HOPE ABANDONED
Marvin Duncan
Scripture Reading: Acts 27:20
Hope is a word the meaning of which must be determined by the context in which it is used. In our Acts 27:20 passage, Luke records the events of the storm that caught the ship on which Paul was being transported to Rome. Because of the fury of the storm, Luke says, "all hope that we should be saved was then taken away." Some individuals have used this verse to imply there can come a time in one's life when he has passed all chance of receiving God's forgiveness. This passage isn't talking about spiritual salvation. Rather, Luke is saying the passengers had lost all hope of the ship withstanding the fury of the storm. They thought they would never walk upon dry land again.
What a contrast is seen between those whose hope was in their own strength and Paul whose hope was in his God. The majority of those on board this ship were pagan idolaters. When they came to the end of their own abilities, they had nothing upon which to trust. The contrast is seen in Paul's attitude. Paul knew he was a member of God's redeemed company of believers. Paul knew his God was able to deliver him, and the ship's company, from the storm.
Because of his steadfast faith in God's ability and truthfulness, Paul, although a prisoner of Rome, was able to restore the passengers' hope and encourage them that no one would lose his life. Paul was able to do this by assuring these passengers that his God had sent an angel to assure him that everyone on the ship would be delivered from death in the sea (Acts 27:23). When the truth of this revelation had come to pass, these people knew Paul served the true God of creation.
Let us be encouraged In the hope we have in Christ Jesus, for He is the One who has saved us and nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39).
(A 10 Minute Video)
Hope is a word the meaning of which must be determined by the context in which it is used. In our Acts 27:20 passage, Luke records the events of the storm that caught the ship on which Paul was being transported to Rome. Because of the fury of the storm, Luke says, "all hope that we should be saved was then taken away." Some individuals have used this verse to imply there can come a time in one's life when he has passed all chance of receiving God's forgiveness. This passage isn't talking about spiritual salvation. Rather, Luke is saying the passengers had lost all hope of the ship withstanding the fury of the storm. They thought they would never walk upon dry land again.
What a contrast is seen between those whose hope was in their own strength and Paul whose hope was in his God. The majority of those on board this ship were pagan idolaters. When they came to the end of their own abilities, they had nothing upon which to trust. The contrast is seen in Paul's attitude. Paul knew he was a member of God's redeemed company of believers. Paul knew his God was able to deliver him, and the ship's company, from the storm.
Because of his steadfast faith in God's ability and truthfulness, Paul, although a prisoner of Rome, was able to restore the passengers' hope and encourage them that no one would lose his life. Paul was able to do this by assuring these passengers that his God had sent an angel to assure him that everyone on the ship would be delivered from death in the sea (Acts 27:23). When the truth of this revelation had come to pass, these people knew Paul served the true God of creation.
Let us be encouraged In the hope we have in Christ Jesus, for He is the One who has saved us and nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39).
How
God Saves Men
Believing
Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing
Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
Read
Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4
(A 10 Minute Video)
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