Print

LUKE 5:4-6

"DIRECTED SERVICE"

Intro: It is important that we all serve the Lord. It is equally important that He direct us
       in our service.

I. THE DESIRE TO SERVE THE LORD.
        A. Planted in the heart of every true child of God.
                1. That's what the title of Lord implies.
                2. We have all been called of God to serve.
        B. Dangers to watch for.
                1. Non-directed service. (Fishing all night for nothing.
                        a. Doing things my way.
                                1. Problems with committees, a task needs to be accomplished,
                                   let's figure out best way.
                                2. Too often we look to our own ideas rather than the Lord.
                                3. Many churches going broke trying to perpetuate someone's 
                                   great idea.
                        b. Going where I am not called.
                                1. Some so anxious to serve, just start out on own. Ahimaaz'
                                   desire to run.
                                2. Too often we seek the counsel of men over the guidance from
                                   God.
                2. Serving from wrong motivations.
                        a. The desire for men's approval. Jesus warns against this in Sermon
                           on the Mount.
                        b. Serving for personal rewards.
                                1. If we should offer $100 for every guest you brought to
                                   church tonight.
                        c. Love is the only accepted motive.
                                1. For the love of Christ constraineth me.
                                2. Though I sell all my goods...

II. THE COMMAND OF JESUS TO SIMON, "LAUNCH OUT..."
        A. Notice how Jesus is directing his service.
                1. It is contrary to Peter's good judgment as an experienced fisherman.
                        a. He was discouraged because of his lack of success.
                        b. Ready to hang it up for the day, try another time
                        c. The best time for fishing over.
                        d. If in the best time caught nothing, how foolish to try now.
                        e. He was probably also weary. Up all night, casting out nets and
                           rowing.
                2. Peter's obedience, "Nevertheless, at Thy Word I will let down the net."
                        a. I've been doing this all night, once more.
                                1. How often have we quit, discouraged one net short of a
                                   draught.
                        b. In the same area where he drew up empty nets, the nets are now full.
                                1. So full they begin to break.
                                2. What's the secret?  Obedience!
                        c. Doing God's will may not always produce phenominal results.
                                1. God calls some to plant.
                                2. Others to water.
                                3. Never measure success by numbers, but by obedience.
                                Am I doing what God wants me to do?
                                Am I doing all God wants me to do?

III. THE EFFECTS OF THE SUCCESS ON PETER.
        A. Did not start success seminars for all the Galilean fishermen.
        B. It humbled him. "Fell at Jesus  knees."
                1. He knew that Jesus, not him, was the one responsible for success
                2. He was ready to quit accepting failure.
        C. He left it all to follow Jesus.
                1. The ships weighted to the gunnels with fish are rowed to shore, the geight
                   of success in chosen profession.