Fished To Be Fishers• When we get “fished” into the kingdom of God, we are

to discover our way of becoming “fishers” ourselves.• Fishing is the most common secular occupation in the

time of Jesus– How many of you are fishermen today?– What are your secular occupations?

• What does “fishers of men” mean?

Influencers in Our Occupation• Fishermen catch fish in their normal occupation• We are not only expected to catch fish outside our

normal occupation as evangelism normally implies• To be fishers of men means to be influencers of men

in our secular occupation• Ambassadors for Christ in our workplace or the

marketplace.

Principles of Fishers• Let us look at the principles taught by Jesus and

about fishing to find out we can be fishers in the marketplace

• Luke 5v1-11

Learn the Tools of Your Trade• Fishermen keep their nets clean (v2). We must

learn and maintain the tools of our trade. Be a diligent student of the Word. (2 Timothy 2:15)– Be diligent to present yourself approved to God a worker

who does not need to be ashamed correctly teaching the Word of truth.

– Tools: Word; Spirit; Testimony; Illustrations/Applications

Platform to Teach• Jesus used the boat as a platform to teach from

(v3). We must use our primary occupation to seize opportunities to share the kingdom of heaven. Do not argue about opinions or denominations. Simply point people to the kingdom. • Give what you have: “Silver and gold I do not have but

what I have I give to you:” (Acts 3:6)• Share the love of God

Demonstration of Power• Jesus followed His teaching with a demonstration of

His power (v4). We must not only share the details of the gospel but also the power of the gospel. • Do not be afraid to follow your teaching with prayer for the

people. • For I am not ashamed of the Gospel… it is the power of

God… for those who believe (Romans 1:16)• God has not given us a spirit of fear but… power, love and

sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)

Work Hard at Our Occupation• Fishermen work hard in their occupation (v5). "And

let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9) We should work such that when our co-workers look at us, they are sure that we have higher motivations than just a regular paycheck.• Toiled all night – that is not an 8 to 5 job!

Obey God’s Voice• Results come when we obey the voice of the Lord

(v5). Learn to abide in the Lord. Remember that without Him you can do nothing. • Without Me (Jesus) you can do nothing (John 15:5) • Nothing – not even a mustard seed!• We can prepare (Proverbs 16:1)

Fishing Partners• Fishermen need partners at their location of their

occupation (v7). Find fellow disciples in your workplace and take time to fellowship and prayer for the people.– Be aware when someone is trying to witness. Do not

become a stumbling block

Repentant Heart• We must repent when the Holy Spirit convicts us of

sin (v8). Do not let any unconfessed sin cause a stumbling block for the people you reach out to. – Daily mercy – daily cleansing

Willing to Forsake• We must be willing to forsake our occupation (v11),

even if for a season, when the Lord calls us to. Have a servant heart in your workplace. Respect others better than ourselves and consider their interests as well. (Philippians 2:3-4)

Take Time to Disciple• Take time to disciple them until they can walk by faith

on their own. The fishes that are caught very quickly die once they are taken out of their natural environment. Do not be so quick to invite people to your church, introduce them to your pastor and then wash your hands. • Modern evangelism programs fail due to lack of follow up• Focus on quality NOT quantity

Keep Our Self Out Of Sight• To be successful fishermen, they must learn to keep

themselves out of sight from the fish. Even the shadow of self if displayed in the fishing environment can be disastrous to the catching of fish.• Keep flesh and self out of sight• Stay humble

Know Which Bait To Use• Know which bait to use. Different fishes respond to

different baits. Fishermen must know the type of bait to use on each occasion. Likewise we need to know what to say under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.• Be sensitive to the needs around you• Insecurities because of news of global disasters?

Marketplace Characteristics• There are always people available in the marketplace.

Mat 20:3 When the landowner went out about nine in the morning, he saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing.

• Although they may be unresponsive. Luk 7:32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to each other: We played the flute for you, but you didn't dance; we sang a lament, but you didn't weep!

Marketplace Approach• We must be diligent and patient. Act 17:17 So Paul

reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with those who worshiped God, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.

• Don’t make rules for them. Mar 7:4 When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they have washed. And there are many other customs they have received and keep, like the washing of cups, jugs, copper utensils, and dining couches.

Marketplace Reactions• Marketplace can turn against you. Act 17:5 But the

Jews became jealous, and when they had brought together some scoundrels from the marketplace and formed a mob, they set the city in an uproar. Attacking Jason's house, they searched for them to bring them out to the public assembly.

• Especially if you affect their commerce. Act 16:19 When her owners saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities.

Marketplace Caution• Do not turn the church into a marketplace - John

2:16 He told those who were selling doves, "Get these things out of here! Stop turning My Father's house into a marketplace!“ (HCSB)– You can turn your marketplace into a house of prayer– But don’t turn your house of prayer into a marketplace!– Don’t let Mammon override God!