32) Becomming A Fisher Of Men Series

32) BECOMMING A FISHER OF MEN

Text: TEXT: Luke 5:1-11

INTRODUCTION

As our weekly study continues concerning: “...those things most surely believed among us” (Lk 1:1),

We have recently been exploring what the Scriptures teach about the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.

And as we have seen together through the Bible...

There is a great deal to learn and discover about what salvation is, and how we are truly saved.

Ephesians chapter 2, verses 8 + 9, summarises the key points of the Gospel really well for us saying:

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

This is the truth of the Gospel according to the Scriptures:

We are saved by God’s Grace...

Through faith in Jesus Christ alone...because this is God’s gift to mankind,

And it has absolutely nothing to do with our good works.

Amen! Brethren, this is what we believe – because this is what the Bible teaches.

So far in this study and through the light of God’s Word we have seen:

What the Gospel is - with particular emphasis on how the Gospel is not of works.

We have looked at how we get saved and at how we can have Security in Salvation...

Because it is the Promise of God.

We have learnt of the existence of False Gospel’s – and been warned by God to avoid them.

Last week we even looked at God’s calling for us through the “Great Commission”

And saw our need to share the true Gospel of Christ with all we can.

Now today, I want us to build further upon our understanding of the Gospel...

And “...those things most surely believed among us”,

To look at how God Prepares us to share the Gospel.

And one of the best ways I can think to do this,

Is to look back at how Jesus prepared His early disciples for this task.

And ironically a big part of this preparation came,

When Jesus first called them as it were – to just become “Fishers of Men”.

THE CALL TO BECOME FISHERS OF MEN

Turn with me to Mark 1:14-20

14 Now after that John was put in prison [this is speaking of John the Baptist], Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

So we see here Jesus openly proclaiming the Gospel…

And now we see Him calling the early disciples to join Him in doing the same – verse 16:

16 Now as He walked by the sea of Galilee, He saw Simon [this is reference to Peter] and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become

fishers of men.

Now notice the calling here – because Jesus said:

“Join me and I will show you how to do something entirely new.”

And I hope the irony is not lost on you here – because these were “Fishermen”…

Who were called to become Fishers of Men.

Now that’s quite a change in role and occupation,

To go from to seeking to catch fish – to actively seeking to catch men’s souls.

To go from casting a net – to openly proclaiming the Gospel…

Because this is what we are talking about here.

Jesus said - “If you follow me, I will show you how to go from being a mere fisher of fish…

To becoming a fisher of men.”

Notice also with me the last part of verse 17 – Jesus said: Come ye after me,

and I will make you to become fishers of men.

That phrase I will make you – does not speak of a forced obligation.

Jesus was not going to force His disciples to do anything…

Just as He does not force you or I to do anything.

Instead, in the Greek this phrase means to “make ready” or “to prepare”.

“If you follow me (Jesus said) – I will get you ready for all that comes next”.

“I will prepare you to seek out and catch men through the declaration of the Gospel”.

I think this is an interesting point – because Jesus doesn’t just wait for us to be saved,

And then say – go and save others!

No – He gets us ready and He works in and through our lives

So that we are sufficiently prepared for that task.

Some people get really scared at the thought of sharing the Gospel,

And at the idea of telling others about Jesus.

But this is less daunting when you understand how Jesus’s promises to prepare us.