THE STORY MUST CHANGE (2) - POWER OF OBEDIENCE
LUKE 5:1-8
God is interested in changing people's conditions but they should first of all, change themselves by resolving to obey Him first. Many a times, we think that our task is difficult but the most difficult task is not doing what we supposed to do. Every blessings of God is with certain conditions and must be obeyed before their fulfillments. Everyday, many requests are sent to heaven from the earth but many people are yet to do what they ought to do before the result is released.
LUKE 5:1-8
“Now it came to pass, while the multitude pressed upon him and heard the word of God, that he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret; and he saw two boats standing by the lake: but the fishermen had gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the multitudes out of the boat. And when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answered and said, Master, we toiled all night, and took nothing: but at thy word I will let down the nets. And when they had done this, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes; and their nets were breaking; and they beckoned unto their partners in the other boat, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord”
Jesus came to the fishing point of Simon and his friends. They were struggling in their business. There was no result. When Jesus came into the situation, their story changed. Simon gave the Master his boat for a pulpit. When the messages were delivered, the Master demanded an obedience from him. He gave the order and the direction. Peter reluctantly obeyed after few excuses. Finally when he laid down his net, he buried his doubt. The Master did the miracle. There was a net-breaking and ship-sinking miracle. A night of struggle was turned to a morning of satisfaction. God can do the same for you today, If you can obey Him!
We see Professional fishermen, at work;
a. They were skilled fishermen ( not hobby)
b. They were fishing in familiar waters
c. They were using the right equipment
d. They worked at the right time ( night)
e. They had been working hard ( all night)
f. They had had success in the past
FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
a. Where God is, there is solution and result
b. God is never separated from His word. It attracts His presence
c. Wise Men press to the right center of attraction. (Jesus Christ)
(Where you press to, determines how far you can go or live)
Some press to many things-
i. Alcoholism
ii. Women or Men
iii. Dangerous addictions
iv . Worldly entertainments & fun parties
v. Occultism & idolatry
vi. Wickedness
d. The boat you are determines how safe you are
e. A little thrust makes the miracle possible
f. When you make a move God will make his ( No launching out & letting down, no miracle)
f. There is wonders in the deep
h. There is always a toiling without the Lord ( Personal struggles)
i. Where Jesus is, there is a change to the next level
j. Man’s extremity is an opportunity for God to work
THE LORD HAD A NEED - A BOAT FOR KINGDOM EXPANSION
God wants a boat and Someone may say today, "Take my boat also'
The boat are;
a. Your life
b. Your family
c. Your business
WHEN GOD MAKES A DEMAND, HE REQUIRES OBEDIENCE.
YOUR OBEDIENCE;
1. Secures generational blessings- Genesis 22:18
2. Makes you peculiar - Exodus 19:5
3. Places you above - Exodus 19:5
4. Makes God to be enemy to your enemies- Exodus 23:22
5. Allows you dwell in the promised land - Deuteronomy 30:20
6. Makes you spend your days in prosperity - Job 36:11
7. Makes God be your God forever - Jeremiah 7:23
WHEN STORY CHANGES BY THE POWER OF OBEDIENCE;
(Luke 5:1-10)
a. The toiling becomes over. (vs 6)
b. Night of struggle cease. (vs 6-7)
c. New experience gained. (vs 8)
d. The next level ushered. (vs 7)
e. A net breaking miracle (vs 6)
f. Partnership with the Lord established. (Luke 5:10 )
g. True self realized. (Vs 8)
h. True worship gained. (vs 8)
