The Narrow Way Series

The Narrow Way

Pm Service March 8th 2009

Matthew 7:13-14

Introduction:

According to a recent survey, 70% of adult American Christians believe there are no moral or ethical absolutes that apply to everyone. In other words most Christian adults have been poisoned by the drug of moral relativism. Most Christians have joined the non-Christian culture and believe we set our own standards. In essence this survey reveals that 70% of Adult American Christians have decided that God is not capable or worthy of establishing guidelines for living.

In a similar survey only 20 % of Adult American Christians said that living a life according to God’s will is the single most important thing in their lives. So, the flip side is that 80% of Adult American Christians are telling God to take a number. I’m not really surprised by these facts. These facts are lived out before our eyes everyday. As a matter of fact they are more than likely lived out to some degree by the man or woman we see in the mirror every morning.

The people of the Way have strayed off course. The people of the Book have relegated it to a spot on the coffee table or mantle and they rarely open the Book. Those who call themselves Christians no longer seem to understand the nature of the call. We have lost sight of the narrowness of the Way. We are quickly becoming that which we despise most in the New Testament World – Pharisees. We are becoming the blind leaders of the blind.

It is high time that we return to the nature of the Narrow Way. It is high time we learn again the cost of Christianity. Tonight I want us to look at four principles of the Narrow Way.

Read Scriptures: Matthew 7:13-14

I. Principle # 1 - It is a Narrow Way

Vs. 13 “Enter through the narrow gate.”

We are quickly becoming a society of acceptance. That is to say that we have accepted the old adage that “all roads lead to Rome”. Yet, we have transformed it to read, “all roads lead to Heaven.” No longer is it acceptable to suggest that there is only one truth, especially if that truth comes from the Bible. However, if we call ourselves Christians then we are suggesting that we adopt the beliefs of Jesus Christ, and if we adopt the beliefs of Jesus then we must accept the truth of God’s Word. It is a sad day when those who claim to be followers of “The Way” run contrary to that “Way”. Close minded though it may be, the Bible is the final authority for life and faith. Taking the chance of being criticized by the masses, I must inform you today that there are many paths in this world, but only one “way” leads to God and eternal life.

If you want to be a Christian you must come through Jesus Christ. If you want to have an eternal home in heaven you must come through Jesus Christ. He is the “way”. The “way” is straight and narrow. So, Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it”

II. Principle # 2 - It is a Deliberate Way

Vs. 14 “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

You will not just happen down the the narrow way. You won’t just stumble into salvation. It will be a deliberate decision that you make to give your heart and your life to Jesus Christ.

It will not happen by chance. It doesn’t happen automatically because your grandparents or parent were Christians, it has to be your choice.

The narrow way suggest that it is a road that you have to look carefully for. The less traveled narrow way is grown up, it is difficult to see with the human eye.

III. Principle # 3 - It is a Committed Way

Vs. 14 “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

This “way” is a committed way. This is not a short term contract. This is not a loose agreement. This commitment requires you to give to the Lord 100% of who you are. Jesus says “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple (Luke 14.26-27 KJV).”