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Developing the Faith to Fish * A. It
takes faith to fish! B. How much more
so when “fishing for people.” It is faith that is developed. C. Is anything hindering the development
of your faith? Fear? Selfishness? Weariness? Skepticism? I.
Luke 5: When Peter’s Faith to Fish Began to Truly Develop A. Peter already knew that Jesus was
extraordinary (John 1:35-42; Luke 4:31-41).
B. But surely Peter was profoundly underqualified to follow Jesus. All
he knew how to do was fish! C. Then,
on one occasion, everything changed (Luke 5:1-11). II. Three Things to Remember as We Develop
the Faith to Fish A. Jesus is
perfectly aware of our ___________ .
1. Having done his human best at the thing he was best at, Peter’s
nets were empty. 2. Why was this the
best time for Jesus to issue his call for these men to become disciples? a. Peter needed his pride, unbelief, and
weaknesses exposed. b. Peter needed to
see himself as one who, apart from Jesus, could do nothing (John 15:5). c. Peter needed to know who rules the fish
and fills the nets. 3. Then he would be able to fish in faith!B.
Jesus isn’t asking us to do something we are of
doing. 1. Jesus didn’t ask Peter to create fish, fill
the Sea of Galilee, or use a miraculous net.
2. Jesus isn’t asking us to
provide the sacrifice for sins, devise a plan for redemption, or fuel the
power of salvation. 3. In Luke 5:5,
Peter was willing simply to do what Jesus said and that made all the
difference. C. At the right time, in
the right way, for the right purpose, Jesus the
fish. 1. In Luke 5:8, it’s clear
that Peter realized who had filled the nets.a. It wasn’t Peter’s expertise,
experience, work-ethic or profound faith that produced the catch. b. The realization produced reverent fear
and a willingness to follow (John 6:66-69).
2. Jesus is Lord! Our Lord loves lost people and he earnestly desires
to develop faith within us to fish (Luke 5:27-32; 10:1-2; 15:1-7; 19:1-10;
John 20:21; Matt 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-16). |
