A Radical Invitation
Sermon • Submitted • Presented
0 ratings
· 3 viewsNotes
Transcript
Handout
A Radical Invitation - Matthew 4:17-22
A Radical Invitation - Matthew 4:17-22
Intro:
Intro:
We are all called to something. We are all called to the same thing.
The interesting part - it was the same calling people recieved when Jesus was walking on earth and we are still all called by the same person. (Jesus)
I don’t know where you are in your spiritual journey, but I do know that God desires all of us to be on a spiritual journey where we seek him.
3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
God desires all of us to be leaders for Him, but before we can lead, we MUST learn to FOLLOW.
Over the next 4 weeks, we are going to look at what we should be as a FOLLOWER of Christ.
1. The Radical Call
1. The Radical Call
17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Jesus began to preach and He preached repentance.
This is not the first time people have heard repentance.
John the Baptist preached nothing but repentance to make a way for the Lord.
2 and saying, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!”
It will not be the last time people hear of repentance.
7 As you go, proclaim, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’
This is the command Jesus gave to His disciples as He sent them out.
If John the Baptist preached repentance, Jesus began His ministry with repentance and Jesus commanded the disciples to preach repentance, I would be willing to bet that repentance is important.
But why is it so important to repent?
1. We must confess our sins. Admit where we messed up - repent.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2. Because the Kingdom is near.
17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
There are many things that we are able to know for certain, but there are many things that God does not give us an answer for.
for example -
we know for certain that Jesus is the only way to the Father
6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
we also know that we have no clue when Jesus is coming again.
2 For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.
we understand this call to repentance, but part of repentance is turning from your old ways and following new ways.
The old way is sin, the new way is Jesus.
2. A Radical Response
2. A Radical Response
Jesus did not simply leave the call at repentance for everyone.
Jesus specifically called all of His disciples to follow Him.
18 As he was walking along the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter), and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 19 “Follow me,” he told them, “and I will make you fish for people.”
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father, preparing their nets, and he called them.
What was Jesus truly asking of them?
To leave everything they have ever known.
Their family, their livelihood, the security, their reputation, everything…
Face possibility of being mocked, made fun of, being told that is the worst decision of your life. You name it, it’s possible to happen.
The Radical call that Simon Peter and Andrew recieved in Vv. 19, and James and John in Vv. 21, and that the rest of the disciples recieved is the same call that we receive as well.
Take a look at their response in Vv. 20. and Vv. 22.
20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Their was no hesitation, their was no question, they dropped what they were doing, all they had and they followed Jesus.
Why? Because they had a purpose when they followed Jesus.
19 “Follow me,” he told them, “and I will make you fish for people.”
To fish for people.
Let me ask you a question. You understand the radical call placed before you. What is your response?
Is it the same as Simon Peter and Andrews here? Did you drop everything you have to follow Jesus?
Was your answer simply no?
Or was your answer yes, but your unwilling to fully drop everything to follow Him? Are you still trying to hold onto something?
Who or what are you following? If its not Jesus, who is it?
How does the sermon describe the initial call Jesus made to his disciples?
In what ways can you actively respond to Jesus’ call in your life today?
What are some things in your life that you might need to 'drop' in order to follow Jesus more closely?
Can you think of a time when you felt called to take a leap of faith in your faith journey? What was it?
How does understanding the 'radical call' of Jesus affect your view of discipleship?
Is there anyone in your life you feel called to lead or influence in their spiritual journey?
What do you believe is God's purpose for you as you respond to His radical invitation?