Bitten but Not Broken | 1022 Sermon Recap

JoJo Lotriglio
Oct 24
2 min read

📖 Main Passage: Acts 27–28

Luke recounts Paul’s journey to Rome—a path marked by storms, shipwrecks, and unexpected detours. Through it all, Paul remains anchored in God’s purpose, proving that even when life bites hard, faith holds firm.

🌪️ 1. The Storm and the Shipwreck (Acts 27)

Paul boards a cargo ship as a prisoner, heading to Rome. A violent storm hits, lasting for weeks.

The crew tries to hold the ship together with ropes.
They throw cargo overboard—sacrificing what once mattered.
All hope seems lost… until Paul speaks up.

Key Insight: Sometimes God allows loss to strip away what’s temporary so we’ll cling to what’s eternal.

🔥 2. Hope in the Midst of Chaos

Paul declares: “Keep up your courage… not one of you will be lost.”

His hope isn’t in the ship—it’s in God’s promise.
The ship represents temporary security—relationships, possessions, plans.
Paul’s faith becomes a lifeline for others.

Key Insight: Don’t anchor your hope in what can sink. Anchor it in the One who never fails.

🍞 3. Breaking Bread and Trusting the Promise

Paul urges the crew to eat and gives thanks—mirroring communion.

He tells them to stay with the ship to survive.
They trust him enough to cut away the lifeboats.

Key Insight: Gratitude in the storm is an act of faith. Stay planted where God has placed you.

🌊 4. The Shipwreck and Survival

The ship breaks apart on a sandbar. Soldiers plan to kill the prisoners, but Paul is spared.

Everyone reaches land—some swimming, some clinging to broken pieces.

Key Insight: God may not save the ship, but He’ll save you. Even broken pieces can carry you to safety.

🐍 5. Malta: Purpose in the Unexpected (Acts 28)

Paul lands in Malta—an unplanned stop. While helping build a fire, a viper bites his hand.

The same hand used for work and worship is attacked.
But Paul shakes it off—and suffers no harm.

Key Insight: When the enemy bites with offense, bitterness, or fear—shake it off. Don’t let poison take root.

💡 Final Takeaway: Romans 8:28

“All things work together for good…”

Not all things are good—but God works them for good.
Paul didn’t end up where he planned—but he fulfilled God’s purpose.

🙌 Conclusion

When storms rage, stay faithful. When the ship breaks, hold on to God. When the enemy bites, shake it off. You may land somewhere unexpected—but it’s exactly where God wants you.