Old Paths

- U.S. Route 66, former US semi-transcontinental highway (mostly flat)

- One of the original U.S. Highways

- Known as the "Main Street of America" or the "Mother Road"

- Almost 2500 miles long

- Ran from Chicago to LA

- Path of the migrants who went west, especially during the Dust Bowl of the 1930’s

- Became the 1st highway to be completely paved in 1938

- Existed from 1926-1985

- Through 7 States - Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, & California

- Removed from the highway system in 1985 as it was no longer relevant because of Interstates

- This is not the cast for the soul

Proverbs 14:12KJV – Prov. 16:25

12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Matthew 7:13-14KJV

13 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: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Matthew 7:13-14The Message

13–14 “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.

Psalm 16:11KJV

11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life……

Psalm 23:3KJV

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Psalm 25:10KJV

10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Proverbs 12:28KJV

28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

Hebrews 12:13KJV

13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

❶. Ask for the Old Paths

- 5 actions – Stand, See, Ask, Walk, Rest

- At the crossroads you have to make a decision

- Look around

- Ask for directions

- Roads we walk suggest habits, routine

- What is continually on the heart

- Today’s routes offer pleasure, wealth, fame & power

- These routes deceive & destroy

- None offer to all “life abundant”

- What is the best way?

- The tried & true route will be found faithful

❷. What Are the Old Paths

- Ch 5 is full of the lost paths, v. 1,3-5, 7, 11-13

19, 21-25

- Who advocates the paths

- Jer. 6:8 – Be thou instructed

- Jer. 6:10 Behold the word

- Jer. 6:17 Harken

- Jer. 6:18 Hear

- Jer. 6:19 – “Hear”, “my words” “my law”

- Similar verse to v.16 is Jer. 18:15

Jeremiah 18:15KJV

15 Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up;

- The old paths were the routes of Able, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah the prophets & apostles

- They listened. Believed, & accepted God’s word

- Route 66 will take you from Gen. to Rev.

- Word is a lamp on the feet & light to the path

- Following his will is an unerring path

❸. Why Should We Follow the Old Paths?

Because:

Jeremiah 6:19KJV

19 Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it.

- Any path that takes away your hope & belief in Christ leads to destruction

- It is Christ Blood that Justifies

- It is the Word that satisfies

- It is The Spirit that sanctifies

I meet Jesus at the cross roads

Where the 2 ways meet

Satan too was standing there

And he said come this way

Lots & lots of pleasures I will give to you today

But I said no there’s Jesus here

Let see what he offers me

Down here my sin forgiven

Up there a home in heaven

Praise God that’s the way for me

Last line of Jer. 6:16

But they said, We will not walk therein