I. INTRODUCTION
1. “The people pressed upon Him to hear” (v. 1). Jesus chose common people to follow Him, not religious people.
2. “He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret” (v. 1). Go to where the people are; don’t make them come to you.
3. “To hear the Word of God” (v. 1). People must first listen to the word of God before responding.
4. “Two ships” (v. 2). One was Zebedee’s, the other was Peter’s. Jesus chose to use a dysfunctional loud mouth. He didn’t choose religious leaders.
5. “Washing their nets” (v. 2). Jesus chooses working people, not lazy people.
6. “Entered into one of the ships which was Simon’s” (v. 3). Jesus doesn’t need ships, He can walk on water. Peter needs Jesus to use him and his ship. To do ministry.
7. “Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push out a little into the water” (v. 3, TLB). Jesus allows us to give to Him, so He can ask us to give back to Him a much greater benefit.
8. He taught the people out of the ship” (v. 3). Both are needed for mass ministry and individual ministry.
9. “Launch out a little” (v. 3). Our little service for Christ can have great results.
10. “He taught the people” (v. 3). The Word of God comes before the miracles.
11. “Launch out into the deep.” Big ones not caught in shallow water.
12. “Let down the nets” (v. 4). Jesus wants total dedication.
13. “For a draught” (v. 4). God uses what we have in ability and possession.
14. “We have toiled all night.” We offer excuses from our perception.
15. “All the night” (v. 5). The Tilapia, “St. Peter’s fish,” have big eyes and can see the nets and boat, but not at night.
16. “Take nothing” (v. 5). Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.
17. “Let down the net” (v. 5). Jesus asked for all but we usually give him a portion. Jesus will always ask us to do something that will use our faith.
18. “Nevertheless” (v. 5). This didn’t make sense to Peter, but Jesus never leaves you with less, He will always give you more.
19. “When they had done this” (v. 6). Serving Christ not on your agenda, but His agenda.
20. “I will let down the net” (v. 5). Usually we do just enough to satisfy ourselves, but not satisfy God.
21. “A great multitude of fishes.” One of the greatest catches of his life.
22. Their net broke” (v. 6).
a. If Peter had obeyed completely, would they have broken?
b. Same plan, same net, same boat, same fishermen, so you can’t take the credit. God gave the increase.
c. When you decide to obey God, just do it.
23. “Breaking nets . . . sinking ships.” God doesn’t have to make sense to get a message across. But He always makes sense.
24. The miracle of fish swimming into the net. God will make people come into your nets.
25. “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man” (v. 8). Usefulness should make us humble, not proud.
26. “He was ashamed” (v. 9). Usefulness should lead to worship.
27. “From henceforth thou shall catch men.” Past lessons are the basis for future learning and greater usefulness.
28. “Fell down at Jesus’ knees” (v. 8). Greatest ability is availability.
29. “Master, we have toiled . . . I am a sinful man O Lord” (v. 5, 7). We start out working for a boss, but end up serving our master.
30. “We have toiled . . . O Lord” (v. 5, 8). Peter needed to properly see himself and to see His Lord.
Methods are many,
Principles are few,
Methods may change,
But principles never do.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
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