4 x 6 Plan | Read: Matthew 4:12-25 & Romans 2:1-11
Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”(Matthew 4:19)
Have you ever felt lost, alone, or disconnected from the world around you? Maybe you’ve been searching for meaning and purpose in your life, but nothing seems to satisfy. If so, you’re not alone. In Matthew 4:12-25, we see Jesus calling his disciples to follow him and become fishers of men. But what does that mean for us today, and how can we apply this message to our own lives?
Think about the people you encounter on a daily basis – friends, family, coworkers, and strangers alike. How many of them are searching for something more, just like you? How many of them are feeling lost and disconnected? What if we started viewing our interactions with others as opportunities to share the love and hope of Jesus with them?
Just as Jesus called his disciples to leave their nets and follow him, he’s calling us to do the same. We may not be fishermen, but we have a purpose and a mission to spread the good news of the gospel to those around us. And the best part is, we don’t have to do it alone. Jesus promised to be with us always, and he’s given us the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us.
So the next time you’re feeling lost or disconnected, or you encounter someone else who is, remember that Jesus is calling you to be a fisher of men. Take heart, and trust in his grace and love to guide you every step of the way.
The “Great” News of the Gospel | Romans 2:1-11
Jesus and Paul both said we would be rewarded for doing good, which sounds like a punch in the face to the gospel of grace.We have looked at the words of Jesus (in John 5:28-29) and seen that doing good means trusting him.
But what about Paul:God will repay each person according to what they have done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. (Rom 2:6-8)
Read the preceding verses and you will see that Paul is addressing judgmental people. He’s not speaking to Christians but religious hypocrites: “When you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?” (Rom 2:3).
He is talking to people who “show contempt for the riches of God’s kindness,” and have stubborn and unrepentant hearts (verses 2-5).
So when Paul talks about divine payback in verse 6, he is referring to the payback that comes for rejecting God’s kindness. He’s talking about the fruit of unbelief.
He’s saying, “If you won’t accept grace (undeserved favor) then you will reap what you sow (deserved unfavor).”
Put Jesus and Paul together and you will find, as you often do, a nice symmetry.
Jesus tells us what we should do (hear and believe) and Paul tells us what we shouldn’t (be stubborn and unrepentant). The rewards for getting it right are the same in both cases, and it’s eternal life:
Jesus: “Those who have done good will rise to live.”
Paul: “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.”
Action Steps
Bible: What is God showing me? What am I going to do about it?
Bless: Serve one person through word, action, or gift today.
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