Dedicated To The Men of God Who Preach the Word of God As It Is To Men As They Are

"Preach The Word"

"Turning Failure Into Success"

Text: Luke 5:1-12
Introduction:
This chapter shows how the disciples went from total failure to success.  The three partners, Peter, James, and John, discovered a pattern for success.  By way of introduction lets look at two truths.
1. Man Doing-  They failed, but they did the right things.
   a. Fished at the right time- night time
   b. Knew about fishing
   c. Toiled all night
2. Master's Doings- They succeeded and they only had partial obedience.
   a. Fished at the wrong time- during heat of the day.
   b. Only had partial obedience- cast one net when they were told to cast          the nets (v.4,5)
The secret to their success was that it was the Master's doing.  There are six clear, concise steps to success.

I. AN ADMISSION (V.5a)
"We've toiled all night and have taken nothing."
They admitted they failed doing in their own strength.  It should make us uncomfortable when we do the same.

II. AN AGREEMENT (V.5b)
"Nevertheless at thy word"  There was an agreement to:
A. Hear the Bible
B.  Heed the Bible
We need to be obedient to the Word of God and not some Promise Keeper seminar or Deeper Life seminar.  We need to agree with the Word of God.

III. AN ACCOMPLISHMENT (V.6)
"A great multitude of fishes"
A. A sufficient accomplishment
B.  A superceding accomplishment (their nets broke)

IV. AN ASTONISHMENT (V.9)
It is amazing at what God can do when we agree with His word and will.  I remember when two men that had been coming for 26 weeks got saved. One was an ex-biker and the other was a truck drivers.  We fasted and prayed- then God answered.  It astonished the whole church- God saved two hard cases.
A.  It will turn your church around.
B.  It will thrill your church.

V. AN ASSIGNMENT (V.10)
"Henceforth thou shalt catch men."
A.  It is the Purpose of God.
B.  It will Pay dividends.
C.  It will  bring Praise to the services.

VI. AN ABANDONMENT (V.11) cp. Ja.4:8
They separated themselves unto God.
A.  Separation from the world through nearness to God (Ja.4:8)
B.   Separation from the world through inward cleansing.
C.   Separation from the world through outward cleansing.

SERMON FROM DR. JOHN SMITH
SENIOR PASTOR- TEAYS VALLEY BAPTIST

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