Scripture Reading: John 1:35-42; 6:1-14; 12:20-26

Memory Verse:

John: 1:41 “He first findeth his own brother Simon, and Saith unto him, we have found the Messias, Which is, being interpreted, the Christ.”

Meaning of Name:

Andrew’s name is Greek. It means “manliness.”

Lesson Goals:

1) To help you understand that God uses ordinary people

2) To understand the importance of playing “second fiddle”

3) Practical lessons on winning others to Christ

I. Andrew, the Saint

You have probably heard the expression “Saint Andrew.” So, what is a saint? A saint is not a super Christian, nor a Christian who has died and gone on to be with the Lord. Every believer is a saint (II Thessalonians 1:10). Paul used the term saint quite often.

In John 1:35-40, Andrew had been listening to John the Baptist preach. John Said “Behold the Lamb of God.” He presented Jesus as God’s sacrifice for sin. As a result, Andrew trusted Christ. Therefore, Andrew became a saint.

Illustration:

A little boy was sitting in church with his momma. He noticed the Stained windows and the images of people on them. He asked, “Who are those people?” Mother answered, “They are the saints.” Then he said, “So a saint is the one who lets the light shine in.”



There’s truth in that. We, as believers, are the light of the world.

II. Andrew, the Second Fiddler

What is a “second fiddler”? He is the man behind the scenes.

A. Andrew had a popular brother named Peter

Andrew was always referred to as Simon Peter’s brother. (John 6:8)

In the list of the disciples, Peter’s name always appears first. In reality, it was Andrew who found Christ first. He then brought his brother, Peter, to Christ (John 1:35-42).

Peter’s name is found throughout the New Testament. He wrote epistles, preached sermons, and had over 3,000 converts on the day of Pentecost. Yet, Andrew is only mentioned three times in the Gospels.

B. Playing second fiddler is important

If Andrew had not been behind the scenes there might never had been a disciple named Peter.

Illustration: Who led Charles H. Spurgeon and Dwight Moody to the Lord?

C. Second fiddler does not mean a lower position in God’s sight

If God wants you to play second fiddle, you would have to step down to play first fiddle

D. If God wants you to play second fiddle, do it well. Don’t grumble about it.

The instrument most needed in the church is second fiddle.

III. Andrew, the Soul Winner

Andrew is mentioned only three times in the Gospels, and each time he is

Bringing someone to Christ:

John 1 - Brings his brother

John 6 - Brings the little lad

John 12 – Brings the Greeks

A. He was sure of his own salvation

John 1:41 “We have found the Messias.”

There was no doubt that he knew he was saved. You cannot be successful leading others to Christ if you are not sure of your own salvation.

B. He went first to his loved ones

John 1:41 – “He first findeth his own brother.”

C. He went after a difficult case

Peter was loud and aggressive. Most people would consider him a difficult case. However, difficult people can be lead to the Lord. They make great Christians in many cases.

D. He brought Peter to Jesus

Doctrine is great to know and share, but our first goal is to bring men to JESUS.

E. He was tactful in his approach

He did not boast to Peter that he had found the Lord first. He humbly shared Christ with his brother.

F. He was friendly

In John 6:9 Andrew said, “There is a lad here that hath five barley loaves and two small fishes.” How did Andrew know about the lad? Andrew was mingling with the crowd and conversing with them. He was friendly to those he met.

Proverbs 18:24 “A man that hath friends must show himself friendly.”

G. He was a new convert

God expects everyone to witness

·Illustration:

When does a candle give out light? Is it when you first light it or halfway down? God expects your light to shine the moment you are saved.

· Andrew was an ordinary man yielded to an extra ordinary GOD.

Note: Dr. Hayes does not claim any of this material as original. He has borrowed much material over the last thirty years.

Next month: Simon Peter

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