19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
- Matthew 4:19
Disciples follow God, fish for people, and fellowship with the Church. But is that enough?
71 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
- Mark 14:71-72
Christians fail privately and publicly.
We need to experience spiritual formation.
19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
- Matthew 4:19
30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’
- Mark 12:30
Freedom comes as God transforms us internally.
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep…” And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
- John 21:15-18
Let’s ask a new question: “Who am I becoming in God?”
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
- Romans 8:28-29