Acts 27:9-12 (with added emphasis for this sermon)
9 Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast (was already over, Paul advised them (Truth), 10 saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” 11 Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded (Influencers) by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable (discontentment) to winter in, the majority advised (Cultural conformity) to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there.
Forbes article—the psychology of Influencer type marketing:
• Cultural conformity.
• Power & Control.
• Informational Influence.
• To feel a personal connection.
• A desire to help.
BE CAREFUL THAT WE DO NOT ALLOW:
1. An expression of
Romans 9:20-21 But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” 21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?
Job 1:21b … The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
BE CAREFUL THAT WE DO NOT ALLOW:
2. Fruit of
Exodus 17:7 Moses named the place Massah (which means “test”) and Meribah (which means “arguing”) because the people of Israel argued with Moses and tested the Lord by saying, “Is the Lord here with us or not?”
Genesis 4:6-7 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
BE CAREFUL THAT WE DO NOT ALLOW:
3.
Jude 16 These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.
THE CONTRAST IS CLEAR IN SCRIPTURE:
• Religious leaders in Jesus’ day were
• Peter and the other Apostles were
Joshua 5:13-15
13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” 14 “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” 15 The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
A THANKFUL HEART PROVES OUT THAT:
1.
Ephesians 4:13-14 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.
A THANKFUL HEART PROVES OUT THAT:
2.
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
A THANKFUL HEART PROVES OUT THAT:
3. Gratitude helps us find
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Acts 27:9-12 (with added emphasis for this sermon)
9 Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast (was already over, Paul advised them (Truth), 10 saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” 11 Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded (Influencers) by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable (discontentment) to winter in, the majority advised (Cultural conformity) to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there.
Conclusion:
What voices are you listening to in this world?
What dominates your time?
What dominates your thinking?
If you are not careful, what you dwell on is what will become your worship!
Turn your eyes on Jesus, listen to Him, and follow Him!