The Fishing Is Good, Yet We Do Not Fish!

Scripture Reading:  “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.  Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’?  I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.  Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true.  I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”  John 4:34-38 

We know from Scripture that we are commanded to FISH

• Jesus’ 1st command:  Mark 1:17 
  
• His last command:  Acts 1:8 
  
• We have been sent:  John 20:21 
  
• The Great Commission:  Matthew 28:18-20 
  

Yet, we do not FISH!

We also know from Scripture that there are plenty of FISH - John 4:34-38

• V34: It’s food or nourishment for us because we are doing His will and His work
  
• V35: There are many fish and they are BITING!
  
• V36-38: We have the benefits of each other’s labor; we work together; we receive wages!!
  

• It’ God that catches the fish: 1 Cor 3:7 
  

YET, we do not FISH!

We are told in Scripture to prepare ourselves and others to fish:

1.  Ourselves: 2 Tim 2:15 

• As one approved; not ashamed.
  
• Correctly handling the Word
  

2.  Others: 2 Tim 4:1-5 

• Paul urges us to preach the Word; be prepared
  
• Patiently correct, rebuke and encourage YOUR people with good teaching
  
• Keep a clear mind , don’t be afraid to suffer for the Lord!
  
• Work at telling others the Good News!
  
• Fully carry out the ministry God has given you!
  

YET WE DO NOT FISH! – Why is this; what is our problem?

1. Mark 12:29-31  
   
2. John 13:34-35
   
3. 2 Tim 4:10 
   
4. Like Demas, we have a LOVE PROBLEM! How does Jesus say that we show love to Him?  John 14:15,21; John 13:35 

How do we solve our LOVE Problem?

• We repent and seek His Face – He deserves to be preeminent in our lives. Col 1:18 
  
• Ask Him to work on your heart. Deut 30:6
  
• We seek First His Kingdom – Mat 6:33
  
• We OBEY immediately and completely!  John 14:15
  

Now let us PREPARE to FISH!

• Learn a basic method--you are studying several good methods, but have one basic method that you use. It frees you up to listen and talk, instead of worrying about what to say next.
  
• It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers--It is okay to say, “I don’t know.”
  
• Fear is normal--it is an experience that everyone deals with. The Apostle Paul even asked for prayer for boldness (If no fear, you are probably witnessing in the flesh). Remember that you are not alone – Jesus is with you with power, protection and wisdom.  The Holy Spirit is also at work in the heart of the other person. 
  

• Remember that God does the saving – He gives the increase
  
• Learn by going with someone who regularly shares Jesus
  
• Always Pray specifically for the lost BEFORE (and during, yes during) you share; evangelism without prayer is presumption!
  
• Lead by example--people are watching what you do, and tend to pay more attention to what you do than what you say.
  

Share the GOSPEL (from Dare2Share):

• God created us to be with him.
  
• Our sin separates us from God.
  
• Sins cannot be removed by good deeds.
  
• Paying the price for sin, Jesus died and rose again.
  
• Everyone who trusts in him alone has eternal life.
  
• Life that’s eternal means we will be with Jesus forever.
  

Are you ready to commit to being obedient?  They let’s start fishing; they are biting in our area!