For the past several weeks, we’ve been studying Matthew 7, which is a fascinating passage of scripture. It’s not a long chapter, but it’s got a lot of substance. Let’s recap what we’ve talked about so far.
First, we talked about building our lives on a solid foundation. That foundation, of course is Jesus Christ, and He changes everything. When we build our lives on Him, then we’re going to be different.
Then, we looked at the importance of not judging others. When we’re following Jesus, we won’t want to issue judgment against other people. Instead, we’re called to love them.
The importance of a healthy prayer life was next. Staying in communication with God keeps us on track and ensures that we’re building on our solid foundation.
Finally, last week, we talked about the Golden Rule. We’re supposed to treat others the way we want to be treated in everything we do. That’s how we Golden Rule it.
We’ve covered a lot of really good stuff in Matthew 7. And today, I’d like to continue our study by reading Matthew 7:13-14. This is what Jesus says:
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” —Matthew 7:13-14
Here, Jesus is giving us a little warning. He’s telling us that the way we live our lives has eternal consequences, and we get to choose which path we want to take.
The gate to heaven is small. It’s narrow. And it’s not an easy road to walk, contrary to what some people might have you believe.
Some sell Christianity as an easy solution to all of life’s problems. They say, “Accept Jesus, and everything will go your way! He’ll make your life easy.” But that hasn’t been my experience, and that isn’t what Jesus teaches us here.
I’ve found that being a Christian is a difficult life. I used to live for myself, and that was easy. Living for Jesus and caring for others—that’s hard.
We shouldn’t go around telling people that everything in their lives will magically be better if they give their hearts to Christ. That’s a lie. The path to heaven is a narrow and difficult one.
There are Christians around the world right now who are being persecuted and put to death for their faith in Christ. The disciples who followed Jesus were martyred. Sometimes, even here in our own country, Christians are mistreated because of the way we believe.
We all want to have a good life. But if we follow Jesus, we might need to rethink what a “good life” really is. Because of Jesus, we know that we have a better life in store for us in heaven. We have hope because we know that Jesus is walking with us and that He has everything under control.
Being a Christian doesn’t make everything easy. But it does mean that we can rest peacefully because we know that whatever is happening in the world or in our lives, God’s got it under control. And that does make it easier to walk this narrow path that we’re on.
I don’t want you think I’m saying that works will save you; they won’t. Only Jesus can save you. He did everything for us. He came here for one main purpose: to die for us.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” —John 3:16
Jesus died for us so that we might be saved and get on the path to heaven!
If you want to get on that path, the first thing you have to do is give your heart and your life to Jesus. That’s the only way to get on the narrow path that leads to heaven.
Some say there are many ways to God and to heaven. But Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me” (John 14:6). We can’t believe the lies of the world.
Once you confess your sins to Jesus and accept Him as Lord of your life, you’re on the path. That’s amazing! Now it’s time to walk it.
Once we’re on the path, do we work our way to heaven? No. Works don’t save you. Only Jesus does that.
But this is where the work comes in. It’s not what saves us, but it is a privilege to work for God.
My wife and I just celebrated 35 years of marriage. I’m so thankful that I’ve been able to spend all those years with her, and my love for her grows every day. And even though we have an established relationship, it’s still a privilege for me to serve her.
We recently went out to eat to celebrate our anniversary, and we really enjoyed just spending time together. It’s a privilege to love one another and grow closer.
It’s the same way in our relationship with God. Once we get on the path with Him, it’s our privilege to work for Him and grow closer to Him. That’s what walking the narrow path means.
Sometimes, life and difficulties enter in, and we lose that joy of walking with God. We lose our focus. But we’ve got to keep walking the narrow path.
Jesus says that the path to hell and destruction is wide and easy. We all know people who are on that path, living for themselves instead of Jesus. It’s a wide path, and it seems easy now.
But someday, there will be a day of judgment. And all of us are going to answer to God for what we’ve done. On that day, I want to be able to say to God that I was walking the narrow path that led to His gate, not the wide path that led the other way.
That’s not to say that I’m perfect or never lose focus. Maybe on that day, God will say, “You did walk the narrow path and come through the gate, but there were times you lost focus. Here’s what could have happened if you’d have stayed on track a little more.” And I might see all the amazing things that could have happened in my life if I’d just stayed on the narrow path.
God’s way of life might be narrow, but it’s the best way to live. It’s the only way that leads to heaven, and it also leads us closer to God each and every day. When we’re walking His path, we can live out His will for our lives and experience the joy and peace that only He can bring.
Let me ask you a couple of questions: First of all, are you on that narrow path? And if you are, how well are you following it?
It’s my hope and prayer for each of you that you know Jesus and that you’re doing life with Him each and every day.
One last story before we go: Do you remember the story of Peter walking on the water? He saw Jesus out there, and he asked if he could walk out there to Him. And Jesus said, “Come.”
And Peter did it! He kept his eyes on Jesus, he stepped out onto the water, and he was walking on it. How incredible is that?
But then Peter looked down. He said, “This is impossible.” He lost focus on Jesus, and he began to sink. Fortunately, he did eventually get his focus back on Jesus, and He took care of him.
The point is that we have to always keep our focus on Jesus if we want to walk the path He has for us. Whatever you’re facing, focus on Jesus. Walk in the fashion you’re called to, trusting your Savior to take care of you no matter what. And He will.
To your fitness!