Answering the Call: Discipleship and Obedience

In the passage from Matthew 4:18-22, we see Jesus calling Simon Peter and Andrew to follow Him, promising to make them "fishers of men." This calling is further elaborated in Luke 5, where Jesus instructs Peter to cast his nets into the deep waters, resulting in a miraculous catch of fish. This event symbolizes the transformative power of obedience to Christ's commands, even when they seem incomprehensible. Peter's willingness to forsake everything to follow Jesus led to him becoming a powerful preacher, as seen in Acts, where thousands were converted through his sermons.

The narrative of Peter's calling is a profound reminder of the call to discipleship and the cost of following Christ. It challenges us to forsake our earthly securities and ambitions to pursue a higher calling. This calling is not just for the apostles but extends to all believers, urging us to become "fishers of men" in our own contexts. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of this mission, highlighting the compassion of Christ for the lost and the need for laborers in the harvest field.

The sermon also reflects on the broader narrative of the apostles, including the tragic story of Judas Iscariot and the redemptive calling of Saul of Tarsus, who became Paul. This illustrates the diverse backgrounds and journeys of those whom God calls, emphasizing that His grace is sufficient for all. The message concludes with a call to action, urging believers to respond to God's call with the same willingness and obedience as Peter, trusting in His power to use us for His purposes.

Key Takeaways

• 1. OLWFDhmY&t=147s'>[02:27]
  2. Forsaking All for Christ: The call to discipleship requires a willingness to forsake everything for Christ. Peter's decision to leave his livelihood and follow Jesus exemplifies the cost of true discipleship. This challenges us to evaluate what we are willing to sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel.
  
  3. The Urgency of the Harvest: Jesus' compassion for the lost and His call for laborers in the harvest field highlight the urgency of the mission. We are reminded that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, urging us to pray and act in response to this need.
  
  4. God's Grace for All: The diverse backgrounds of the apostles, including the redemption of Saul, illustrate that God's grace is available to all. This encourages us to embrace our unique callings and trust that God can use us, regardless of our past.
  
  5. Responding to God's Call: The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging believers to respond to God's call with obedience and faith. It challenges us to forsake our plans and dreams for the sake of the Gospel, trusting that God will use us for His purposes.
  
  ** [02:27]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:26] - The Call of Peter and Andrew
• [01:09] - Luke's Account of the Calling
• [02:00] - The Miraculous Catch
• [03:23] - Peter's Response to Jesus
• [04:26] - Forsaking All to Follow Christ
• [05:43] - Peter's Impact in Acts
• [06:34] - Turning Many to Righteousness
• [08:55] - The Calling of the Apostles
• [13:10] - The Tragedy of Judas Iscariot
• [17:31] - Saul's Transformation to Paul
• [19:57] - The Urgency of the Harvest
• [22:14] - God's Compassion for the World
• [26:10] - Preaching Christ Crucified
• [30:21] - Responding to God's Call

1. Matthew 4:18-22
2. Luke 5:1-11
3. Acts 2:41; Acts 4:4

1. In Matthew 4:18-22, what was Jesus' promise to Simon Peter and Andrew when He called them to follow Him? How did this promise relate to their profession as fishermen? [00:26]
2. According to Luke 5:1-11, what was Peter's initial reaction to Jesus' command to cast the nets into the deep waters, and what was the outcome of his obedience? [02:27]
3. How did Peter's willingness to forsake everything to follow Jesus impact his role in the early church, as seen in Acts 2:41 and Acts 4:4? [05:43]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the diversity of backgrounds among the apostles, and how does this reflect God's grace? [17:31]

1. What does Peter's obedience to Jesus' seemingly illogical command in Luke 5:1-11 teach us about the nature of faith and trust in God's wisdom over our understanding? [02:27]
2. How does the sermon illustrate the cost of discipleship through Peter's decision to leave his livelihood? What does this imply about the sacrifices required to follow Christ? [04:26]
3. The sermon highlights the urgency of the harvest and the need for laborers. How does this urgency relate to Jesus' compassion for the lost, as described in Matthew 9:37-38? [21:17]
4. Reflecting on the transformation of Saul to Paul, how does the sermon convey the message of redemption and God's ability to use anyone for His purposes? [17:31]

1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to obey a command from God that seemed illogical. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can Peter's story encourage you to trust in God's wisdom? [02:27]
2. Consider what "forsaking all for Christ" might look like in your life. Are there specific ambitions or securities you feel called to surrender for the sake of the Gospel? [04:26]
3. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of the harvest. What practical steps can you take to become more involved in sharing the Gospel in your community? [21:17]
4. How can you embrace your unique background and experiences as part of God's calling for you? In what ways can you trust that God's grace is sufficient for your journey? [17:31]
5. Reflect on the compassion Jesus showed for the lost. How can you cultivate a similar compassion in your interactions with others, especially those who are far from faith? [22:14]
6. The sermon concludes with a call to action. What specific steps can you take this week to respond to God's call with obedience and faith, trusting that He will use you for His purposes? [30:21]
7. Identify one person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week, becoming a "fisher of men" in your context? [30:21]