Nevertheless Obedience

Text: Luke 5:1-11 (key v. 5)
Theme: What causes reluctance in our obedience and how to overcome these items to see the miracles of God.

Introduction

• Jesus’ command in v. 4: “Let down your nets.”
• Simon’s reluctant faith in v. 5: “Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.”
• Our reluctance often limits what God wants to do, yet even a half-hearted “nevertheless” can become a miracle.
  

1. Disbelief Limits the Holy One of Israel

• Psalm 78:41-42 – “Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.”
• Our “Can God?” questioning dampens our willingness to obey wholeheartedly.
• A half-hearted “nevertheless” must become a wholehearted one!

2. Deceitfully Handling the Word of God

• Jesus said “nets” (v. 4), Simon let down one net (v. 5).
• We sometimes lie that we are obeying fully, but we know we’ve held back part of the Word.
• 2 Corinthians 4:1-7 – We must not “handle the word of God deceitfully,” but live as we believe it fully.
• God’s miracles and light are hindered when we partially obey.

3. Discouraged by Past Experiences

• Simon’s reasoning: “We have toiled all night and have taken nothing.” (v. 5)
• Past failures breed reluctance and cause us to doubt.
• Cross Reference: Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
• God’s power is not dependent on our past results!

4. Deficiency in Preparation

• Even after mending their nets (v. 2), Simon and his partners were unprepared for the miraculous catch.
• Cross Reference: 2 Kings 3:16-20 – “Make this valley full of ditches.” The ditches were dug in faith, and God filled them beyond what was expected.
• God’s blessings require faith-filled preparation to receive them fully.

Conclusion

• Notice the shift from “I will let down the net” (v. 5) to “they enclosed a great multitude of fishes” (v. 6).
• One reluctant act of obedience became a shared miracle.
• If you’re holding back, let today be your nevertheless obedience.
• If you’re only partially obeying, remember the glorious gospel at work around you—dig deeper, prepare more, and let God fill your nets to bursting!