Following Jesus On The High Road In A Low Road World Series

Title: Following Jesus on the High Road in a Low Road World

Text: (Matt. 7:13-14) “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Introduction: In a world where shortcuts, self-interest, and moral compromise often seem to pave the way to success, following Jesus means choosing a different path. Our text describes two distinct routes one can travel:

1.) The broad, easy road V13

2.) The narrow, more challenging one v 14

Embracing the way of Christ inevitably leads us to the “high road”—a path of integrity, love, and righteousness—while many around us journey on the “low road” of expedience, selfish ambition, and fleeting gain.

"The high road is often steep and narrow, but it leads to vistas of peace, integrity, and the satisfaction of knowing you stood for what is right, even when it wasn’t easy."

Here Are Four Truths About Taking the High Road:

1. Taking the high road begins with transformation of the heart: The Apostle Paul encourages believers, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). This renewal enables us to see beyond the surface of worldly values and aim for something deeper. Rather than chasing applause, comfort, or material prosperity, we strive to please God. This involves committing ourselves to truth and justice, even when deception and manipulation might offer quicker results.

The Problem With Worldly Standards:

• Shifting Standards_-Worldly values are often rooted in societal trends and personal preferences, which change over time. This leads to an unstable foundation for decision-making, creating confusion and inconsistency in moral and ethical choices.

• Self-Centered Focus- Worldly values often prioritize personal gain, success, or pleasure above all else, fostering selfishness and a disregard for others' well-being. This can damage relationships and leave individuals feeling isolated and unfulfilled.

• Temporary Fulfillment- The pursuit of worldly achievements and possessions may bring momentary satisfaction, but it fails to address deeper spiritual needs, leaving people feeling empty and searching for lasting purpose and meaning.

• Conflict with God’s Principles-Worldly values frequently contradict biblical teachings, leading to decisions that can separate individuals from God’s will. This creates spiritual dissonance and hinders the development of a closer relationship with Him.

Sermon Illustration: "The Shiny Boat"

Imagine you're walking along a dock and you see a brand-new, gleaming boat tied to the pier. It's stunning—polished to perfection, with all the latest gadgets and equipment. A sign on it reads: “Take me for a spin—no cost!”

Excited, you climb aboard, start the engine, and set off. At first, it's exhilarating. The sun is shining, the water is smooth, and you’re cruising effortlessly. But then, as you head further out, you notice the boat is slowing down. You try to adjust the controls, but they don’t respond. The engine sputters. Finally, it stops.

Frustrated, you look around and realize something horrifying: the boat has no anchor, no paddles, and no map. Worse still, the currents are pulling you further out to sea.

This is what it’s like to live with worldly values. At first, they seem appealing—shiny, easy, and free. They promise excitement, freedom, and fulfillment. But as you journey further, you realize they lack the foundation to sustain you. When life’s storms hit, worldly values offer no anchor to steady you, no direction to guide you, and no power to rescue you.

Jesus warned us about this in Matthew 7:26-27: "But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

Worldly values are like that shiny boat—they may look good, but they’ll leave you stranded when you need stability the most. The only way to navigate life’s waters is by building on the solid foundation of God’s Word. Unlike the fleeting promises of the world, His truth is timeless, reliable, and able to guide us safely to our eternal home.

So, the next time the world offers you a "shiny boat," remember: not everything that glitters is gold. Choose God’s path, not the world’s current.

2. Following Jesus also means embracing a radically different ethic in our relationships: Where the low road suggests exacting vengeance for every wrong, Christ calls us to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39) and “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44). These commands challenge natural inclinations, demanding that we respond to evil not with anger or retaliation, but with grace, prayer, and sincere goodwill. This high-road approach upends the world’s expectation that strength is shown through dominance. Instead, we find true strength in mercy, forgiveness, and resilience.