The Way of Christ

For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life. And there are few who find it.

Matthew 7:14

This week we are talking about seeking God’s direction when making decisions in your life.  Yesterday we talked about the ease of going the way of the world.  Today we learn about choosing the way of Christ.

The Way of Christ v.14
The Bible tells us that the way of Christ is narrow.  It is not the easy way to go but the reward is great.

·      It's Difficulty to Enter - "the gate is small" - "few who find it"

You will not come to Jesus by accident or follow him by human nature. You cannot stay as you are and come to Jesus.  The road is small, narrow, restricting.  You have to really look for it sometimes.  You have to really want to go down that path.  It requires discipline and denial.  Jesus has called us to denial, counting the cost, death to self- a hard way!

·      It's Discipline - "the way is narrow"

A meaningful, purposeful life is not the product of chance but of decision. Great men are not the product of chance but determination.  You cannot stay on the right path without paying attention and living with intention.  It is a choice.  You have to want it because it is not always easy to walk the narrow road.  The farther you go the narrower and more fulfilling it gets.

Christianity is a lifestyle.  Most that have trouble with it have a nine-year-old commitment and are trying to make it work in a 30-year-old life.

This way is filled with purposeful lasting pleasure and a narrowness that leads to broad and lasting fulfillment.

 A Christian way of life has restrictions that establish character, integrity and identity.

A.             Peter says we are a peculiar people that stand out from others.

B.             We choose not to pursue worldly things in order to have a greater reputation and ministry

The great rewards of discipline create value, purpose and character.

·      It's Fellowship – “there are few who find it"

Fewer friends but truer friends are on this road.  When you choose your friends you basically choose your life. Proverbs says, "as iron sharpens iron so does a friend shape the countenance of his friend.”   This is true also in religion. Beware when many desire it.

·      Its End - "leads to life"

It leads to eternal life, abundant life, Jesus Life.  This comes at the end of a narrow road.  You can only know the end by knowing the road.

Live your life with purpose and direction.  Make decisions with intention.  Don’t just pick an exit to get off the highway.  You don’t want to get lost or turned around from the direction you are meant to be going.  Choose the narrow road. 

Scripture to Claim:

Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.  Mark 11:24