Mark 1:14-20

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Our Lord's Galilean Ministry and the Calling of His Disciples

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. God keeps a perfect timetable.

  2. The kingdom of God has come and is coming.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. The Lord calls ordinary people like you and me.

  2. Let's be intelligent fishermen!

QUESTIONS

  1. Name the four fishermen who Jesus called to follow Him.

  2. Explain the differing views of time - the world view and the biblical view.

  3. In light of our chaotic world, can we depend on God's time-table?

  4. Has the kingdom of God come? Is the kingdom of God yet to come? Explain.

  5. As believers, are we called to be fishers of men? If so, how can we be intelligent fishermen?

ANSWERS

  1. Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John

  2. The world view is endless or cyclic. The biblical view is that God created time; it has definite goals, and along the way there are special and specific times.

  3. The world seems chaotic and out of control, but God has a perfect time-table. In this passage, we see two events in His time-table - the coming of the King and the announcement that the kingdom of God is at hand.

  4. Yes, the kingdom of God has come in spiritual form. All who have received Christ as personal Savior have entered the kingdom of God. Christ is our King, and God rules in our hearts and lives. Yes, the kingdom of God is yet to come in visible form. When Christ comes to set up His earthly kingdom (the Millennium, as described in Revelation 20), it will set the stage for the eternal state.

  5. Yes, Jesus said, "I will make you fishers of men." We do not make ourselves to be fishers of men, but Jesus said that He would make us fishers of men. We need to use common sense by going where the fish are, by using the right bait, and by relating to people. For example, Christian literature would be different for a Jewish neighbor or a professing Christian. Pray for wisdom in approaching people and in selecting the appropriate bait.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Think of three unsaved people in "your" world (work, neighborhood, school...). Pray for them consistently and pray for an opportunity to speak to them about Christ.

  2. Select tracts or literature that would be appropriate to share with them.

CHALLENGE

  1. Go through the open doors that the Lord gives to you, and claim victory in His name.

KEY VERSES

  • "Jesus said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men. They immediately left their nets and followed Him." (Mark 1:17-18)

Mark, Talks, New TestamentDeb HarmsMark 1:14-20