Behold my servant, Video preaching

Christ calls His disciples

Scripture: Mark 1:15-20

Sermon notes 

II   HE CALLS MEN TO HELP HIM IN THAT MINISTRY.

Cp v16-20.

The triumphant advance of Christ in the conquering power of the Holy Ghost is seen here. He calls men to join that campaign! From the very commencement of His ministry it is His purpose to include men in the work as fellow labourers with God, 1Cor 3:9.

  1. A call to service. In the case of Andrew and Peter, both of these men were already believers and had already met Christ. Cp John 1:40-42.
  2. Christ calls busy men into His work. The service of the Saviour is for those who have a desire to work. The talents of these men in their secular occupations is now to be put to use in their spiritual labours. Peter and Andrew were actively fishing. James and John were repairing their nets. Cp Luke 16:10-11. Our work ethic in ordinary secular activity indicates the level to which we will serve God.
  3. They were called to follow Christ. This is the primary calling of the disciple—after me, v17; after him, v20. Even advanced levels of Christian service such as the course these men were now beginning, reduce to following the Saviour. No servant of God is ever exempt from this basic qualification. They could not have known what their life’s work would entail, but everything was to proceed on this basis. Cp 3:14.
  4. They were promised success in their work, v17. The Saviour promised these men that He would work in their lives to make them successful in their gospel calling. There is a moulding, making work that is necessary to any man becoming useful in the Lord’s cause. Cp Acts 26:16, 2Cor 3:5-6.

 

III   AN EXEMPLARY RESPONSE.

  1. Straightway, v18, 20. There is a mutual urgency seen here. The Saviour displays that sense of urgency as He calls, v20. His call is quickly repeated a second tim, having just gone a little farther, v19. The disciples display this same spirit as they react to His call. It is always a good thing when disciples display the same attitude as the Master to His work.
  2. They leave all and follow Him, v18, 20. In some cases this means leaving more than others. Andrew and Peter left their nets; while James and John left their father, the boat and the servants. These men and their families made personal sacrifices to respond to the call of the Saviour. Cp Matt 19:27. These men are laying their life on the line! Cp Luke 14:26-27, 33. This spirit of self-denial would become the motto of their ministry. Cp Matt 10:7-10. The focus of the servant of Christ is not to be on material things.

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