Let Down Your Nets
Pastor Jerry Burns
launch Out Into the Deep
Luke 5:1-11 (KJV)
1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
We find in this passage of Scripture.
Wonderful truths about Launching out into the Deep.
We looked at LAUNCHING OUT FOR DELIVERENCE
We are looking at this morning – Launching out in Devotion
4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
Would you highlight these expressions this morning:
Launch out.
Let Down.
In this passage of Scripture we are introduced to the Savior’s command to a struggling believer.
Yet, we have already learned that in the deep is when God’s power is made known and Displayed.
the scene of this experience took place on Lake Gennesaret which was the same as the Sea of Galilee
- Understand that these men were fishing all night and had caught nothing.
The fishing was scarce.
The fishermen were spent.
Their faith was shallow.
- You can imagine as they sat by the shore washing their nets – the surprise as they watched Jesus come and the great multitude of people following Him.
- What’s all the excitement about?
- The Bible describes to us that the people were pressing Him.
There was a hunger to know what Jesus had to say. They had a strong desire to know the Scriptures. They wanted to know the Truth.
Jesus used these men as he meet their needs.
- Jesus walks right into Peter’s boat and he acted as if He already owned it. (V3)
Psalm 24:1 (KJV) “The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”
And asked Him to “thurst out from the land.” He began to preach to the people.
Upon the completion of the sermon. He turned to Peter and spoke to Him. We find the faith of Peter is put to the test.
Church is where you find the preaching – it’s after the sermon in which the true hearing is tested.
Luke 5:4 (KJV)
4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
QUOTE: We have droughts and not draughts because there is no true devotion.
>We find the blessing of God
>We find the Abundance of God
>We find the needs meet
>We Find the impossible Performed
>We find the greatness of God displayed
>In the deep.
And Yet; we learn so much from this passage of Scripture as we launch out by faith; trusting the Lord.
Notice these truths by way of introduction THIS MORNING:
We notice together.
1. THE DEVOTED POSSESSION
Luke 5:3 (KJV)
3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
What will you give Jesus to spead the Gospel?
Peter gave Jesus a pulpit.
“Jesus seized and used the resources available. He had the vision of people needing the Word of God, but He needed a pulpit and others to help, so He scanned the horizon and found both.”
What can I give Him poor as I am
if i were a shepard I would bring a lamb
if I were a wiseman I would do my part
but what can I give Him
give Him my heart
>Devoted procession
2. A GRACIOUS COMMISSION
Luke 5:4 (KJV)
4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out (FAITH) into the deep, and let down (EXPRESSION OF YOUR FAITH) your nets for a draught.
When Christ takes possession > He also gives commission.
The great fishes are in the deep, and those who launch out may hope to find them.
That the Christian faith is not established in the banks of the sea of Galilee – but the Christian faith is formed in the depths.
God wants us all to launch out and trust Him.
3. A HUMBLING CONFESSION
Luke 5:5 (KJV)
5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
They were tired
They were empty
They were discouraged
They told the Lord.
We have toiled.
We have caught nothing.
This is a great picture of the flesh. It’s a wonderful picture of service of the Lord – the Christian life lived in your means – your own power.
4. A GOD-HONOURING RESOLUTION
Luke 5:5 (KJV)
5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
“The way to victory is the pathway of faith. Like Simon, make a fresh start on the authority of Jesus.”
Matthew 8:5-10 (KJV)
5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
The man’s faith was found in the submission to the Authority to the Power of God in His life.
>Would you say “nevertheless”
>Would you say “Lord, I will trust You”
Nevertheless – dis-regard circumstances // disregard your wisdom // disregard the opinions of others.
I WILL – OBEY THE LORD
Trust the Lord.
In the Deep we find the Miracle of God in our lives – as we submit to the Word of God.
5. AN AMAZING SATISFACTION
