09 Jul Jesus Encounter | Part 1 “Changed for the Purpose of Jesus”

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FIRST WEEKEND: DISCOVER

SECONE WEEKEND: NO CLASSES

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Jesus Encounter

Key Verse: Luke 5

Ice Breaker:

Q. What’s the most memorable Fourth of July fireworks display you’ve ever seen? What made it so special or unique?

There are three words that resonate with all of us: Change, Purpose, and Jesus. 

A post-Covid statistic taken in twenty-seven countries shows that  seventy-one percent of people do not want their lives to return to how they were before Covid. Change is a universal desire.

Another statistic taken in America showed that seventy-five percent of millennials (which is the largest population age group in our country) would take a pay cut if the job offered them a sense of purpose.

A third statistic showed that American high school students (despite all the gender confusion) want to know more about Jesus! This statistic showed more than half were among non-believing high schoolers.

Luke 5:1-5 (ESV)

To know the point of this passage, we need to know the point of the book where this passage resides. The point of the Book of Luke is:

Luke’s Gospel is a Gospel for GENTILES.

Luke’s Message: God’s Salvation is for ALL NATIONS.

 Jesus did not come to save one nation (Israel); He came to save all nations.  Luke’s Gospel was written for the Gentiles. 

God has come to fill our boats with fish, to save a boatload of people. 

 Q. How does the inclusive nature of Luke’s Gospel, emphasizing that God’s salvation is for all nations, challenge or inspire you in your interactions with people from different backgrounds or cultures?

 Luke 4:42-43 (ESV)

Luke 5:2-3 (ESV)

Jesus could reach more people if He were out on the water preaching because the audio was better on the water.

Luke 5:4 (ESV)

Fishermen usually fished only at night. They spent their days preparing, cleaning, and mending their nets. It was a long process that included drying the nets because putting a wet net back in the water rendered it useless.  

However, Jesus wanted them to put their nets in the water during the day, un-mended and still wet.

Luke 5:5 (ESV)

It cost them a whole day and night, and they did not catch anything. But Simon let his net down anyway because He took Jesus at His word.

When Jesus interrupts our life, it is not to curse us but to bless us. 

Jesus does not need anything from us, but He wants our trust and devotion. He is willing to give everything He has so we can know Him. Jesus is a giving, generous God. He sets us up for blessing on the back end of our obedience.

Q. Consider the idea that Jesus interrupts our lives not to curse us but to bless us. How has this been evident in your journey of faith? Share an example of when an interruption or unexpected circumstance led to a blessing or a deeper understanding of God’s generosity.

 An encounter with Jesus is a CHALLENGE to go DEEPER.

 Too many Christians are sitting in the shallow water of life. An adult sitting in a kiddie pool does not look normal; however, this is where some Christians stay. Some stay in the shallow water and want safety included (i.e., a pool float). We must remove the floats, get out of the shallow water, and go deeper with God.

Going deeper means:

1. ABANDON what I THINK or KNOW.

Luke 5:5 (ESV)

 Simon had all the fishing knowledge and experience in the world. A speed bump of faith is our past experiences. 

We need to stop worrying about what we have been through in the past and worry about what God is walking us through right now. We need to focus on what God has called us to do.

Peter had to give up his boat, his talent, and his treasure.

We get wisdom by acknowledging that we are not wise.  

Proverbs 12:15 (ESV); Proverbs 18:2 (ESV); Proverbs 28:26 (ESV)

 We should not trust in our own minds. Our minds deceive us. Our hearts will also deceive us. The heart is deceitful above all else (Jeremiah 17:9).

We are deceived if we think we know better.

1 Corinthians 8:1-2 (ESV)

 Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

We need to apply this passage when we think we know better.

Going deeper means TRUSTING God in the AREAS where I currently BELIEVE I’m RIGHT.

 Q. How can we practically apply the principles of Proverbs 3:5-6 in our daily lives when we are tempted to rely on our own knowledge or expertise? What practical steps can we take to deepen our trust in God and seek His guidance?

 Going deeper means:

2. ABASING our own BEST CONCEPT of ourselves.

 Abase – “to reduce or lower, as in rank, office, reputation, or estimation.”

We need a humble vision of ourselves. Many are in awe of the Word of God but don’t see themselves in the presence of God.  

Luke 5:8 (ESV)

The closer Jesus got to Peter, the worse Peter felt about himself. What Peter exemplifies at this moment is true conversion.  

When we encounter Jesus, we feel worse about ourselves. He has seen us in our darkest moments and chose to save us anyway.

Isaiah 6:5 (ESV); Job 42:5-6 (ESV); Judges 6:22 (ESV); Revelation 1:17 (ESV)

Ultimately, we want transformation. God wants to change our hearts.

God’s BEST SERVANTS understand HE operates based on GIFTS, not WAGES.

 All that we have is from Him. We cannot earn it. God gives it to us. The Bible is a mirror for examining ourselves, not binoculars to examine everyone else. 

Q. How does the perspective of God operating based on gifts rather than wages challenge our tendency to think we can earn or deserve God’s blessings? How can embracing the truth that all we have comes from Him and is given freely deepen our gratitude and humility?

 Going deeper means:

3. ADJUSTING our PROFESSION to God’s PURPOSE in the world.

 Luke 5:10-11 (ESV)

Peter realized his fishing profession could have a purpose for Jesus.

As it turned out, 3000 people would be dramatically saved through Peter.

God wants to take my PLACE and give it KINGDOM PURPOSE.

 God wants to take our job and give us purpose in it. We are representatives of the grace of Almighty God!  

One fisherman said 2000 years ago, “At Your word, I will let down my net.”

 Q. In Luke 5:10-11, Peter realized the greater purpose his fishing profession could have for Jesus and how it would ultimately lead to the salvation of many. How can we cultivate a readiness mindset and willingness to let go of our plans and follow God’s leading, even if it means adjusting or redirecting our careers or professional aspirations?

Challenge: Recognize the need for humility in your relationship with God. Take time this week to reflect on moments when you have felt humbled in the presence of God or realized your own need for His grace. Embrace the truth that God’s best servants understand: He operates based on gifts, not wages, and humbly acknowledge that all we have comes from Him.

 Pray for each other, our church, and our nation.