Sermon Central
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The Narrow Road Series
Contributed by Darren Ethier on May 21, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: Part 3 of 4 of the series, Roads of Passion. This short saying of Jesus recorded by Matthew reveals much about the road that Jesus wants us to walk as His followers. The Narrow Road is one of Decision, Discipline, and Desire. It is a road of PASSION!
The Narrow Road
Read at beginning of service:
Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)
13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
INTRODUCTION
The Roads of Passion. For the last two weeks we have looked at two of these roads: The Jerusalem Road and the Emmaus Road. What makes these roads of passion? Along the Jerusalem Road we witnessed the passion Jesus has for the lost as He resolutely set His eyes on what was ahead on the cross – knowing that His sacrifice would make it possible for man to be reconciled to God. Then, three days later – we joined two downcast disciples on the Emmaus Road and witnessed this passion for the lost, for the hurting, for the downcast continue as Jesus comes alongside these men, talks with them, urges them to believe, and renews there hope with the revelation of his resurrection. But it is on this road that we also catch a glimpse into the passion these disciples had to know Christ when their countenance changes dramatically with seeing their risen Lord! They RAN back to Jerusalem to share with the other disciples the wonderful news of Jesus’ resurrection!
What is passion? Passion is defined in the dictionary as an intense violent emotion or a great liking or enthusiasm. When you have a passion for something it’s not too difficult to get excited about it! When someone gets passionate about something they tend to get a little focused on the object of their passion and aren’t easily distracted. It doesn’t matter what obstacles are in the way – the passionate person does whatever they can to gain the object of their passion.
Today, you and I are confronted with "The Narrow Road." It is the road to the right and righteous life. And like the Jerusalem and the Emmaus it will lead us to Jesus, the one who is alive. It too, is a road of passion. You see, only the passionate will enter through it. And what is the object of passion? It is life. Oh but it’s not life as most would understand it. It is not life as the world understand it. For you see "life" as defined by scriptures is Jesus Christ! Did not Jesus Himself say:
John 10:10 (NIV)
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Colossians 3:4 (NIV)
4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
In fact, when I did a search on my Bible Program for all the occurrences where "life" is found near "Christ" or "Jesus" there were 695 results given back. Yes, the scriptures are clear that life and Christ are one and the same. True life – eternal life – righteous life – powerful life – vigorous life = Jesus Christ. So, those who travel on the Narrow Road are those who are passionate about Jesus Christ.
Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)
13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
The Narrow Road is one of Decision, Discipline and Desire.
a road of decision
"Enter by the narrow gate"
We make decisions everyday because we are creatures of variety. We choose what time we get up. What we wear, eat, and do. A variety of decisions beg our attention every day.
"In every action of life man in confronted with a choice; and he can never evade the choice."– William BarclayDecisions and choices are nothing new to those who follow after the ways of God. God allows us to decide what choices will be ours today, but He encourages us to choose His way.
Moses – choose life (Deut 30:19-20)Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV)
19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Joshua – choose this day who to serve (Josh 24:15)Joshua 24:15 (NIV)
15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
