The Way of Purpose
Psalm 18:30 TPT What a God you are! Your path for me has been perfect! All your promises have proven true. What a secure shelter for all those who turn to hide themselves in you! You are the wrap-around God giving grace to me.
Luke 5:1-11 ESV On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
- He calls us.
Follow — to cleave steadfastly to one, conform wholly to his example, in living and if need be in dying also
It is not the accomplishments of a person that matter to Jesus but a yielded and trustful heart to his work and his way.
In all our searching and choosing, we were being sought and chosen. The one we choose is the one who first chose us.
- He calls us.
- He empowers us.
Acts 1:8 ESV “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 4:7 TPT They made Peter and John stand in front of the council as they questioned them, saying, “Tell us, by what power and authority have you done these things?”
Acts 4:13 TPT The council members were astonished as they witnessed the bold courage (boldness) of Peter and John, especially when they discovered that they were just ordinary men who had never had religious training (uneducated). Then they began to understand the effect Jesus had on them simply by spending time with him.
- He calls us.
- He empowers us.
- He sends us.
Jesus’ call to “Follow Me” emphasizes that his disciples will share in his mission.
Peter spread the net of the gospel broadly, drawing many into the kingdom.
Matthew 9:35-38 ESV And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Matthew 28:16–20 ESV
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
John 20:21–23 ESV Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
Response Time:
1. Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me right now?
2. Who would you have me share the good news of Jesus with this week?
3. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you.
