March 26. Fishers of Men
J.R. Miller emphasizes that becoming a true 'fisher of men' requires a personal attachment to Jesus and His Spirit, not merely knowledge or formal training.
In this teaching sermon, J.R. Miller explores the true meaning of Jesus' call to be 'fishers of men.' He stresses that genuine Christian life and effective evangelism begin with a personal commitment to Christ, not merely intellectual assent or formal training. Miller encourages believers, especially Sunday school teachers, to rely on Christ's Spirit rather than their own abilities to reach others for the gospel.
Text
"Follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19
Personal attachment to Jesus is the very beginning of all Christian life. Believing a creed does not make one a Christian. We may believe every word we find in the Bible about Christ, and every word of His that we have in the gospels — and yet not be His disciples. A Christian is one who has attached himself to Christ as a personal follower. All the invitations Jesus gave implied this. He said, "Come unto me;" "Believe on me;" "Follow me." He always wanted men to come out from the world — and personally identify themselves with Him. Then after they have joined themselves to Him, and He has put His own Spirit into them — He begins to use them. He cannot use them in the saving of souls, until they really belong to Him.
We cannot become "fishers of men" just as we become carpenters, or merchants, or physicians. It is not one of the trades or professions to be taken up and learned as trades and professions are. Colleges and theological seminaries cannot make us "fishers of men." They may teach them how to think, how to write, how to speak; they can furnish them with knowledge of many kinds, they can teach them systems of theology, and make them exegetes, logicians, rhetoricians, or orators. But these things do not make men "fishers of men." These acquirements may be helpful to them in their spiritual work, if they are consecrated to Christ. But the point to be remembered is, that Christ alone can make any one truly a "fisher of men."
Teachers in the Sunday school should remember this. With all that they can learn in classes about how to teach, and all they can get in teachers\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Personal attachment to Jesus is essential
- Believing creeds alone does not make one a Christian
- True discipleship involves following Jesus personally
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II
- Jesus’ invitations call for personal identification with Him
- Joining Christ brings the Spirit to empower believers
- Only those who truly belong to Christ can be used to save souls
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III
- Being a fisher of men is not a learned profession
- Colleges and seminaries provide knowledge but not spiritual fruitfulness
- Christ alone makes a true fisher of men
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IV
- Sunday school teachers need to remember the spiritual nature of their calling
- Knowledge and skills must be consecrated to Christ
- Spiritual effectiveness depends on Christ’s work in the individual
Key Quotes
“Personal attachment to Jesus is the very beginning of all Christian life.” — J.R. Miller
“"Christ alone can make any one truly a 'fisher of men.'” — J.R. Miller
“"We cannot become 'fishers of men' just as we become carpenters, or merchants, or physicians.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Commit yourself personally to following Jesus to be effective in sharing the gospel.
- Rely on the Holy Spirit rather than just knowledge or skills when witnessing to others.
- Consecrate all your teaching and ministry efforts to Christ for true spiritual fruitfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a 'fisher of men'?
It means being a follower of Jesus who is empowered by His Spirit to lead others to salvation.
Can theological training alone make someone a fisher of men?
No, while training can help with knowledge and skills, only Christ can truly make someone a fisher of men.
Why is personal attachment to Jesus important?
Because true Christian life begins with personally following Jesus, not just intellectual belief.
How can Sunday school teachers be effective fishers of men?
By consecrating their knowledge and skills to Christ and relying on His Spirit for fruitfulness.
What is the first step to becoming a fisher of men?
Joining oneself personally to Christ and receiving His Spirit.