Luke 5:1-11
- I Point Others To Jesus By Influencing Them Daily.
“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.” Luke 5:1-2 (NIV)
“He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.” Luke 5:3 (NIV)
– Our calling is defined by our obedience.
“When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down the nets for a catch.’” Luke 5:4 (NIV)
“‘Master, we have worked all night and haven’t caught anything, but because you say so, I will let down the nets.’” Luke 5:5 (NIV)
“When they had done so they caught such a large amount of fish that their nets began to break, so they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and to help them. They came and filled both boats so full, that they began to sink.” Luke 5:6-7 (NIV)
– Follow.
“When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man.’” Luke 5:8 (NIV)
“Don’t be afraid; Jesus then grins and says, ‘From now on you will fish for people.’ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.’” Luke 5:10b (NIV)
– CALLING is simply FOLLOWING defined by our OBEDIENCE.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14 (NIV)
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.” John 3:16 (NIV)
My Next Step This Week:
_____ I am prayerfully asking God to open opportunities to influence others daily and point them Jesus.
Biblical Authority: We live under and surrender to the authority of God’s Word by:
Influencing Daily: We intentionally build relationships with those in our circles of influence as we model a life centered on following Jesus.
LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION
One Thing: I Point Others To Jesus By Influencing Them Daily.
Memory Verse: Matthew 16:24
Bible Background: Fishers of Men, Luke 5:1-11
CONVERSATION STARTER
// Have you ever known someone whose actions and behaviors impressed you because they were noticeably kind, giving, or thoughtful toward others? What made their behavior memorable?
WEEKEND REVIEW
I Point Others To Jesus By Influencing Them Daily
// Was there anything that stood out to you, challenged you, or maybe even confused you?
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The word μαθητής (mathētēs, “disciple”) and other words related to μανθάνω (manthanō, “to learn”) in the time of the New Testament express the idea of discipleship but are more narrow than what occurred in the Old Testament. The root meaning of manthanō is “to learn,” which ties discipleship to the concept of learning and instruction. In terms of what the Hebrews understood, these words also refer not only to the transfer of information but also to the transformation of one’s lifestyle in order to be more like one’s teacher. For those who follow Jesus, this means that we need to be ‘all in’ with our whole being and strive to live a life like He did.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
// Read Hebrews 13:1-3 (p.928). At Alive Church, one of our core values is to influence daily. This means that we intentionally build relationships with those in our circles of influence as we model a life centered on following Jesus.
- What are we required to do in our daily lives as followers of Jesus?
- What can we do to be ‘Fishers of People in our world today?
- What challenges or obstacles do you see when you think of doing this?
// Read Matthew 5:16 (p.736).
- Why is Jesus calling on His disciples to let their light shine?
- What does Jesus mean by our ‘light’ and what does this have to do with doing good deeds?
- What are some ways you can let your good deeds shine for all to see?
// Read Hebrews 13:16 (p.929).
- How can the good we do in our daily lives influence others and give glory to God?
- Can engaging others about Jesus in our daily lives and sharing the Gospel be a sacrifice?
// Read Luke 5:10-11 (p.785).
- What does “fishing for people” mean?
- What are some practical ways you can live this concept out?
// Read Psalm 96:3 (p.457).
- Who should we share our story with?
- When was a time you shared your story with someone?
My Next Step This Week: _____ I am prayerfully asking God to open opportunities to influence others daily and point them Jesus.
DIGGING DEEPER
Reread Luke 5:1-11. How are we, as disciples, to become Fishers of People in a world that is at odds with our beliefs about loving and sacrificing for others? As you go about your week, think about some possible ways you can influence others. You do not have to undertake grand gestures or structured programs, but our everyday experiences. Every interaction is an opportunity to be an ambassador for Jesus. At the end of the week, reflect back on how you did and what are some ways you can make this a permanent part of your daily life.