing else to do.

a. Think of an example from your daily life where you are trusting God and acting practically. Share with your group how you hold God’s sovereignty and human responsibility in tension.
Read Acts 27:33-36. In this final scene where Paul speaks up, he urges the passengers to eat after 14 days without food.

a. What do you find interesting or unexpected about what Paul says in this passage?

b. If God had promised their safety, why did Paul need to encourage them to eat in order to survive?
Consider the hand of God over this whole scenario. Although Acts 27 only records one mention of God speaking to Paul, His fingerprints can be observed throughout the story.

a. Name what God did.

b. Share with your group a recent example of God’s hand in your circumstances.
Listening to what you and your group have shared, what might be the one takeaway from the passage that you most need to hear? How then might we pray for each other today?

WHAT Would YOU DO

Let’s take Paul’s example: in the storms of our lives, as we remember the sovereignty of God over all situations, we have an opportunity to bring Kingdom influence. We can rise above the difficulty to be Perceptive, to observe and use our brains, warning of danger, both physical and spiritual. We can seek the Lord and bring His words to our broken world; we can be Prophetic. We can trust the Lord and continue to do the Kingdom assignment we have been given; it’s all hands on deck: we can be Practical. Finally, we can look to the community around us and share the good news of salvation, break bread with others and be Pastoral. How will you use your Kingdom influence to bring the hope of Salvation to the world headed for shipwreck?

MEMORY VERSE

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV)