We continue our look at Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Jesus challenges His listeners to ‘walk the talk’. To be a disciple of Christ is more than just a profession but involves performance on the part of the believer. Jesus’ disciples will be
known by their fruit (John 15:8). As a disciple of Jesus, how has He changed your life? How much more are you like Him today than you were a year ago? Today we look at four parts to consider in the invitation of Jesus Christ.
I. The Decision (Matthew 7:13-14)
The choice is ours. Will we go through the small gate, via Jesus, which takes us to the narrow way, which leads to life (eternal life in heaven) or will we go through the wide gate, which takes us down the broad road that leads to destruction (hell)? The narrowness of Jesus’ gate reflects there is but one way to enter His kingdom (heaven): through Him and His redemptive work. The width of the of the wide gate reflects the belief that there is a myriad of ways to get to heaven, yet that road leads to destruction.
• What are examples of ‘ways to heaven’ that would be considered going through the wide gate.
• What is the temptation to travel on the broad road?
• What are the expectations of those who enter through the narrow gate?
II. The Direction (Matthew 7:13-14)
The narrow way leads to life, yet few find it. The broad way leads to destruction, yet many are on it. Those on the broad way are there because they want things my way. It’s the ‘my way highway’. Those on the narrow way have surrendered to Jesus and are willing to live His way. The narrow way is the ‘His way pathway’!!
• Describe the individual who thinks he is on the narrow path yet, in reality, he is on the broad way.
• Why are there so few on the narrow path?
• Describe the characteristics of the individual on the narrow path.
III. Eternal Destination (Matthew 7:13-14)
Each path leads to a distinct destination. The narrow path leads to eternal life in heaven. The wide path leads to destruction in hell. Jesus gives an open invitation to join Him on His narrow way. No one is blameless who stays on the broad way and ends up in hell! Once this life is over, there is NO CHANGING PATHS!!
• Which path are you on?
o What can you point to that is evidence that you are on the narrow path?
• What are ways you can invite others to join you on the narrow path?
IV. Deception (Matthew 7:15-23)
In vss. 15-20, Jesus warns about false prophets and teachers. Beware! You will know them by their fruit. He continues in vss. 21-23 to describe how His followers will also be known by their fruit. We are not to substitute confession for conversion, religion for relationship, service for salvation.
• What does it mean to be known ‘by your fruit’?
o What are examples of false teachers today?
• How does fruit describe more than just those with whom you might share the gospel?
• What does it mean for Jesus to be Lord of your life?
• What are practical ways you can grow in your relationship with Jesus?
There may be some who, in the beginning, believed rightly and assiduously labored at virtue. They may have even worked miracles and prophesied and cast out demons. And yet later they are found turning aside to evil, to self-assertive deception and desire. Of these Jesus remarks that he “never knew them.” He ranks them as equivalent to those who were never known by him at all. Even if they at the outset had lived virtuously, they ended up condemned. God knows those whom he loves, and he loves those who single-mindedly believe in him and do the things that please him.
Cyril of Alexandria (c. 376 – 444)