Explore the struggle of submitting to God's will and the importance of choosing the narrow path that leads to life, as depicted in Matthew 7:13-14 and Jesus' experience in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Good morning, family in Christ! Today, we’re diving into a complex yet enriching discussion about life's choices and the struggle to submit to God’s will.
One of my favorite Christian authors, A.W. Tozer, once said, "The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven't yet come to the end of themselves. We're still trying to give orders, and interfering with God's work within us."
This quote so beautifully encapsulates our sermon today as we explore the teachings of Matthew 7:13-14. Let's read together,
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
We’ll also delve into Jesus’ experience in the Garden of Gethsemane, a moment that paints a vivid picture of the struggle to submit to God's will. It’s not going to be an easy discussion, but I trust that it will guide us towards a deeper understanding of our journey with Christ.
Before we start, let's open our hearts in prayer:
Dear Lord, open our minds and hearts to Your word today. Grant us the wisdom to understand the path You have set for us, and the strength to walk it, no matter how narrow or challenging it may be. Help us to lay down our will and wholly submit to Yours, just as Christ did in the Garden of Gethsemane. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
The broad and narrow way is a metaphor that encapsulates the essence of our spiritual journey, the choices we make, and the consequences that follow.
The “broad” way: This represents the path of least resistance, the easy route that caters to our human desires and worldly pleasures. It's the path that many choose to tread, for it promises immediate gratification and requires little sacrifice. However, Jesus warns us that this path leads to destruction. It's a stark reminder that the choices that seem easy and pleasurable in the short term often lead to long-term pain and regret.
The “narrow” way: This represents the path of righteousness, the road less traveled that leads to eternal life. It's a path that requires self-denial, sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of God's will. It's not an easy path to tread, and Jesus acknowledges that only a few find it. However, those who do are rewarded with the promise of eternal life. This path, though challenging, leads to a life of purpose, fulfillment, and eternal joy.
A call to action: It's a call to examine our choices and the paths we're treading. Are we choosing the broad way, seeking immediate gratification, and shying away from sacrifice? Or are we choosing the narrow way, embracing self-denial, and relentlessly pursuing God's will? It's a call to introspection, a call to make conscious choices that align with God's will and lead to eternal life.
The importance of personal responsibility in our spiritual journey: We have the freedom to choose our path, but we must also bear the consequences of our choices. If we choose the broad way, we must be prepared to face the destruction that it leads to. If we choose the narrow way, we must be prepared to embrace the challenges it presents and the sacrifices it requires. Our choices, and their consequences, are ours alone to bear.
The struggle to submit to God's will: It's a struggle that Jesus himself experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he chose the narrow way and submitted to God's will, even though it meant facing the cross. It's a struggle that we, too, experience as we strive to align our will with God's and choose the narrow way.
The struggle to submit to God's will is a common experience among Christians ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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