Fishers of MenFishers of Men

Matthew 4:18-25Matthew 4:18-25

Introduction Introduction

ContextContext Temptations (Matthew 4:1-11)Temptations (Matthew 4:1-11) Preached repentance (Matthew 3:2)Preached repentance (Matthew 3:2)

Fulfilling His ministryFulfilling His ministry Calling men back to GodCalling men back to God Equipping men to “fish”Equipping men to “fish”

The People He CalledThe People He Called

Busy menBusy men Not idle menNot idle men ““Busy” people find timeBusy” people find time

Called themCalled them Needed to be followersNeeded to be followers Loyalty Loyalty

The Promise He MadeThe Promise He Made

ConditionalConditional Seeking followers (John 8:12)Seeking followers (John 8:12) Involved instruction and persuasionInvolved instruction and persuasion

A higher calling with lasting resultsA higher calling with lasting results Fishing feeds belliesFishing feeds bellies Chance to save soulsChance to save souls Left their nets immediately (John 4:35)Left their nets immediately (John 4:35)

The Purpose in MindThe Purpose in Mind

Seek and save the lostSeek 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 onCause to go on Apostles, not just disciplesApostles, not just disciples They succeeded They succeeded

The Process InvolvedThe Process Involved

Showed them howShowed 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 powerDemonstration 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)

The Process InvolvedThe Process Involved

Other aspects of this processOther aspects of this process Limited mission (Matthew 10:5-42)Limited mission (Matthew 10:5-42) Dealt with those who disagreed Dealt with those who disagreed

(Matthew 11, 12)(Matthew 11, 12) Used parables (Matthew 13)Used parables (Matthew 13)

The Process InvolvedThe Process Involved

Allowed His enemies to crucify HimAllowed His enemies to crucify Him Rose from the deadRose from the dead Proof of His resurrection Proof of His resurrection

(Acts 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:6)(Acts 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:6) Sent the Holy Spirit (John 16:13)Sent the Holy Spirit (John 16:13)

Conclusion Conclusion

Impressive trainingImpressive trainingGreat promiseGreat promiseWant to volunteer?Want to volunteer?