DISCOVERING RESURRECTION TRUTH FOR OUR LIVES TODAY

JOHN 21:1-14

What do you do when:You need space to think?You are going through life’s pressure?You are confused?You have been on life’s roller coaster ride?

“After these things, Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Galilee, and in this way He showed Himself:

Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathaniel, the sons of Zebedee (James and John), and two others of His disciples were together. Peter said to them, “I’m going fishing.”

“They said to him, ‘We are going with you also.’ They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. But when morning had come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught any fish?”They answered Him, “No.”

“And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.”So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.”

I. THE PROBLEM WE FACE: LIFE

“They fished all night and caught nothing.” John 21:3

5 Problems To Face

1.The Problem of Futility2.The Problem of Emptiness3.The Problem of Frustration4.The Problem of Exhaustion5.The Problem of Pride

II. THE SOLUTION WE NEED: JESUS

“they fished all night and caught nothing.” (John 21:3) “BUT…JESUS… (John 21:4)

THE SURPRISES OF JESUS IN OUR LIVES

Jesus surprised them by calling them ‘Children’ vs. 5Jesus surprised them by filling their empty nets vs. 6Jesus surprised them by having breakfast ready vs. 10

HOW DOES JESUS MEET OUR NEEDS TODAY?

1.HE IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE WHEN WE NEED HIM. (“He is the ever PRESENT help in our times of trouble”) Ps. 46:12.He knows what needs to be done – when we do not!3.He is always steps ahead of us – never behind us!

“Therefore, that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it for work), and he plunged into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits (100 yards), dragging the net with fish.”

“Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty- three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken.”

“Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “’Who are you?”, knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.This is now the third time that Jesus showed Himself to the disciples after He was raised from the dead.” (John 21:7-14)

III. THE ACTION WE NEED TO TAKE

ACTION #1:ALWAYS DO EXACTLY WHAT JESUS SAYS TO DO!

“Cast the net on the right side of the boat and you will find some fish.” (Jn. 21:6)

HOW DOES GOD TELL US WHAT TO DO?

1.Through His Word2.Through Circumstances3.Through Other Believers

ACTION # 2:

ALWAYS GET AS CLOSE TO JESUS AS YOU CAN AND DO SO AS SOON AS YOU CAN!

“When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment and plunged into the sea… but the other disciples came in the little boat…” John 21:7,8

HOW DOES ONE GET CLOSE TO JESUS TODAY?

1.Through the confession and repentance of our sin2.Through Bible Reading, meditation and prayer3.Through the consistency of obedience4.Through dedication, commitment and service5.Through the anticipation and readiness of His return

ACTION #3:ALWAYS ACCEPT WHAT JESUS PROVIDES

“Come and eat breakfast…Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them and likewise the fish” (Jn. 21:12,13)

TRUTH TO LIVE BY:

1. THE ANSWERS TO THE NEED IN OUR LIVES IS OFTEN CLOSER THAN WE THINK!

“…cast your nets on the right side of the boat.” vs. 6

TRUTH TO LIVE BY

2. NEVER BE AFRAID TO TRY NEW METHODS – WHEN THE OLD WAYS STOP YIELDING RESULTS

*Beware of the tyranny of ‘habit religion’ *Beware of the tyranny of ‘we’ve always done it

this way’*Beware of the tyranny of ‘don’t tell me how to do

it’*Beware of the tyranny of ‘refusing to change’

TRUTH TO LIVE BY

3. JESUS CAN MANAGE OUR LIVES BETER THAN WE CAN – THEREFORE WE NEED HIS HELP FOR EACH DAY

TRUTH FOR TODAY

4. JESUS KNOWS OUR NEEDS AND IS ABLE TO MEET EVERY NEED OF OUR LIVES!