The Nature of Christ’s Calling

Matthew 4:18-22

INTRODUCTION: It is a privilege to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. However, it seems that fewer people are truly successfully answering and fulfilling the call of God. Although we all might think we have the answer to this dilemma, the solution might be more complex than initially perceived.

I. THE SOBRIETY OF CHRIST’S MINISTRY (Matthew 4:1-17)

A. The Temptation in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11)

1. The time of fasting (Matthew 4:1-2)
2. The first temptation (Matthew 4:3-4)
3. The second temptation (Matthew 4:5-7)
4. The third temptation (Matthew 4:8-10)
5. The ministry of angels (Matthew 4:11)

B. The Pursuit of Preaching (Matthew 4:12-17)

1. The imprisonment of John (Matthew 4:12)
2. The travel of Christ (Matthew 4:13-16)
3. The preaching of Christ (Matthew 4:17)

II. THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF CHRIST’S CALLING (Matthew 4:18-22)

A. Of Peter and Andrew (Matthew 4:18-20)

1. They were brethren (Matthew 4:18).
2. They were fishermen (Matthew 4:18).
3. The Lord called for them to follow Him (Matthew 4:19).
4. The men left their nets and followed Christ (Matthew 4:20).

B. Of James and John (Matthew 4:21-22)

1. They were brethren (Matthew 4:21).
2. They were fishermen (Matthew 4:21).
3. The Lord called for them to follow Him (Matthew 4:21).
4. The men left their ship and followed Christ (Matthew 4:22).

III. THE PRINCIPLES OF CHRIST’S CALLING (Matthew 4:18-22)

A. God Calls Labourers (Matthew 4:18, 21)

1. Peter and Andrew were casting a net into the sea (Matthew 4:18).
2. James and John were mending their nets (Matthew 4:21).
3. This pattern continued the pattern of God the Father in the Old Testament.
a. David
b. Moses
c. Elisha

B. God Seeks Humility (Matthew 4:19, 21)

1. In Peter and Andrew (Matthew 4:19)
a. These men knew all things fishermen.
b. Jesus had the boldness to declare He could make them fishers of men.
c. These men would have had to humble themselves to believe that they could be taught anything about fishing whether it be of fish or of men.
2. In James and John (Matthew 4:21)
a. These men were mending their nets.
b. This was in spite of the fact that they had hired servants who could have mended their nets (Mark 1:20).

C. God Expects Sacrifice (Matthew 4:18-22)

1. Peter and Andrew left their income (Matthew 4:18-20).
2. James and John left their income and father (Matthew 4:21-22).

D. God Demands Immediate Obedience (Matthew 4:20, 22)

1. Peter and Andrew “straightway left their nets” (Matthew 4:20).
2. James and John “immediately left the ship” (Matthew 4:22).

CONCLUSION: Christ is actively searching for those who will answer His call. However, He is only interested in calling those with certain characteristics. Will that be you?