Launching Out Into The Deep
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | January 19, 2025
Turn to Luke chapter 5, verses 4 through 11, as we explore a message I’ve titled "Launching Out Into The Deep." Last week, we celebrated our 46th anniversary with this same text, noting the need to share God’s Word, God’s provision for ministry, and the eternal purpose of soul-winning. Today, we revisit this story—Jesus on Peter’s boat, preaching to a crowd, then turning to Peter with a command that changed everything. Verses 4-11 read: “Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.” Let’s glean three profound truths: the past doesn’t negate present obedience, self-propelling is required, and partners are available to help.
The Past Doesn’t Negate Present Obedience
After preaching from Peter’s anchored boat, Jesus said, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” Peter replied, “Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing.” These fishermen lived by their catch—family well-being depended on it. All night, they’d lowered and raised nets, moved the boat, and caught nothing. Exhausted and discouraged, they faced failure. Yet Jesus said, “Do it again.” The past doesn’t negate our opportunity to obey now. Two things immobilize us: the enormity of a task—like Israel’s spies fearing giants in a land of promise—and past failures, like this fruitless night. But Jesus didn’t care about their empty nets or tired bodies. “Nevertheless at thy word,” Peter obeyed, and they hauled in a miraculous catch. In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul urges us to forget past failures, reach forward, and press toward God’s calling. Your setbacks—personal, spiritual—don’t disqualify you. God says, “Launch out”—He’s got fish waiting!
Self-Propelling Is Required
Next, obedience demands effort. “Launch out into the deep” meant rising, pulling anchor, rowing out, and letting down nets—physical action. God doesn’t do it all. Peter said, “Nevertheless at thy word I will.” In Acts 12, an angel freed Peter from prison, loosing chains, but told him, “Put on your own shoes, wrap your cloak, get up, walk out.” God broke the bonds, but Peter had to move. Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices—reasonable service. Levi, the tax collector, heard Jesus say, “Follow me,” and propelled himself from the table. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, kept his body under subjection, lest he be a shipwreck. Don’t sit, waiting for God to carry you—He’s freed you, so launch out! Without self-propelling, you’ll miss the victories He’s planned.
Partners Are Available to Help
Finally, partners make the difference. Obeying Jesus, they caught so many fish their net tore. They jumped in, held it, and beckoned partners from another ship. Together, they hauled the load, filling both boats till they nearly sank. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says two are better than one—lifting, warming, withstanding—a threefold cord isn’t easily broken. Jesus sent disciples two by two (Mark 6:7, Luke 10:1). Over 46 years, God gave me partners like Brother Danny Smith—strangers turned soul-winning allies. Nets tore, but partners jumped in, hands and hearts engaged. Choose wisely—some, even in church, drag you down with negativity. Romans 16:17-18 warns against divisive folks. My son’s friend ditched him with car trouble—I don’t like that guy! Pick partners who love Jesus and soul-winning—they’ll help with torn nets and get you to shore with a haul.
A Call to Launch Out
Jesus told Peter, “Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.” Don’t let past failures or enormous tasks hold you back—forget, reach, press. Propel yourself—God’s freed you, so move! Partner with the right people, and together we’ll win souls. Next Sunday, our youth lead—join us! For now, stand. What’s God calling you to launch out and do? Let’s obey and see miracles.