Sermon: The Call to Discipleship

Scripture Text: Luke 5:1-11

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Quotes for Reflection

Oaks Parish Vision
Oaks Parish pursues gospel-centered renewal through parish ministry, walking alongside our city, region, and world. This renewal is embodied in the beauty of liturgical worship, mission rooted in people and place among the least and lost, and relational discipleship that forms us into the image of Christ.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship
The call goes forth, and is at once followed by the response of obedience. The disciple simply burns his boats and goes ahead. He acts as he does because he has recognized the call as the call of Christ.

N.T. Wright, Luke
Peter clearly had a sense that life was never going to be the same again, that he was going to face new demands and challenges; but he couldn’t help being swept off his feet by what had happened.

Darrell Bock, The NIV Application Commentary on Luke
What Peter does not realize is that admitting one’s inability and sin is the best prerequisite for service, since then one can depend on God. Peter’s confession becomes his résumé for service. Humility is the elevator to spiritual greatness.

J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on Luke
We need not doubt that a practical lesson for all Christians is contained under these simple circumstances. We are meant to learn the blessing of immediate, unhesitating obedience to every plain command of Christ. The path of duty may sometimes be hard and disagreeable. The wisdom of the course we propose to follow may not be apparent to the world. But none of these things must move us. We are not to confer with flesh and blood. We are to go straight ahead when Jesus says, “Go!” We are to do a thing boldly, unflinchingly, and decidedly when Jesus says, “Do it!” We are to walk by faith, and not by sight, and believe that what we don’t see now to be right and reasonable we shall see hereafter.

Application Questions

1. Reflecting on your own spiritual journey, how did you sense Jesus calling you to follow him?

2. Darrell Bock writes that, “admitting one’s inability and sin is the best prerequisite for service.” How does this statement cause you to reimagine Christian faith?

3. Can you recall a time when saying yes to God cost you something, yet led to a deeper joy on the other side?