Sunday Sermon

Let's Go Fishing Dave Shaner January 16, 2005

Scripture Reading: Luke 5:1-11

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

Simon answered, “Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Introduction: There are many stories in the gospel involving Jesus and fish.

Text: Luke 5:1-11

What are some secrets of fishing for men?

I. You must ____________ to catch ____________.

A. How much do you want to see people come to Jesus Christ?

B. We, as a church, exist to teach the gospel.

C. Acts 20:24

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

II. What it means to catch fish:

A. You must ____________ where the ____________ are.

He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. - Luke 5:3

1. John 17:18

As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

2. A fishionary makes any necessary changes in order to reach fish without compromising biblical truth.

3. It's more important to reach the lost than protect the status quo.

B. You must put your ____________ in the ____________.

1. There comes a time to stop talking about fishing and just fish.

2. Romans 10:14-15

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

3. If you love Jesus, go public about the relationship.

C. You must believe that ____________ fish ____________.

III. Does it matter whether fish get caught or not? Why?

A. Because ____________ is real and real ____________ go there.

B. Because ____________ is the ____________ way to God.

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.  - Acts 4:12

C. Because ____________ for Christ makes ____________ look Good.

1. Romans 1:5

Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.

2. Passion for people is the result of passion for God.

3. John 4:34

"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work."

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