The Danger of walking away from your purpose.

The Danger of Walking Away from your Purpose.

John 21:1–6 (ESV)

After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.

Intro

Dr. Myles Munroe

PURPOSE

Knowing and understanding exactly what it is you were born to do and accomplish in life.

Purpose doesn't make life easy; it makes life possible.’

Circumstance and crises are God's tools to move you into your purpose and maximize your potential.

and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.

Luke 5:10 (NKJV)

Kings 19:4 (NKJV)

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, "It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!"

Jeremiah 20:9 (NKJV)

'Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name."But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not.

Jonah 1:3 (NKJV)

But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

And Me…

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

2 Corinthians 5:14 (KJV)

PETER HAS TO BE SHOWN A PREVIEW OF HIS FUTURE

Life Without Christ Is...

A Life Battling Storms

v1 'the Sea of Tiberias, :

Life Without Christ Is...

A Life Battling Storms

A Life Bare Of Success

v3"Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing."

They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing-

Life Without Christ Is...

A Life Battling Storms

A Life Bare Of Success

A Life Blinded To The Savior

v4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.

PETER HAS TO BE SHOWN A PREVIEW OF HIS FUTURE.

PETER HAS TO BE SHIFTED TO HIS PRIMARY FOCUS.

In Order To Shift Them...

I. JESUS FOLLOWED THEM TO FURTHER THEIR FUTURE. After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way.

And Jesus wants to show them that He’s going to provide for them by, first of all, showing them they can’t provide for themselves. Notice verse 1, “After these things,” now that indicates there’s a break here and that’s one of the indications, that formula in the Greek, This is kind of an afterthought, not in the sense of importance, but in the sense of the pattern of the book. So, “After these things, Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias and in this manner showed He Himself.”

After the appearance to Thomas, the disciples seem to have packed their bags and headed back home to Galilee. The feast of unleavened bread was over. There was no point in staying in Jerusalem where their presence invited further action of the authorities, although the authorities seem to have been subdued for the time being by the intimidating fact of an empty tomb and by rumors of a resurrection.

In any case, the Lord had already told them he would meet them in Galilee. They would all be back in Jerusalem a few weeks later for the feast of Pentecost. Thus it is we find them in their old familiar haunts by the shore of Lake Galilee.

Time passed and nothing happened. Peter made a decision. He was tired of inaction. He was going to do something and the thing he knew best to do was fish.

Not only, In Order To Shift Them...

I. JESUS FOLLOWED THEM TO FURTHER THEIR FUTURE.

II. JESUS FORCED THEM TO FACE THEIR FAILURES.

v5 Then Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any food?" They answered Him, "No."

Nothing brings Humility like Futility!

This question was designed to bring home the reality of their failure. They had fished all night. They were probably tired and hungry and now this fellow shows up asking them if they have any meat. Their short answer is an indication of the reality they felt all too well. At this moment, they felt like failures.

When the disciples returned to the shores the next morning, Jesus was waiting for them. At first, however, they did not recognize Him. He calls out to them from the shore and asks, “Children, do you have any meat?” The word “children” can also be translated “sirs, lads, guys.” Today, we say about men, “The boys went fishing.” The word “meat” is a side dish eaten with bread. It is a reference to fish.

The reply of the disciples to the question was “No!” Why is Jesus asking them this question when He is omniscient and already knows the answer? He may have wanted them to confess their weakness or emptiness. It is humiliating to admit that you have caught nothing. There is an important point here. When we are honest about our own limitations, weaknesses, or emptiness, we are then ready for what the Lord wants to do in us and for us because we are teachable. He will get the glory for the blessings we receive. We are nothing without the Lord.

John 21:4–6 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. We tend to not seek help from the Lord when we don’t think we need it.

Not only,

In Order To Shift Them...

I. JESUS FOLLOWED THEM TO FURTHER THEIR FUTURE.

II. JESUS FORCED THEM TO FACE THEIR FAILURES.

III. JESUS FAVORED THEM TO FIND SOME FISH.

And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.

John 21:6 (NKJV)

1. Favor Was Within Their Proximity

They didn't have to leave the area where they currently were!

Jesus was able to accomplish in a moment that which they could not do in an entire night of self-effort. He changed in an instant what they had been unable to change in an entire night! Don’t give up! Learn to trust the power of our Savior.

*And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some."

Jesus tells them to let down their nets on the right side of the boat with the promise that when they do, they will find the fish they have sought all night. When they obeyed the Lord’s command, they were rewarded.

Favor Was Within Their Proximity

2.Favor Was Beyond Their Capacity

v6 So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.

The huge catch reminds us that many times we are never far away from victory or success when we permit Jesus to give orders and follow them. Listening to the Lord and obeying Him leads to success.

8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread.

10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.”

11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn.

When the disciples arrive at the shore, they found the Lord had prepared a meal for them of fish and bread. He told them to bring their catch of fish. Notice what Peter did. What took six men to do, Peter does by himself when commanded by the Lord. The net had 153 fish and did not break. The Lord gives us strength to do that which is difficult.

* Isaiah 40:29–31.… He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. [30] Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: [31] But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

There are several important lessons here.

* Lesson One: God provides for our needs.

* Philippians 4:19—But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

1. He knows our needs before we ask Him.

* Matthew 6:8—Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

2. He provides blessings when we are burdened and opposed.

* Psalm 23:5—Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

3. He provides a Comforter for the circumstances of life.

* John 14:16—And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

5. He provides a shelter in our stress and trials.

* Psalm 57:1—Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

6. He provides a rest from our labors.

* Matthew 11:28—Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.