Parable of the Net

Text: Matthew 13:47-50

Place Preached - (Mississauga International Baptist Church)

Date Preached - (07/07/02)

Introduction:

This parable is similar in many respects to the Wheat & Tares.

(Similar separation at the end of the age)

(Different – Tares are planted in the world / The offending elements in this case are in the net (The greater umbrella of Gospel work).

The NET = the Gospel / Gospel work

Soulwinning / Evangelism / Preaching

 -  Inclusive of pure proclamation of God’s Word on one end and the ecclesiastical systems of men on the other.

The SEA = The World / Humanity

We have a gospel work to do, a purpose to evangelize this world for Christ!!

Many will refuse the net.  Reject the wooing and drawing ministry of God’s Holy Spirit.

The Sea is a frightening place without a secure vessel.  Subject to frightening storms and deep unknowns, and in some places ferocious predators.

What a picture of life outside of Christ!!  Full of uncertainties, fears and certain perils.

Others will get caught up in the net for the wrong reasons – they do not really belong there.

Ultimately our work will be done, we will rest from our labours.

Now the results are and will be in God’s hands!!

This is not Fatalism or Determinism!!  But a proper understanding of a God who is loving, just and sovereign!!!

I. The Purpose of the Net vs.47

“Cast into the sea”

Not for the fishermen to admire, but to catch fish.

ILLUS: A group of fishermen gathers to discuss methods and equipment week after week.  Taking time to maintain their vessels, nets and fishing equipment, but never going out fishing.

Will they catch any fish?  Of course not!!!

APPLICATION:  Great commission says “GO”!!!

Luke 5:4  Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

Let’s talk about the dimensions of the need for Gospel work.

A. The Breadth of the Sea

Revelation 14:6  And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

B. The Expanse of the Sea

Today = Over 6,000,000,000

“Preach the gospel to every creature” - singular 

They are won by one, one on one, and one at a time.

C. The Depth of the Sea

The deep can speak of many things, but this morning let’s consider it in terms of …………….

The Human Heart

Psalms 64:6  They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.

Proverbs 20:5  Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

APPLICATION:  - Stress importance of one-on-one evangelism.

Heart to heart redemptive relationships.

And discipleship (Consistent over time – making a long term investment for one soul.!!!)

II. The Pull of the Net vs.47

This net is a drag net (EXPLAIN)

“Gathered of every kind”

This is not Universalism!!!

It is simply a statement of the fact that there is an attraction to the gospel message and gospel work. 

Sadly many times to the trappings of it, but not the Substance!!!

Acts 8 – Simon the Sorcerer.

An attraction that draws many alongside of those who are genuinely converted.

Hypocrites, false professions, easy believism/prayerism. 

Adherence to religious forms.

2 Timothy 3:5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Some who follow for their own personal profit.  Etc.

III. The Provisions of the Net vs.48

“When it was full”

A. Not all men will be saved

Romans 10:14-16  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

15  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

16  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

B. God will not keep the door forever open. Vs.48

“Gathered the good….Cast the bad away”

Genesis 6:3  And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

Soon thereafter, Noah & his family were shut in and the world shut out of the ark!!

And who shut the door? – ANSWER – GOD

Revelation 3:7  And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

There is but one life, and one opportunity.  No second chance after death.

Hebrews 9:27  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

C. We will soon rest from our Gospel labours. Vs.48

“They drew to shore, and sat down”

Work for the night is coming!!!

Conclusion:     (Review)

MAIN POINTS

1. The Purpose of the Net

2. The Pull of the Net

3. The Provisions of the Net