Those who were in charge of the ship soon found that it would have been much wiser to listen to the warning of the Apostle Paul. Being found caught in such a terrible storm and realizing the great danger they were in, those on board began to work very hard to try to save themselves.
The first thing they did was to quit steering the ship. They had to let it go wherever the storm blew it. They tried to strengthen the ship, and, seeing that they were being driven close to some very dangerous coastline, they had to throw overboard the very equipment needed to steer it.
It was then that those on board lost all hope of being saved. But Paul gave them all a very comforting message, telling them that, though the ship would be lost, no one on board would lose his life. Some attempted to desert the ship, but Paul again warned them that if they were to be saved they must stay on board it.
1. The storm that came upon the ship made it impossible for the sailors to steer it - they had to let it drive with the wind. Having failed to listen to Paul’s warning, they now lost control of the ship. What is it that carries believers into danger and over which those who have not matured in faith have no control?
Ephesians 4:___
2. Those in the ship found themselves fighting a losing battle against the elements of nature. Believers are in a battle as well. What are we to do, once we have taken on us the whole armor of God, that we may not be defeated?
Ephesians 6:___
3. In an attempt to save the ship, essential parts of hardware were thrown overboard. The Apostle Paul reminded the Corinthian believers that in spite of persecutions and trials he had not “thrown overboard” the truth of God. How did he and his fellow laborers “commend” themselves to the consciences of others? 2 Corinthians 4:___
4. The terrible storm removed all “hope” from those on board the ship that they should be saved. When were we (those who now believe in Jesus) without “hope”? Ephesians 2:_______ (two verses)
5. What is the “hope” of believers? 1 Timothy 1:___