Going Deeper With Christ
David Wilkerson's sermon emphasizes the importance of deepening our relationship with Christ and responding to His call amidst distractions and doubts.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the transformative power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which initially left the disciples in fear and confusion. Despite their struggles to comprehend the significance of the resurrection, Jesus calls them back to purpose, urging them to move beyond their old ways and deeper into their relationship with Him. He illustrates this through Peter's experience of fishing without success until Jesus directed him to cast his net on the other side, resulting in a miraculous catch. Wilkerson encourages believers to embrace their spiritual journey, acknowledging that feelings of inadequacy are part of God's plan to draw them closer to Him. Ultimately, the message is one of love and commitment to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
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The greatest revelation the disciples ever received focused on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was the first day of the week, and the disciples were hiding behind locked doors for fear of the Jews. Suddenly, Jesus appeared -- in full resurrection glory -- victorious over death, hell, and the devil. He showed the disciples his hands, his feet, his pierced side, and then he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit" (John 20:22).
What glorious truths were coming forth -- revelation upon revelation! It was almost too much for the disciples, and several of them, led by Peter, decided to go fishing (see John 21:3). Peter was having trouble taking it all in. "I can't comprehend the cross -- how will I ever understand his resurrection? After all this time I've spent with him, I have understood so little. Let those who are brighter go on with him. I just want to do my own thing, in my own quiet way."
Many of us may react to spiritual things in the same way. We know the Lord has called us to go deeper with him, but we avoid the challenge. We fall back into our old ways and then feel guilty for our lethargy. We fear we will never measure up to what God wants for us so we go back to busyness -- shopping sprees, hobbies, new projects. The time once spent with God in growing is wasted on some form of "fishing" and we become frivolous and indecisive.
While Peter was fishing, the Lord noticed he was catching nothing and directed him to cast his net on the opposite side -- where he gathered a tremendous harvest of fish. Later, while Peter separated his catch, Jesus said to him, in essence, "Peter, if you love me, get back to where you were. Follow me; feed my sheep; stop doing your own thing. Wake up!" (see John 21:15-18).
All Jesus asks of you is that you love him. Don't worry about measuring up and don't allow your dry spells to bring you to despair. Rejoice in them -- they are part of God's plan to bring you into his purpose for your life.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The revelation of the resurrection
- Disciples' initial fear and confusion
- Jesus' appearance and the impartation of the Holy Spirit
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II
- Peter's struggle to comprehend the resurrection
- The temptation to revert to old ways
- The consequences of spiritual lethargy
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III
- Jesus' call to Peter while fishing
- The significance of casting nets on the opposite side
- The importance of following Jesus' command
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IV
- The simple requirement of love for Jesus
- Understanding dry spells as part of God's plan
- The call to feed His sheep
Key Quotes
“Receive the Holy Spirit.” — David Wilkerson
“If you love me, get back to where you were.” — David Wilkerson
“Wake up!” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Prioritize your relationship with God over distractions.
- Recognize that spiritual growth often involves challenges and dry spells.
- Respond to Jesus' call by actively participating in His mission and loving others.