John 21:1-14

It Is The Lord!

Introduction:

What you have learned by now is the way the apostle John has organize the book called the fourth gospel. He parallels this last chapter 21, with the 1st chapter for the purpose of giving us Christ’s preexistence or preincarnation with His public ministry and His Post-Resurrection ministry. (Prologue – preincarnate state – John 1:1-14 and the Epilogue – emphasizing Post-Resurrection – John 21:1-25.

Many topics come up in this last chapter:

  1. The assembly of the church

  2. The possibility of serving Christ in the energies of the flesh

  3. The blessing that comes to the believer when Christ’s commands are obeyed

  4. The only acceptable motivation for Christian service

  5. The value of the diversity within the church

  6. The importance of regular feeding upon the Word of God

  7. The necessity of discipleship for all Christians


  1. WITHOUT THE LORD JESUS NOTHING IS ACCOMPLISHED

    1. The Sea of Galilee

      1. What drew these disciples together besides fishing? (Zech. 13:7; Matt.26:31; Mk.14:27; John 16:32)

      2. Why were these preacher – teachers now settled on going fishing?


    1. We can do nothing without Him

      1. Abiding in Him – John 15:5

      2. “Nothing is not a little something” Luther


    1. Experienced Fisherman

      1. Fishing in the New Testament symbolizes evangelism – Turn To: Luke 5:1-11

      2. Fishing in the N. T. may also symbolize fruitfulness - John 15:1-11



  1. WITH THE LORD JESUS ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBE

    1. Divine Intervention

      1. The purpose of the question –v.5 ( Gen.3:9,11,13; 4:6,7; II Sam.12:9; Isa.6:8; Matt.16:15; 20:15; Phil. 4:13

      2. The purpose of the command – v.6 ( Zech.4:6)

      3. The results of obedience – v.6 (Mal.3:10)


    1. Not the work of a Stranger

      1. John first recognizes Him in faith – v.7

      2. Peter excels John in zeal – v.7

Conclusion:

Have your discovered Christ in the providences of the week? Some ways to discover Christ:

  1. Obey Christ Commands – Luke 6:46

  2. Put yourselves in the company of fellow believers – (Psa. 55:14; Acts 2:42; II Cor.6:14)

  3. Put yourselves within the structure of the means of grace. The Lord’s Supper, Witnessing Baptisms and studying God’s Word. (Word & Sacrament)


Pastor Nick Iamaio

Reformed Presbyterian Church

207 South First Street, Fulton, NY 13069 Web Site fultonrpc.org (June 1, 2008)