How To Be a Fisher of Men

The Word of God gives instructions concerning the winning of souls. Note how we are to fish for men;

1. A true fisher of men must have the desire - Psalm 51:12-13 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
2. A thoughtful fisher of men will equip himself - Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Zech. 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
3. A sensible fisher of men goes to find them - Acts 8:29-30 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
4. A successful fisher of men uses the right "bait" - Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
5. A wise fisher of men keeps himself out of sight - John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. Acts 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
6. A patient fisher of men pulls the line in at the proper time - 2 Tim. 2:24-25 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
7. A faithful fisher of men shall be rewarded - Prov. 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

(Sermon outline excerpt from "A Call to Soul Winning" by Austin Sorenson)