March 27. At the Call of Christ
J.R. Miller emphasizes the call of Christ demands immediate, unquestioning obedience and total surrender, trusting fully in His provision and guidance.
In this devotional sermon, J.R. Miller explores the powerful call of Christ to His followers, illustrated by the fishermen who left everything to follow Jesus. Miller challenges believers to respond with immediate obedience and total surrender, trusting fully in Christ’s provision. This message encourages a deep, unwavering faith that commits every aspect of life to Christ’s service.
Text
"Follow Me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19
"They immediately left their nets, and followed Him." Matthew 4:20
Their nets were probably all they owned. It was with these, that they earned their living. Yet at the call of Christ — they gave up all, cut themselves off from their means of support, and in simple obedience and faith, went with Him.
That is just what we all should do — when Christ calls us. We should obey instantly and without questioning. No matter how much the sacrifice involves — we should make it cheerfully for His sake. Though to obey cuts us off from all our ordinary means of livelihood, and leaves us without provision even for tomorrow — we should not hesitate. Christ takes care of His servants — when they are faithfully doing His will. He asks for absolute surrender to Him. He wants us to trust Him — while we obey Him unquestioningly.
The faith in Christ which the gospel requires — is the utter, unreserved devotement of the whole life to Him, and the unquestioning commitment to Him for time and for eternity — of every interest and hope. The question of what He will do with us or for us, or how He will provide for us — should not for an instant be raised. There must be no \
Sermon Outline
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I
- The call of Christ to follow Him
- The example of the fishermen leaving their nets
- The significance of immediate obedience
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II
- The cost of discipleship and sacrifice
- Trusting Christ for provision
- The necessity of absolute surrender
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III
- Faith as unreserved devotion
- Commitment for time and eternity
- Rejecting doubt about Christ’s care
Key Quotes
“They immediately left their nets, and followed Him.” — J.R. Miller
“Christ takes care of His servants — when they are faithfully doing His will.” — J.R. Miller
“The faith in Christ which the gospel requires is the utter, unreserved devotement of the whole life to Him.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Respond to Christ’s call immediately without hesitation or doubt.
- Trust God to provide even when obedience requires sacrifice.
- Commit your entire life to Christ with unwavering faith and devotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to follow Christ according to this sermon?
Following Christ means immediate and unquestioning obedience, surrendering all worldly securities to trust fully in Him.
Why did the fishermen leave their nets?
They left their nets, their livelihood, to obey Christ’s call, demonstrating faith and total commitment.
How should believers respond to sacrifices required by faith?
Believers should make sacrifices cheerfully and trust that Christ will provide for their needs.
What kind of faith does the sermon encourage?
The sermon encourages a faith that is absolute, unreserved, and committed without doubt to Christ’s care.
Does the sermon address concerns about provision after surrender?
Yes, it teaches that believers should not worry about provision but trust Christ to care for them.