Let’s Go Fishing Matthew 4:18-22; Luke 5:1-11 18 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him. 21 Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him

The high priority of soul winning. Proverbs 11:30 says, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he that wins souls is wise.” Daniel 12:3 says, “They that are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and he who turns many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” Psalm 126:5-6 says, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goes forth and weeps, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” James 5:20 says, “Let him know that he who converts a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death and hide a multitude of sins.”

How do you see people? (v. 18) The Strategy “Follow me,” Jesus said.” “And they followed him” (verse 20); “and they followed him” (verse 22). They did not merely follow a plan, or a procedure, or a pattern, or a principle. They followed a Person. The Process “Follow me, and I will make you.” The Purpose So the Christian is enlisted into the greatest purpose in the world: “I will make you fishers of men.” Forsook all (vv. 20, 22) Followed Him (vv. 20, 22) Fished for men.

Basic Principles in Fishing for Men The world is like the sea The sea is full of fish The sea is the natural element of fish Men are like fish The church is the “harbor” Jesus wants all of His followers to be fishers of men

Critical Aspects of Fishing for Men The call of Master (v. 22) Jesus’ call was to forsake everything. His call also involved a following: “Follow me” (verses 19, 20, 22). The primary method of Jesus in reaching the world. “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me.” The main mission of Jesus here on earth. “Follow Me, and I will make you...” “I will make you fishers of men.” His call involves no fear. (Luke 5:10) “Fear not; from henceforth you shall catch men.” “henceforth” His call involves catching men alive! (Luke 5:10)

Critical Aspects of Fishing for Men: The care of the nets It is necessary to get and then maintain the basic equipment if you are going to catch men. Matthew 4:21 speaks of “their nets”; Luke 5:4 refers to “your nets.” The most important nets in fishing for men are your personal testimony and your character. The cleaning of our “nets” is critical. (Luke 5:2) The mending of our “nets” is critical. (Matthew 4:21) The casting of our “nets” is critical. (Matthew 4:18)

Critical Aspects of Fishing for Men The types of nets used in fishing for men “draw-net” (Matthew 4:18) “hauling-net” (Matthew 13:47-50) “throwing-net” (Matthew 4:21) The place where you fish “Simple Simon ... tried to catch a whale in a pail of water.” Salt - we must get into the meat and the potatoes. Light - we must penetrate the darkness. Fishermen - we have to go out of the church to the places where the fish are. The church may be a place of evangelism, but it is first to be a base for evangelism.

Critical Aspects of Fishing for Men Let’s go fishing! “Are we just going to talk, or are we going to really fish for men?” “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” No following = No fishing If you are not fishing, you are not following! Let’s truly be followers of Jesus - Let’s go fishing!