Opening Works of Mercy and Power
The sermon highlights the early Galilean ministry of Jesus, emphasizing the triumphal progress of His influence and the immediate repair of sin's damage through His love.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the transformative power of Christ as He calls His first disciples, who, having previously encountered Him, respond with immediate surrender to a higher purpose. Their skills and experiences are redirected from fishing to the noble task of serving souls, showcasing the comprehensive influence of Jesus during His early ministry in Galilee. Meyer highlights the unwavering nature of God's will to heal and restore, urging believers to trust in this divine intention for themselves and others.
Text
Matthew 4:18-25
We must read the first chapter of John into the opening paragraph. Already the Lord had met with these first disciples in the Jordan valley; but they had returned to their homes and nets. Their prompt surrender was the result of the power over their hearts which the Master had already won. Their old craft was to be theirs still-only in a nobler form. The patience, courage, tact which had been elicited by their calling, were now to be enlisted in the service of souls.
The evangelist then groups together the broad features of the early Galilean ministry. It was a triumphal progress. Notice the reiteration of all, Matthew 4:23. The words struggle to convey the wide comprehensiveness of Christ’s influence, even across the border.
When the love of God came to our world in the person of Jesus, it immediately began to repair the havoc and damage which sin had caused. There was no hesitation or questioning where it was God’s will to heal. Let us always take that for granted for ourselves and others.
Sermon Outline
- The Prompt Surrender of the First Disciples
- The Broad Features of the Early Galilean Ministry
- The Healing Power of God's Love
- A triumphal progress
- Christ's influence across the border
- Immediate repair of sin's damage
- No hesitation or questioning of God's will
Key Quotes
“Their old craft was to be theirs still-only in a nobler form.” — F.B. Meyer
“When the love of God came to our world in the person of Jesus, it immediately began to repair the havoc and damage which sin had caused.” — F.B. Meyer
“Let us always take that for granted for ourselves and others.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- We should always take God's will for granted in our lives and the lives of others.
- The love of God can immediately begin to repair the damage caused by sin in our lives.
- We should strive to have a prompt surrender to God's power and influence in our lives.