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This sermon explores the importance of waiting on the Lord for His direction in life, as demonstrated in the story of the disciples waiting on Jesus in John 21:1-14. It emphasizes the need to prioritize our relationship with God over the tasks we do and highlights the failure of relying on our own wisdom and power. The sermon also discusses the priorities we should have in life and the provision and care that Jesus offers when we seek first His kingdom and righteousness.
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Grace Bible ChurchGlorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
Waiting on JesusJohn 21:1-14 It is necessary to learn to wait on the Lord for His direction in life (Psalm 27:14; 37:7) Goal oriented people find it frustrating to have only minimal direction without specific tasks to do
Waiting on JesusJohn 21:1-14 God is never in a rush. He will accomplish His will in His own way in His own perfect timing God’s priority is our relationship with Him and not the tasks we do
At the Sea of TiberiasJohn 21:1 This occurs after Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances in Jerusalem Jesus had already commissioned the Disciples to go out and given them the Holy Spirit (John 20:21-23) They are at the Sea of Tiberias (Roman name for Sea of Galilee) waiting for Jesus as instructed (Mt. 28:10)
The Seven DisciplesJohn 21:1-2 Simon Peter Thomas (Didymus - twin) Nathanael The Sons of Zebedee: James & John Two others who are not identified
Personal PowerJohn 21:3-5 The maximum time they would have waited is two weeks - it was probably much less than that
Returning to the Old ThingsJohn 21:3 Peter gets fidgety and returns to serious fishing, with the others joining him While it was not wrong to make their time productive, this was their old job and not the one Jesus gave them
Failure of Their Own Wisdom & Power John 21:4-5 At least three of them were professionals fishing in their home waters, but they caught nothing Distance obscured Jesus’ identity, but they answer His negative question succinctly with respect anyway
Failure of Their Own Wisdom & Power John 21:4-5 Jesus’ question pointed out they had failed - you cannot succeed in God’s kingdom by your own abilities The tendency is to return to old habits / ways of life, but living in a way that does not rely on God is bad
Failure of Their Own Wisdom & Power John 21:4-5 The Christian life is simple in principle, but difficult in practice because it is against our innate sinfulness The Christian life is to focus on glorifying God and serving Him as He makes you more like Jesus
Priorities for Life Money? God owns the world, so security is found in Him, not portfolios and bank accounts Possessions? I am owned by Christ so I am only a steward of what He loans me during life on earth
Priorities for Life Fame? It is a fleeting chasing after the wind. The only place your name needs to be known is the book of life Power? Is only temporary. Christians can boast in their weaknesses because that displays God’s power
Priorities for Life Seek God’s kingdom & righteousness first - and trust God’s promises to provide The disciples failed because they did not obey the instructions they did have while waiting for further ones
Priorities for Life Follow the general commands & principles while waiting for specific direction
Success with God’s Wisdom & Power John 21:6-8 The disciples receive and follow instructions from this man they do not recognize - a sign of humility? The great catch caused John to recognize the instructions were given by Jesus Peter is a man of action and he jumps overboard to go meet Jesus
Jesus Meets Their NeedsJohn 21:9-13 Jesus could have reprimanded them, but in graciousness He met their immediate needs first The counted the fish (153) they caught, but Jesus fed them from the bread and one fish He already had
Jesus Meets Their NeedsJohn 21:9-13 It is better to wait for God’s provision and direction that striking out in our own wisdom in our own power
Jesus Manifests Himself John 21:14 The first two manifestations proved He physically rose from the dead. This one shows His care & provision Jesus cares for all His disciples and promises to provide as we seek first His kingdom & righteousness
Grace Bible ChurchGlorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ