1

Turning Failure Into Success
Text: Luke 5:1-12
Introduction:
This chapter shows how the disciples went from total failure to success. The three partners, Peter, James, and John, discovered a pattern for success.

By way of introduction lets look at two truths.

Man Doing- They failed, but they did the right things.

  • Fished at the right time- night time
  • Knew about fishing
  • Toiled all night

Master's Doings- They succeeded and they only had partial obedience.

  • Fished at the wrong time- during heat of the day.
  • Only had partial obedience- cast one net when they were told to cast the nets (v.4,5)
  • The secret to their success was that it was the Master's doing. There are six clear steps to success.

I)AN ADMISSION

Luke 5:5 (King James Version)
5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

A)They admitted they failed doing in their own strength.

B)It should make us uncomfortable when we do the same.

II)AN AGREEMENT

Luke 5:5 (King James Version)
5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

A)Hear the Bible

B)Heed the Bible

1)We need to be obedient to the Word of God.

III)AN ACCOMPLISHMENT

Luke 5:6 (King James Version)
6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

A)A sufficient accomplishment

B)A SUPERSEDING accomplishment (their nets broke)

IV)AN ASTONISHMENT

Luke 5:9 (King James Version)
9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

A)It is amazing at what God can do when we agree with His word and will.

B)We fasted and prayed- then God answered. It astonished the whole church- God saveS hard cases.

1)It will turn your church around.

2)It will thrill your church.

V)AN ASSIGNMENT

Luke 5:10 (King James Version)
10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

A)It is the Purpose of God.

B)It will Pay dividends.

C)It will bring Praise to the services.

VI)AN ABANDONMENT

Luke 5:11 (King James Version)
11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

James 4:8 (King James Version)
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

They separated themselves unto God

A)Separation from the world through nearness to God (Ja.4:8)

B)Separation from the world through inward cleansing.

C)Separation from the world through outward cleansing.