INTRODUCTION:
We so seldom think about the impact that our words have on those who are listening, however in many cases we find others hanging onto our words. This is especially true of preachers, so we must be careful what we say.
Our words can have a negative or a positive outcome, I’m sure we would that we would have a positive effect on our hearers.
In this sermon we look at the weight of a few words, or how just a few words spoken by Christ had a major impact on the lives of those who listened and obeyed.
The Setting:
(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,
The early days of Christ’s ministry.
Many people were crowding to hear Jesus, but it was difficult for Him to speak over the crowd and look into their faces.
The Sea of Galilee, or the Sea of Tiberias, was three and a half mile long by two and a half mile wide.
(2) And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
It had been a disappointing night.
Seasoned, experienced fishermen.
Simon’s partners had already given up and were washing their nets.
The Situation:
(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.
Peter was not yet an Apostle of Jesus, although he was somewhat aware of who he was. He was a bit skeptical, but obliged Jesus just the same.
The Struggle
(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.
Peter struggled with what he knew and had learned as a fisherman and with what he was being commanded to do.
Let down your nets “plural” to catch tis large school of fish. A drought “huge amount.”
Nighttime was the best fishing time and not morning.
So, this in and of itself presented a problem.
Simon was a skilled fisherman and not wanting to be disrespectful partially obeyed Jesus.
Simon was really struggling but obeyed anyway.
Note: The word “Nevertheless!”
Contrast “Nets” with “Net.”
The Surrender
nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
Not to be disrespectful, Simon set about to comply with Christ’s command, yet half-heartedly.
Nevertheless: If you say so! If you say so! I guess it won’t hurt. One more time!
So, Peter let down his net, singular!
Simon obeys the word of Christ and was greatly blessed, beyond his imagination!
The Apostle Paul pointed this out to the Ephesians, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…” Ephesians 3;20
And to the Philippians, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
The Satisfaction
(6) And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
Jesus could have said, “I told you so!”
Can you see him turn an eye towards Simon and wink?
The Sharing
(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.
CONCLUSION:
Many of us are like Simon Peter.
We get frustrated doing the same things, doing what we know to do and seeing little to no results.
Everyone needs some space; Peter was frustrated and may have wanted to be left alone.
Most Christians, many Christian leaders become tired, and it may seem they don’t care. But deep down they love God and His word.
Quote: As one preacher said, “It’s not that we don’t care, it’s just that we have become too callous.”
But if we listen, we might hear the Master speak in a still small voice… “Let down your nets and prepare for a draught!”
We must learn the mighty power, the weight in those three words…
At Thy Word!
Many are simply going through the motions.
Many have the attitude, “It won’t do any good, but I will do it anyway.”
Regardless of the size of the church or the ministry there’s always the Struggle, and it is real.
It there’s a situation you face where you start to feel frustrated, then soon there will be a Struggle as to whether to continue or wash the nets!
Wherever there is a Struggle then there will need to be a Surrender.
If there is a Surrender, then soon you will reap the Satisfaction.
Many times, the Satisfaction is so great and so full you will want to share it with others.
Key learn the mighty power, the weight in those three words…
At Thy Word!
Disclaimer: This sermon is a collection of several sources and I claim no originality to all, only as I have tried to tailor it to develop the sermon. I have sought to acknowledge credit to whom credit is due. I hope it will bless you.
