Pastor Timothy L. Dortch

Subject: “The Call, The Cause, The Response, and the Power”

Primary Scripture Reference(s): Matthew 4:18-22; Matthew 10:1-10

Sermon Notes and Nuggets

  • Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew were casting their nets into the sea. They were fisherman by trade.
  • The Call
    • The call came while they were casting their nets in the sea.
      • Jesus will interrupt your routine and say “Follow me.”
      • Matthew 8:18-22 and John 1:35-39
        • It wasn’t that Jesus didn’t have a place to stay, it was that He did not come to stay.
        • If you follow Jesus, there will be some uncertainties.
      • Matthew 10:37-38
        • Take up your cross = commitment to the extent of being willing to die.
  • The Cause
    • “And I’ll make you fishers of men.”
    • If you follow Him, He will allow you to keep your vocation and catch men instead.
      • This is the case with the disciples.
      • You have to be a disciple before you can make a disciple.
      • Matthew 9:9-13
    • If the blind leads the blind, both will fall in a ditch.
    • With the cause, you might have to be around people that others might not necessarily want to be around.
  • The Response (To The Call)
    • They (Simon and Andrew) immediately left their nets and followed Him (Jesus).
      • On their way, they saw to other brothers (James and John).
      • James and John left their boat AND their father to follow Jesus.
        • You can’t follow Jesus without leaving something.
        • You will have to reorder priority.
      • Why would ask someone if it is ok to do what God has already specifically told you to do?
  • The Power
    • You have to have power/the anointing.
      • If you are employed in the things of God, you need power to operate.
      • The Holy Ghost is the channel in which the power comes or flows.
      • When we receive the power we become ambassadors (representatives of another kingdom).
        • We become apostles without the title.
      • Acts 1:8
      • Some people don’t follow the Lord long enough to learn anything.
      • You can’t witness effectively without the Holy Ghost.
      • Acts 8:1

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