Young People's Group

FROM FISHERMEN TO FISHERS OF MEN

by Pastor Mitch
March 12, 2006

The Process Of Discipleship

How did the disciples of Jesus become fishers of men? They were once ordinary fishermen without much knowledge of the word of God. And yet, when Peter (in the text of Acts 2) stood up and preached to the people, he spoke boldly with great authority and understanding. After that, three thousand people came to know the Lord. He and the rest of the disciples became true fishers of men. It was through the process of discipleship that they learned to be such good soul winners. It was not an easy path for them, but they learned to submit to the Lord’s training. If we want the Lord to use us for His work, we too need to go through this process.

Aspects Of The Discipleship Process

Let us consider three aspects of the discipleship process.

1. Through Being Taught The Ways Of The Lord

“And when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them” 
Matthew 5:1-2

The Lord Jesus saw the great need to teach the disciples first. He taught them about what it meant to live a godly life. He corrected wrong applications of the law. He challenged them to walk in the ways of the Lord no matter what they may go through. It is important for disciples to be instructed in the ways of the Lord first. Do we seek to be taught?

2. Through The Cultivation Of Faith

“Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?”
Matthew 8:26

When the disciples went through a storm, He expected them to have faith in Him. However, they failed the test by giving in to fear. The Lord Jesus had to rebuke them for their lack of faith. The discipleship process demands that we grapple with our faith and to understand the need to cultivate it. Sometimes, it takes rebuke to achieve this.

3. Through Being Impressed Upon By His Example

“Behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples.”
Matthew 9:10

Last but not least, the disciples of Jesus were deeply impressed by His example. He set a perfect example of what it meant to minister to sinners. He was not afraid to eat with them and to reach out to those who were normally despised by society. Let’s learn to follow the example of Jesus in caring for the lost. Let’s seek to reach out to many.

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