Jesus Commands Us to G.R.O.W.

Scripture: Luke 5:1-7

C.I.: Get People to Jesus

Today we begin a new series of lessons, entitled, “Jesus Commands Us to Grow.” – And He does, ( quote Matthew 28:19-20 ).
But How??! Starting today we will see - 4 things all of us can do to grow the kingdom of God!
The first thing we can all do – “Get People to Jesus!”

I. Becoming “fishers of men”

•  ( Matt. 4:18-20 ), “And walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother,
casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. – And He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.' – And
they immediately left their nets, and followed Him.”

1. “Follow Me” doesn't mean “Tag along and see what happens!” – But rather, “Watch Me and then do as I do!”
a. Jesus knew that for them to become “fishers of men” – it would have to begin with “Follow Me!”
b. True today. – We cannot become “fishers of men” – if we are not first following Jesus!

2. There is a world of difference between those Jesus called who were “casting a net” and those who cast a line!
a. People:
1) Rod & Real (R & R) = Is a solitary activity; you bait, you cast, you play & reel in all by yourself.
2) Net Fishing = a group activity, ( Lk. 5:6-7 ), “…they enclosed a great quantity of fish; and their nets began to
break; & they signaled to their partners in the other boat, for them to come & help them”
a) Everyone has a role to play if we are to net fish (i.e., become “fishers of men” ).
b) Someone invites a friend – others greet them at the door – still others greet them in the
auditorium – others invite them to lunch/LIFE Group/etc. – someone studies God's word with
them – then someone baptizes them! – Now who saved this person?! All did!
b. Purpose:
1) R & R = Trophies (biggest fish); or most “important” person (Dr., lawyer, Indian chief).
2) Net Fishing = fish for a living, “…casting their net into the sea, for they were fishermen ”
a) Matt. 28:19 (better translation) = “While/as you are going make disciples ….”
b) Thus, getting people to Jesus needs to become part of our lifestyle!
c) We do our work 40+ hrs./week – But our job is to tell others about Jesus!

c. Plan:

1) R&R = Fake! Use bait and lure, and it's all about how you “play the fish”!
2) Net Fishing = Natural! Go to the fish & enclose them, ( Psa. 139:5 ), “You have enclosed me in front and
behind, You have laid Your hand upon me.”

d. Prize:
1) R&R = One at a time (and then you toss the ones back that you don't want!
2) Net fishing = multitudes at a time, ( Lk. 5:6 ), “…they enclosed a great quantity of fish…!”

B. Bible Examples of Getting People to Jesus…

1. The “ Preacher” Approach: ( Jn. 1:35-37 ), “The next day John [the Baptist] was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked
upon Jesus as He walked, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!' – And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.”
a. Notice, John was not striving to get “disciples for himself” – but rather he is pointing them to JESUS!
1) This should be the purpose of every preacher – to point people to Jesus!
2) ( I Cor. 1:23-24 ), “We peach Christ crucified, [The cross tells us everything we need to know; how bad sin is –
and how good God is] to the Jews a stumbling block [but we still preach to Jews], to the Gentiles foolishness [but
we still preach to Gentiles], but to those who are called both Jews and Gentiles, Christ power of God and the
wisdom of God.”
3) ( II Thess. 2:14 ), “It was for this that He called you, through our gospel, that you may obtain the glory….”

2. The “ Relatives” Approach: ( Jn. 1:40-41 ), “One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus, was Andrew, Simon Peter's
brother. – He found first his own brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah.' – And he brought him to Jesus.”
a. If we are going to “Get people to Jesus” – the most obvious place for us to begin – is with family!
1) No long speeches – no debating evolution – no arguing religion!
2) Just letting others know what we have found – then bringing them to Jesus!

3. The “ Friends” Approach: ( Jn. 1:45-46 ), “Philip found Nathaniel & said to him, ‘We have found Him about whom Moses in the
Law and all the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth.' – And Nathaniel said to him, ‘Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?' – And
Philip said to him, ‘Come and see!'”
a. Notice, Philip was new to all of this. – He didn't have all the answers.
1) But remember, the title of today's lesson is not “Giving People All the Answers” – but “Getting…!”
2) If all of us are doing our part on the “net” – then you get them here – and let God's people do what God
wants us to do!!!

4. The “ I'm just a visitor here myself ” Approach: ( Acts 10:21-22 ), [He sent people to go find Peter] “And Peter went down to
the men and said, ‘Behold, I am the one you are looking for; what is the reason for which you have come?'”
a. Only God can use someone who is not yet a member of His kingdom to get people to come hear about Jesus!
1) Before the New Testament was written – God used various means (e.g., angels) to convey message.

b. ( v. 24, 26 ), “And on the following Day Peter entered Caesarea. – Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called
together his relatives and close friends … and as Peter talked to Cornelius, he entered, and found many people assembled.”
1) Thus, God was able to use Cornelius – to reach out to his own family and friends.
2) Can we do any less???!

c. ( vs. 47-48 ), “Surely no one can refuse water for these to be baptized … And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of
Jesus Christ.”

CONCLUSIONS:

1. To the family: All of us have been called to “follow Jesus.”
a. If we have answered that call then we are to become “fishers of men.”
b. Each one of us can do what God desires – to “GET PEOPLE TO JESUS”!
c. Worship, LIFE Groups, Bible classes, Home Bible studies – we just need to get them there!!!

2. To our Guests: We have seen that God can also use you to get people to Jesus!
a. Yet the first person you may want to help get to heaven – is YOU!
b. ( Quote II Thess. 2:14; Mark 16:15-16 )!!!