A number years ago, my family and I excitedly set sail on a weekend cruise. It was the first cruise experience for all of us, and we all recalled scenes from the movie Titanic as we participated in the initial activity on board the ship — an emergency evacuation drill complete with life vests and orderly assembly at assigned muster stations, which my youngest called the “mustard station.” The experience was made even more surreal because of the recent discovery of the Titanic’s final resting place on the floor of the North Atlantic and the popular movie based on the ship’s fatal maiden voyage. Like the rest of the world, we had been reawakened to the horrors of being lost at sea in a sinking vessel.

The story of the tragic collision with the iceberg on that frigid night in 1912 that proved fatal for one thousand five hundred thirteen passengers and crew members may have been more accurately chronicled in the classic A Night to Remember that went into great detail to describe all the errors or misjudgments that doomed those victims to their watery graves. The litany of errors from that one night is almost unthinkable. To name only a few, we could begin by mentioning that the Titanic’s navigator was warned of icebergs ahead but chose to ignore the warnings because he considered the bearings to be a miscalculation. A message that was received by the telegraph operator on the ship warning of danger in their immediate path was ignored because the technician had no knowledge of nautical calculation of longitude and latitude and, therefore, did not realize that message needed to be conveyed to the bridge immediately. The watchmen on the Titanic were not issued binoculars in order to scan the horizon for impending danger. We could mention that the California — which could have rescued everyone aboard the Titanic — was positioned only ten miles away as the entire drama unfolded. Unfortunately, the ship’s wireless was turned off, so no one heard the desperate cries for help. Additionally, the crew of the California ignored the signal flares from the floundering ship, thinking them to be a fireworks display set off by the ship as it celebrated its maiden voyage. There were not nearly enough lifeboats on board the ship to accommodate the full roster of those aboard. In addition, there was not adequate emergency evacuation training and drills for the staff and passengers, resulting in deadly confusion as they tried to board the available life rafts. Hardly any of the rescue vessels left the ship with full capacity, needlessly leaving behind human cargo. Compounded with the chaos and confusion of the night was despicable human pride that blocked off the first-class passengers’ decks from the quarters of the lower-class passengers. The horror of that arrangement is that these steerage passengers were actually fenced off from the decks where the lifeboats were being boarded; in essence, they were imprisoned in the sinking ship! Of course, the design of the vessel must be considered in that it was a virtual death trap even though it had been flaunted that the Titanic could be sunk by neither God nor man. Yes, it did have double-wall construction and hatches to close off areas that began to take on water, but these safety features were installed only to a certain height on the boat. Once the water exceeded that level, the vessel was nothing more than a mass of iron rushing toward the sea bottom.

The night of the loss of the Titanic will live forever in the pages of navigational history not only as a dark night of despair and tragedy but also as a turning point in safety regulations and structural design for ocean-going vessels. Today, almost every area of sailing — from design, to crew training, to passenger education — bears marks of changes that were implemented as a direct result of this tragedy.

When Paul told us in I Timothy 1:19 that some believers have made shipwreck of their spiritual lives, it seems to me that he was drawing upon his own personal experience of having survived three literal shipwrecks (II Corinthians 11:25) as a source for this nautical metaphor. Furthermore, it would seem to me that a shipwreck survivor might be able to give some worthwhile advice (just like the survivors on the Titanic) on how to come out alive on the other side of spiritual shipwreck. To begin our study, let’s turn to Acts chapter twenty-seven that records what is possibly Paul’s fourth shipwreck. As we read through the chapter, I’ll stop just short of each point where a lesson is to be found, enumerate the principle, and then go on with the reading of the text to see how that truth is revealed in the saga.

And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band. And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself. And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea. (verses 1-8)

The first principle that we learn in this story of the ocean-going fiasco is to use some logic. If the captain would have only paid attention to what he already knew about the sea and the weather patterns, he could have avoided the entire incident. How often do we fall into the same trap of stupidity and pride of doing something against our own better judgment!

Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them. (verse 9)

The second principle is similar to the first, but on a spiritual rather than a natural plain, “Listen to your spirit.” Many times there are occasions when that little voice inside tells us something that goes beyond what our brains are saying. Learn to recognize it as your spirit speaking under enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. I guess that I first learned this principle when checking out of a hotel in Texas. I had a long drive ahead of me and I wanted to keep my cash. In addition, I thought that since I had not used the credit card that month, I might as well pay the bill by check now rather than make a charge and have to write the check later to pay the credit card company. As I took out my checkbook, a little voice told me to use the credit card instead. Running through the reasoning I have just laid out, I ignored the voice and followed my brain. A few days later I regretted that moment of defiance when I had to pay a returned check fee that resulted from an error I had made in logging my checks and deposits. My brain had not caught my mistake, but my sprit knew that I was setting myself up for an overdraft. In all areas of life — as mundane as writing checks or as pivotal as making life-time decisions — we must learn to listen to our inner voice.

And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. (verse 10)

Principle number three might be, “Check out your motivation.” In the case of Paul’s shipwreck, the captain was motivated by money. A well-known little couplet says:
Only one life will soon be past;
Only what’s done for God will last.

At every turning point and crossroads of life, it would be wise to recite that little rhyme before making a decision. If the choice is based on any motivation other than the cause of Christ, it should be reconsidered. It could be the difference between building with flammable wood, hay, and stubble as opposed to building with enduring gold, silver, and precious stones that will stand the test of time and the judgment of God. (I Corinthians 3:12)

Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west. (verses 11-12)

The next principle I see in this passage is to watch out for deceiving signs. Even when natural conditions indicate one thing, the truth is what God has said. I’m sure that we have all known since childhood that you can’t judge a book by its cover, but do we live our lives in accordance to that understanding, or do we listen to temporal indicators rather than pressing in for eternal revelations about our situations? Do you remember the old commercial, “When E. F. Hutton speaks, people listen”? The unfortunate truth is that when God speaks, people don’t listen. To avoid shipwreck of our faith, we must learn to believe God’s Word over the report from the doctor, the newsman, and even the barber!

And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat: Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven. (verses 13-17)

“Jettison the excess baggage” is principle number five. All of us carry around unnecessary — and deadly — emotional, material, and relational excess baggage that we must toss overboard in order to stay afloat in troubled waters. The only way to really get rid of those weights and be assured that they will not float back into our lives is to follow Peter’s advise in I Peter 5:7 and cast our cares upon Jesus because He is the one who cares for us!

And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. (verses 18-19)

Probably the most important principle would be the admonition to not give up hope. One of Dr. Lester Sumrall’s most memorable messages was his sermon I Did Not Quit in which he simply recited the opportunities that had been presented to him to just give up; but in every one of them, he determined to keep on going. I’ll never forget his comparing himself to an old plow mule that just didn’t know anything but to keep on trudging along. It was Winston Churchill who, with his jaw set in bulldog determination, demanded three times in a university baccalaureate address that the graduates, “Never give up!” Turning to the Bible, we find many illustrations including the shining example of Joseph in Egypt who didn’t let a pit, Potiphar, or the prison make him give up on his dream of being the prince. Those who refuse to give up will never go down in the sinking ship!

And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. (verses 20-21)

It has been said that your attitude will determine your altitude; therefore, it is of utmost importance to apply the next principle of keeping a good attitude. Remember that you don’t have to be under the circumstances just because you are in them.

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. (verse 22)

The next principle is number eight only in chronology, definitely not in rank of importance. “Wait for God to speak.” Paul knew all along that everything was going to be all right, but he refrained from talking about it until he had heard directly from God about what to say.

For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve. Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. (verses 23-25)

Principle number nine would remind us that we must recognize that God’s plan may not be as easy as our plan. In the great roll call of faith in Hebrews chapter eleven, we read about some of the heroes of faith who suffered greatly for their faith; yet, they were still listed as conquerors. I like to say that some were saved from tribulation, others were saved in tribulation, and still others were saved by tribulation — but they were all saved!

Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. (verse 26)

At this point we must remember that just because God has spoken, the deliverance may not be immediate. We have already discussed Joseph’s long wait for his promotion in Egypt, but we must realize that we, too, must wait in faith and patience for God’s promises (Hebrews 6:12) and that, even though the vision God has given seems to tarry, it will come at the appointed time (Habakkuk 2:3).

But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country; And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. (verses 27-29)

A major truth to realize when facing shipwreck is to “keep on keeping on.” It is so easy to let go of our faith and try to take matters into our own hands, but we must remember the principle that Paul taught the Galatians, “Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh.” (Galatians 3:3)

And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. (verses 30-31)

Simply put, the next principle would be, “Let go of your own life support system.” In other words, “Your way won’t work, so try God’s way!”

Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off. (verse 32)

The next principle may seem a bit strange at first, “Don’t get religious.” Too often our religious ideas and actions actually bog us down when we need to be hearing a fresh word from God. That’s why both Jesus and Paul warned us about the traditions of man. (Matthew 15:6, Colossians 2:8) We can see a good example of how religion can negate the realistic simplicity of a relationship with God in the story of King David’s fast at the death of his illegitimately conceived son with Bathsheba. (II Samuel 12:15-23) Although he fasted while the boy lingered between life and death, he took food after the baby’s death. His attendants thought that he should be more “religious” and continue the fasting and mourning after the boy’s death, but David cut through the pretense of religion to explain the simplicity that his fasting during the baby’s sickness had a purpose and that any further fast would be just for appearance sake. In chapter fifty-eight of his oracles, the prophet Isaiah went to great detail to define genuine fasting as opposed to the ritualistic sham practiced by the religious leaders of his day. Unfortunately, his lesson was apparently not learned very well in that Jesus had to address the same issues again in the Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 6:16-18)

And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. (verses 33-38)

The next principle we can learn in this lesson is that victory may not necessarily be paradise. Paul and his shipmates were rescued from the angry sea but found themselves on a hostile island in very uncomfortable conditions. Sometimes we need to learn to appreciate the deliverance we have received even though we still face further challenges.

And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. (verses 39-41)

The last principle may be a rather unusual one, but it warrants mention, “God will save the unworthy in the process of saving the righteous.” God was intent upon saving Paul and gave him the lives of all two hundred seventy-six who were on the ship as a bonus. There are many such examples in the scriptures. In saving Noah, God also delivered his family, one of whom proved to be cursed. (Genesis 9:25) In saving Lot, whom Peter described as “just” (II Peter 2:7), his two incestuous daughters (Genesis 19:31-36) were also delivered. When God was ready to totally destroy the children of Israel because of their rebellious nature, Moses stepped in between God and the people. In order to save the life of Moses, Jehovah granted mercy to the entire nation. (Exodus 32:32) For the sake of ten righteous people, God would have spared the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Genesis 18:32) Jeremiah 5:1 declared that just one man who executed judgment would be enough to cause God to spare the city of Jerusalem from destruction. The New Testament teaches the principle that one righteous person in the home can sanctify the remaining unbelieving family members. (I Corinthians 7:14, I Peter 3:1) It also teaches that the church can provide a certain amount of spiritual covering over the ungodly within its influence; in addition, the church has the right — or should I say “responsibility” — to withdraw this umbrella of protection at times to let the wayward become aware of the consequences of their ways. (I Corinthians 5:1-5, I Timothy 1:19, Titus 1:20)

And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land. (verses 42-44)

Bon voyage and happy sailing!