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).”
There are two lessons to learn from this passage. First, we must understand that Jesus is not advocating that we literally hate anyone. To do that would go against the very character and commandment of God. So, what is God trying to teach us from this passage? He is trying to help us understand that if we come to Christ He must be first place in our life. That is He must come before every other relationship we have in this world. That’s what it means to commit your life to Christ. The problem with Christianity today is that we have too many “confessors” but not enough committers.
Secondly, we must understand that a commitment to Christ comes with a cross. Just as Christ was called to sacrifice for the church we are called to sacrifice for Christ. Christians, like Christ, have a mission. Our mission is to “make disciples” of all nations. Christianity in not fire insurance it is faith in motion. If we are going to call ourselves Christians we must flesh out our Christianity by being completely committed to Christ. You can only be completely committed to Christ if you will not be “conformed to this world: but be … transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12.2 KJV).”
IV. Principle # 4 - It is a costly Way
Vs. 14 “But small is the gate and narrow the road”
Christianity is not only a committed way it is also a costly way. Commitment is costly. It cost Christ His life and it demands ours. Jesus said to His disciples, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me (Matthew 16.24 KJV).” Taking up the cross of commitment to Christ will be costly because it will run contrary to the world system. Jesus said, “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved (Matthew 10.22 KJV).”
Our commitment to Christ may cost us in this world, but Jesus said, “Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake (Luke 6.22 KJV).” Contrary to the popular name it and claim it or Health and Wealth messages of today sometimes our commitment to Christ may cost us worldly comforts and companionship. Just look at Job. However, no matter what it may cost in this world the cost can not compare to the eternal reward awaiting those who walk faithfully with their Lord.
Conclusion:
It’s gut check time. Are you clamming to be on the narrow way and find yourself on the broad way? Are you trying to serve two masters? You can not be in love with God and the World. You must choose today whom you will serve. Are you going to be for Him or against Him? Are you one of the 70% of American Adult Christians who have denied the authority of God and His Word by denying His standard of moral ethics? Are you among the 80% of Adult Christians in America who tell God you’ll get to Him when you can? If you fit in to either of those categories you need to examine yourself to be sure you are a Christian. Do you walk the Narrow Road?
(Thanks sermoncentral contributor, Preacher’s outline and sermon bible)
