LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
The phrase “fishing for men” was not a new term during Jesus’ time. It had been used by Greek and Roman philosophers for centuries, describing the effort of these men to “catch” followers through their teaching and persuasion. Fishing was a common trade, and fishermen were often seen as “common labor.” They weren’t given much respect and were often overlooked. They were hard workers, accustomed to a busy work day. They spent much of their time preparing equipment, sorting and preparing their catch, and mending nets. Fishing was not an easy job, but fishermen were not afraid of hard work. They were patient waiting on their catch. They were also brave, not easily intimidated by the storms they would inevitably face. They learned the necessary skills by working alongside the masters of the trade. They worked together as a team to bring in a big catch.

Jesus used this analogy to help those He called to understand what it would take to follow Him and disciple others. When we follow Christ, we must not be afraid of hard work! Our work may not always be praised, but it is essential in our spiritual life. We must be patient and courageous. We will face opposition and rejection. It takes time to build relationships, break down barriers, and show others the difference that Christ makes. We need to learn from those who have experienced more than we have. And we need each other for encouragement, correction, and to accomplish large tasks. Fishing for fish and fishing for men both require faith. The fishermen couldn’t see the fish they were hoping to catch, but they trusted that the nets would catch and hold them. We must also act in faith as we do God’s work. We may not see the results, but we must trust that our work for Him will have an eternal impact!

Passages we’ll review:
Matthew 4:18-20; Acts 1:8; Acts 18:24-28

OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you? Have you ever had to share something that you really loved, something that had immense value to you?

When did you leave home to be on your own for the first time? How did it feel? Were you nervous, excited, etc? Why?

READ

Read Matthew 4:18-20

When Jesus called these men to follow Him, He called them in terms of what they already knew, but Jesus planned to change them into fishers of men. He would train them for this new calling He gave them! —Editor’s Note

What seems unusual about the fishermen’s response to Jesus? What prior knowledge do you think they had?

What things do we often consider to be our life’s purpose? Do we have more than one? How can the different roles we play in everyday life distract us from the primary purpose God has given us?

While Jesus ministered to the crowds throughout His ministry, His focus was usually on the twelve He had called to be His disciples. They were all different, unique in their giftings and abilities, but when Jesus called them, He only had one condition: that they follow Him. —Editor’s Note

“Jesus was saying, ‘Live with me and learn by watching me. Own my values and priorities. Learn to become passionate for the things I live for. And follow my example by doing the ministry I have come to do.” (Stuart Weber)

Read Acts 1:8

Jesus called them, but He didn’t leave them to figure it out on their own! He discipled them during His time on Earth, and He provided His Spirit to guide them through this life. —Editor’s Note

Jesus instructed His followers to be His witnesses, or ambassadors. What does an ambassador do? How can we be ambassadors for Christ?

While we are not all gifted in evangelism, we all can and must be faithful witnesses to the saving grace of Jesus Christ! We can learn from those who have already been where we are, and we can guide and direct those who are new to the faith and help them grow in their understanding of Him, in order that they can do the same! —Editor’s Note

Knowing it isn’t your job to defend the Gospel or persuade others, but to simply tell others of what you have experienced and know to be true of God, does it make being a witness, or ambassador, easier or harder? Why?

DIGGING DEEPER

Read Acts 18:24-28

Aquila and Priscilla were a couple we see several times throughout the New Testament. They were Jews who had been expelled from Rome, and ended up settling in Corinth, where they met Paul. They were not new in following Christ. Like Paul, they were tentmakers, and they ministered to Paul on his missionary journey. They also modeled discipleship as they reached out to Apollos. While he was well-versed in the Old Testament teachings, his understanding of the Gospel was incomplete. He had heard the teachings of John the Baptist and the promises of what was to come, but he had not seen them come to fulfillment through the death and resurrection of Jesus! He had the zeal needed to share Christ with others, but he was lacking in knowledge. —Editor’s Note

How did Priscilla and Aquila react to Apollos, who had incomplete knowledge about Jesus, but still spoke about him? Have you, like Apollos, experienced being strong in enthusiasm but weak in knowledge? Who most helped you when you had limited spiritual knowledge?

What was the result of Aquila and Priscilla taking the time to pour into Apollos? What do we learn about disciple-making from their example?

LET’S PRAY

Consider the following as you pray together:

1. Jesus called the disciples to come and follow Him. Spiritually, are you still preparing the nets? Leaving the boat? Following hard after Jesus? Feeling left behind?
   

2. What challenges or fears do you face when you think about disciple-making? Remember that we are only called to tell others of what we have experienced ourselves. The rest is up to God! Take time this week to trust God for strength as you obey Him. Have others in your LifeGroup pray for you as you seek to obey Him!
   

3. We are called to mentor and disciple other believers. Do you know of a person who is young in Christ who needs to be taught the basics of our Christian faith and how to live for Christ daily? Are you willing to disciple them?