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“I Believe God ”
(Acts 27:21-25 )
I. Introduction.
A. Begin with statement of fact: whether we believe what
God has said, through His Word, has no bearing on its
validity, on whether it is true or not.
1. It’s true, whether we believe it or not.
2. But, our eternal future does depend on what we
believe, accept, and do.
B. The great men, and women, of faith had one thing in
common; believed what God told them and based lives,
and actions, upon that belief.
C. Acts 27:21-25 (REVIEW).
1. Was late in year, as Paul about to be taken to
Rome – according to Acts 27:9-10 (READ).
“The Fast” (Day of Atonement) already past,
so probably early October.
2. Sailing on Mediterranean Sea now dangerous,
with a constant threat of storms. Paul tried to get
this point across to those responsible for him, and
ship. Should not even leave Crete at this late date.
3. Paul’s warnings proved true – ship tossed about in a
storm.
4. But, now Paul had been given assurance, by God,
that neither he, nor anyone else, would die.
5. Look, specifically, at verse 25: Paul affirms his
faith, “. . . I believe God . . .”
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D. At times, we need re-assurance, even for things “surely
fulfilled [believed] among us.”: [King James – Luke 1:1].
At times, we need to renew our trust in God, and His Word.
E. Look at some specific matters about which we can believe
God.
II. We Can Believe God . . .” – That He Will Care For His Own As
He Has Promised.
A. We can believe it because God has said so.
B. Context of Acts 27:25 shows this. In verse 23, Paul says:
(RE-READ).
1. God says He will take care of His people.
2. Doesn’t mean all the problems of life will be
resolved, or taken away.
a. Paul suffered many hardships in his service
for Christ. Listed many of these in
II Corinthians 11 (24-28).
b. In Acts 18:9-10, while in Corinth, Luke tells
us: (READ).
c. Lord’s people are there to help; one of great
blessings of being part of church.
C. We can confidently believe truth of Hebrews 13:5-6:
“. . . ‘I will never leave you, nor forsake you.’ So we may
boldly say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What
can man do to me?’”
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III. Second, Because God Has Said So – “I Believe That Evil Will Not
Go Unpunished.”
A. One thing that puzzles, sometimes frustrates, those who try
to do what’s good and right, is the apparent prosperity of
wicked.
1. There are those who reject God, ridicule those who
serve Him, yet always seem to do well.
2. But, rendezvous of unrighteousness with God’s
judgment is still a certainty.
B. God may stay His hand against these people now, but He
will not do so forever.
C. In Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked;
for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (We reap
more than we sow.)
D. Would detract from righteousness, and justice of God, to
think that the wicked will have same blessings that
righteous will receive. Comforting as it is, must reject idea
of “universal salvation.”
IV. On Other Hand – “I Believe God” – That Righteousness Will Not
Go Unrewarded.
A. Those who try to live for Lord are tempted to say: “What’s
the use? No one cares, or even notices what I do: Others
are not trying to do what’s right, so why should I?”
B. If we are simply seeking praise, or reward, from other
people, this may be so. People do not always recognize
and reward good works. God always does, but at time He
chooses.
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C. The same verses that assure punishment for sinner imply
reward for faithful child of God.
1. II Peter 3:13: “Nevertheless we, according to His
promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, in
which righteousness dwells.”
2. Galatians 6:8: “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the
Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”
3. Eccl. 8:12: “Though a sinner does evil a hundred
times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely
know that it will be well with those who fear
God . . .”
D. What we do for God is never in vain, never without
meaning or purpose. What we do for God pays dividends –
now and eternally. I believe it because God promised it.
V. Fourth, “I Believe God” – That Good Stewards Will Prosper.
A. Logic says: “You can’t expect to prosper by giving away
your resources.”
B. But God says: “Give, and it will be given to you: good
measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over,
will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure
that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
(Luke 6:38).
1. God will return to us based upon what we devote
to Him.
2. Do we believe God?
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VI. And, Fifth, “I Believe God. . .” – That Faithfully Preaching, and
Teaching, His Word Will Bring Good Results.
A. Again, our human nature tells us: “Quit preaching and
teaching. Nobody’s listening.”
We often may feel people don’t care what we say; we can’t
make any difference in peoples’ lives.
B. God says: His word has power (Romans 1:16: it is
“. . . the power of God to salvation . . .”). It will produce
results.
C. The message is clear: keep working. Keep teaching at
every opportunity. God will give an increase, a harvest of
souls, if we keep teaching His truth.
D. We cannot let this work wear us down, because God has
promised that Heaven will be well worth the price of
discipleship.
1. Can a heavenly reward compensate us for giving up
the “pleasures of sin” now?
2. Of one thing, we can be sure: God will give us
loving, personal attention in Heaven.
There will be no more pain, sorrow, suffering, or
separation. God will “wipe away” all tears
(Rev. 7:17; 21:4).
3. But, we cannot enjoy eternity in Heaven without
traveling road that leads there.
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VII. Conclusion.
A. God can be believed confidently.
B. His promises will abide forever.
C. Our eternal destiny rests upon our willingness not only
to believe, but also to obey God.