GOD’S WORK GOD’S WAY
Luke 5:1-11

Introduction:     We must guard against being busy but barren. What is the primary work of God? With a new church year approaching I want to refocus and make sure our priorities are right. We can learn how to do the work of God by examining how the Lord Jesus did the work of God.

I.          A NEW APPROACH (VV.1-3)
When Jesus showed up He did things different than everyone else. He never bent His Word, but He bent His method to the situation.

·        No one taught Like Jesus. (Jesus left the synagogue and went to the people).

·        He did what no one had done before. (Illus. The church that is willing to use a new approach will do God’s work God’s way, not our way)!

II.                 A RADICAL APPEAL (VV.4-7)

·        Jesus asked for Peter’s boat. (To do God’s work you will be asked of your time, talent, and treasure).

·        Jesus commanded him to launch out into the deep. (Some of you have played with your Christianity long enough and now it is time that you launched out into the deep waters of commitment).

·        Stop working in the flesh. (v.5) Peter said, “We have fished all night.” This is doing God’s work our way (without the power of God on it). It’s not about us (get our eyes off things and on Jesus) It’s all about Him, “nevertheless at thy word I will.”

·        It pays to life for and serve Jesus! (v.6) Notice, Peter did not catch that great load of fish until he gave Jesus his boat! He asks for help (v.7) God doesn’t bless you to keep it to yourself, He blesses you to share it with other people.

III.       A LOVING ASSURANCE (VV.8-10)

·        Recognize Jesus as Lord. (Here is a man that Jesus can use).

·        “Fear not” are the words of assurance. (Jesus gives this assurance to those He can use – humble, contrite, available people).

IV.       A TOTAL ABANDONMENT (V.11)
These men left the largest payday they would ever see and followed Jesus. Jesus saw that they had what it takes (the skills).

·        It takes patience to catch fish – it takes patience to catch men.

·        It takes determination to catch fish – it takes determination to catch men.

·        It takes flexibility and creativity to catch fish – it takes flexibility and creativity to catch men.

·        They use to catch men to kill them, now they are going to catch men to give them life! That is the greatest work of the church!

Conclusion:       Have you forsaken all and followed Jesus? When are you going to stop trying to live in two worlds and totally abandon yourself to God? God is not the only one fishing here today. Let Jesus catch you today! God help us to do your work your way!