1. Fishers of Men Matthew 4:18-25

2. Introduction  Context Temptations (Matthew 4:1-11) Temptations (Matthew 4:1-11) Preached repentance (Matthew 3:2) Preached repentance (Matthew 3:2)  Fulfilling His ministry Calling men back to God Calling men back to God Equipping men to “fish” Equipping men to “fish”

3. The People He Called  Busy men Not idle men Not idle men “Busy” people find time “Busy” people find time  Called them Needed to be followers Needed to be followers Loyalty Loyalty

4. The Promise He Made CCCConditional Seeking followers (John 8:12) Involved instruction and persuasion AAAA higher calling with lasting results Fishing feeds bellies Chance to save souls Left their nets immediately (John 4:35)

5. The Purpose in Mind  Seek and save the lost Why He came (Luke 19:10) Why He came (Luke 19:10) Man is lost (Romans 3:23; 6:23) Man is lost (Romans 3:23; 6:23) Needed witnesses (Acts 1:8; 22:15) Needed witnesses (Acts 1:8; 22:15)  Cause to go on Apostles, not just disciples Apostles, not just disciples They succeeded They succeeded

6. The Process Involved  Showed them how Large audiences (Matthew 5-7) Large audiences (Matthew 5-7) Individuals (John 4:3-26) Individuals (John 4:3-26)  Demonstration of His power Purpose of miracles (Matthew 8, 9) Purpose of miracles (Matthew 8, 9) Confirmed His claims (John 5:36) Confirmed His claims (John 5:36)

7. The Process Involved  Other aspects of this process Limited mission (Matthew 10:5-42) Limited mission (Matthew 10:5-42) Dealt with those who disagreed (Matthew 11, 12) Dealt with those who disagreed (Matthew 11, 12) Used parables (Matthew 13) Used parables (Matthew 13)

8. The Process Involved  Allowed His enemies to crucify Him Rose from the dead Rose from the dead Proof of His resurrection (Acts 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:6) Proof of His resurrection (Acts 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:6) Sent the Holy Spirit (John 16:13) Sent the Holy Spirit (John 16:13)

9. Conclusion  Impressive training  Great promise  Want to volunteer?