Sermon Central
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The Making Of A Great Escape Artist
Contributed by Craig Benner on Oct 22, 2014 (message contributor)
Summary: Life can place you in many predicaments. Even a Houdini cannot escape some of the problems that life serves us. However, the Bible gives us instructions about making the great escape from the wiles of the devil.
The Great Escape
And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
Harry Houdini, the great escape artist performed many great feats in his life. But at the age of 52, a college student punched him in the stomach before he was prepared and soon he died of a ruptured appendix.
I. The Storm Unleashed its Unbiased Fury
Storms come to all of us. No one is exempt. With Christ at your helm, you can weather the worst of storms.
Paul had been warned by God of the impending storm that would destroy the ship, but no life would be lost. The dedication, faithfulness, and obedience of the man of God provided a great escape from a killer storm. 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
II. A Servant Ready to Serve
Paul had been fasting and just came through a life-shattering storm, yet we find him working. He was gathering sticks for the fire, so that others could warm themselves.
He was not playing the victim card. He was a victor.
III. A Serpent Ready to Strike
The devil does not give up easy. If he can't destroy you with one tactic, he will try another.
It is also interesting to note that the enemy is even found by the fire. Don't let that scare you away, just be aware that you can be attacked even in the place meant to bring comfort. Satan goes to church more faithfully than many believers.
Paul simply shook the snake off in the fire. That is where many have some troubles. They carry the snake with them and show everyone they know how they got wounded.
God will surely help if you just shake it off and go on in your christian service.
Remember: it is all about a great escape, not holding on to the thing that is causing us harm.
IV. A People Ready to Judge
There is no shortage of people who will judge you one minute and in a short time, they are ready to make you a hero.
V. A God Ready to Deliver
God is always watching over His own. It gives Him great delight to intervene and give you an escape from the devourer.
The Big Question
How shall we escape?
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Our great escape depends on us fleeing from worldly influences that surround us.
Ge 19:17
And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
Lk. 21:36
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
1Co 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
