Choosing the Narrow Path: Discipleship and Obedience
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the conclusion of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the three contrasts Jesus uses to motivate us into action: the narrow and broad gates, the good and bad trees, and the houses built on rock and sand. These contrasts serve as vivid illustrations of the choices we face in our discipleship journey. The narrow gate represents the challenging path of following Jesus, while the broad gate symbolizes the easy but destructive path of sin. The good tree bearing good fruit and the bad tree bearing bad fruit highlight the importance of sincerity and integrity in our faith. Finally, the houses built on rock and sand emphasize the necessity of not just hearing Jesus' words but putting them into practice.
The core message is that discipleship requires daily, consistent obedience in the simple things. Jesus is not just a teacher but our Lord and King, and His teachings are not mere suggestions but commands that shape our lives. The choices we make, whether to follow Jesus or our own way, have eternal consequences. The narrow path is difficult, but it leads to life, while the broad path, though easy, leads to destruction. Our actions, more than our words or public displays of faith, reveal the true state of our hearts and our loyalty to Jesus.
We also reflected on the sobering reality of final judgment, where our actions will be evaluated. This is not to instill fear but to remind us of the importance of aligning our lives with Jesus' teachings. The grace of God is abundant, but it calls us to a life of transformation and obedience. As we conclude, we are encouraged to identify one area in our lives where we need to grow in obedience and to share this commitment with someone for accountability.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Narrow and Broad Gates: Discipleship is not easy; it requires choosing the narrow gate, which represents the challenging path of following Jesus. This path leads to life, while the broad, easy path leads to destruction. Our daily choices reflect our commitment to Jesus and His teachings. [03:43]
2. Sincerity in Faith: The contrast between the good and bad trees emphasizes the importance of sincerity and integrity. True discipleship is not about outward appearances or grand gestures but about the alignment of our inner life with our actions. Our daily obedience in the simple things reveals the true state of our hearts. [18:53]
3. Building on the Rock: The parable of the houses built on rock and sand teaches us that hearing Jesus' words is not enough; we must put them into practice. A life built on obedience to Jesus' teachings is like a house built on a solid foundation, able to withstand life's storms. [25:55]
4. Final Judgment: Our actions will be evaluated in the final judgment. This is not to instill fear but to remind us of the importance of living a life aligned with Jesus' teachings. Our works reveal our true loyalty and the state of our hearts. [27:50]
5. Grace and Obedience: While we are saved by grace, our obedience to Jesus' teachings is crucial. Grace empowers us to live transformed lives, and our daily, consistent obedience is a response to God's love and grace. This obedience is not motivated by fear but by a desire to honor and follow Jesus. [29:15]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:49] - Autobahn and Narrow Roads
[03:43] - Three Contrasts in the Sermon on the Mount
[05:32] - Connecting the Gospel to the Sermon
[07:21] - Jesus as the Master and Our Discipleship
[09:09] - The Narrow Gate and Daily Obedience
[11:01] - The Challenge of Discipleship
[12:48] - Examples of Daily Obedience
[14:20] - The Natural vs. The Unnatural
[15:33] - Choosing Life or Death
[16:33] - The Second Contrast: Good and Bad Trees
[17:16] - Recognizing True Disciples
[18:53] - Sincerity in Faith
[20:26] - Accountability in Leadership
[21:08] - The Impact of Hidden Sin
[22:39] - The Danger of Double Lives
[24:12] - The Third Contrast: Houses on Rock and Sand
[24:50] - Building on the Rock
[25:55] - Obedience in Daily Life
[27:08] - The Reality of Final Judgment
[28:33] - Actions Reveal True Loyalty
[29:15] - Grace and Obedience
[30:33] - Understanding Final Assessment
[31:09] - Motivation in Discipleship
[32:17] - Integration of Heart and Actions
[33:08] - The PhD Process and End Goals
[34:57] - Jesus' End Goal for Our Lives
[35:32] - Reviewing the Sermon on the Mount
[36:05] - Relationships with Others
[37:05] - Relationships with God
[37:35] - Relationships with the World
[38:07] - Practical Steps for Obedience
[38:45] - Reflecting on Personal Change
[40:20] - Prayer for Strength and Obedience
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)
> "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
2. Matthew 7:15-20 (NIV)
> "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."
3. Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)
> "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two types of gates and roads Jesus describes in Matthew 7:13-14? What do they represent? [03:43]
2. According to Matthew 7:15-20, how can we recognize false prophets? What analogy does Jesus use to explain this? [17:16]
3. In the parable of the houses built on rock and sand (Matthew 7:24-27), what distinguishes the wise builder from the foolish builder? [25:55]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus describe the path of discipleship as a narrow gate and a hard road? How does this contrast with the broad gate and easy road? [11:01]
2. What does the analogy of good and bad trees teach us about the importance of sincerity and integrity in our faith? How does this relate to our daily actions? [18:53]
3. How does the parable of the houses built on rock and sand emphasize the importance of putting Jesus' words into practice? What does this imply about the foundation of our lives? [25:55]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily choices. Are there areas where you find yourself choosing the broad, easy path instead of the narrow, challenging path of following Jesus? How can you start making different choices? [03:43]
2. Think about your inner life and outward actions. Are there discrepancies between what you profess to believe and how you actually live? How can you work towards greater sincerity and integrity in your faith? [18:53]
3. Consider the foundation of your life. Are you building on the rock by putting Jesus' teachings into practice, or are there areas where you are building on sand? What specific steps can you take to strengthen your foundation? [25:55]
4. The sermon mentioned the sobering reality of final judgment. How does this perspective influence your daily actions and decisions? Are there changes you need to make to align your life more closely with Jesus' teachings? [27:50]
5. Identify one area in your life where you need to grow in obedience. Share this commitment with someone for accountability. How can you support each other in this journey of transformation and obedience? [38:07]
6. Reflect on the concept of grace and obedience. How does understanding God's abundant grace motivate you to live a life of daily, consistent obedience? What practical steps can you take to respond to God's love and grace? [29:15]
7. Think about a recent situation where you faced a difficult choice. Did you choose the path of discipleship or the easier, more natural path? How can you prepare yourself to make better choices in similar situations in the future? [12:48]
Devotional
Day 1: Choosing the Narrow Gate
Discipleship is not easy; it requires choosing the narrow gate, which represents the challenging path of following Jesus. This path leads to life, while the broad, easy path leads to destruction. Our daily choices reflect our commitment to Jesus and His teachings. The narrow gate is not just a one-time decision but a daily commitment to live according to Jesus' teachings, even when it is difficult. It involves making choices that align with God's will, often in the face of opposition or temptation. The broad gate, on the other hand, represents the easy path of following our own desires and the ways of the world, which ultimately leads to spiritual ruin.
Jesus calls us to enter through the narrow gate, which requires self-denial, perseverance, and a willingness to follow Him no matter the cost. This path is not popular or easy, but it is the way to true life and fulfillment. As we navigate our daily lives, we must continually choose the narrow gate, seeking to honor God in our decisions and actions. This commitment to discipleship is a journey that requires daily, intentional choices to follow Jesus and live according to His teachings. [03:43]
Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you need to choose the narrow gate today? How can you make a decision that aligns with Jesus' teachings in that area?
Day 2: Sincerity in Faith
The contrast between the good and bad trees emphasizes the importance of sincerity and integrity. True discipleship is not about outward appearances or grand gestures but about the alignment of our inner life with our actions. Our daily obedience in the simple things reveals the true state of our hearts. Jesus teaches that a good tree bears good fruit, while a bad tree bears bad fruit, illustrating that our actions are a reflection of our inner character and faith.
Sincerity in faith means that our actions are consistent with our beliefs and that we live with integrity, even when no one is watching. It involves being honest with ourselves and others about our struggles and shortcomings, and seeking to grow in our relationship with God. True discipleship is not about putting on a show for others but about living authentically and faithfully in our daily lives. This sincerity and integrity in our faith are what produce good fruit and demonstrate our true commitment to Jesus. [18:53]
James 3:17-18 (ESV): "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that your actions align with your faith today? How can you demonstrate sincerity and integrity in your daily interactions?
Day 3: Building on the Rock
The parable of the houses built on rock and sand teaches us that hearing Jesus' words is not enough; we must put them into practice. A life built on obedience to Jesus' teachings is like a house built on a solid foundation, able to withstand life's storms. Jesus emphasizes that those who hear His words and act on them are like wise builders who construct their houses on rock, providing stability and security.
Building on the rock means that we not only listen to Jesus' teachings but also apply them in our daily lives. It involves making His words the foundation of our decisions, actions, and relationships. When we build our lives on the solid foundation of Jesus' teachings, we are equipped to face challenges and trials with faith and resilience. This obedience to Jesus' words is what gives us the strength to endure and thrive, even in difficult circumstances. [25:55]
Luke 6:47-49 (ESV): "Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."
Reflection: What is one specific teaching of Jesus that you can put into practice today? How can you build your life on the solid foundation of His words?
Day 4: The Reality of Final Judgment
Our actions will be evaluated in the final judgment. This is not to instill fear but to remind us of the importance of living a life aligned with Jesus' teachings. Our works reveal our true loyalty and the state of our hearts. Jesus teaches that in the final judgment, our actions will be examined to determine whether we have truly followed Him and lived according to His commands.
The reality of final judgment serves as a sobering reminder that our choices and actions have eternal consequences. It calls us to examine our lives and ensure that we are living in a way that honors God and reflects our commitment to Jesus. This evaluation is not about earning salvation but about demonstrating the authenticity of our faith through our actions. It is a call to live with intentionality and purpose, seeking to align our lives with Jesus' teachings and to bear good fruit in all that we do. [27:50]
2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV): "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil."
Reflection: How does the reality of final judgment influence your daily decisions and actions? What changes can you make to ensure that your life aligns with Jesus' teachings?
Day 5: Grace and Obedience
While we are saved by grace, our obedience to Jesus' teachings is crucial. Grace empowers us to live transformed lives, and our daily, consistent obedience is a response to God's love and grace. This obedience is not motivated by fear but by a desire to honor and follow Jesus. Grace is the foundation of our salvation, but it also calls us to a life of transformation and faithful obedience.
Obedience to Jesus' teachings is a natural response to the grace we have received. It involves living in a way that reflects our gratitude for God's love and mercy. This obedience is not about legalism or earning God's favor but about living out our faith in practical ways. Grace gives us the strength and motivation to follow Jesus and to live according to His commands. As we grow in our relationship with God, our obedience becomes a joyful expression of our love for Him and our desire to honor Him in all that we do. [29:15]
Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."
Reflection: How can you respond to God's grace with obedience today? What specific actions can you take to live a transformed life that honors Jesus?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The most important thing in discipleship is our daily consistent obedience to him in the simple things. The most important thing in discipleship is our daily consistent obedience to him in the simple things." [09:09] (7 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Discipleship is not easy. Following him is not easy. The messages that we've heard in the last three months from this pulpit from various preachers and teachers and myself, these are not easy things to put into practice. These are not easy things to follow. It's actually the opposite. It's the hard path. It's a difficult path. One commentator puts it like this: to sin is natural, to repent is unnatural. It's easy to sin. It's hard to not sin. It's hard to live a life of discipleship." [11:01] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There is a simple decision in the end about discipleship, about following Jesus. Will you follow Jesus? Will you follow God's way? Or will you follow your own way? One way leads to life. And one way leads to death. For Jesus, that choice always comes down to a simple, black or white. Life sometimes doesn't feel like that. But in discipleship, when you come down to this decision to follow Jesus or not, it's always that simple. Life or death. Jesus or your own action. Jesus' words or your choice." [16:33] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Sin is natural. Following Jesus is hard. But one of these paths leads to life. One of these paths leads to death." [15:33] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are judged by our obedience because in the end, that is what Jesus is after in our lives, isn't it? He wants our lives to be transformed. He wants us to be obedient to him. He also wants our hearts to be transformed. He wants our hearts to be devoted to him. But it's not just enough to just have a good feeling in our hearts. He wants our actions to be aligned with that. It's not just enough to do things. But he wants our hearts aligned with what we do. He wants the whole package." [32:17] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "At the heart of these images, at the heart of this contrast is the idea of sincerity, the sincerity of the would-be follower of Jesus. For the fake disciple, the pretend disciple, there is this disconnect between the inner life and the outward action, the inner world and the external world, between what the disciple actually feels and does or feels and what he actually does. The contrast is between a disciple here who does and performs mighty works, Jesus says, things that are showy, things that are visible, that are easy to see, but yet somehow they've missed the whole point. They look like sheep. They look like disciples on the outside, but the inside, on the inside, they're ravenous wolves. They're people who are far from the Lord and who are dangerous for Jesus' flock. They seem like they're doing great things, but they've missed the whole point." [18:53] (80 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The principle is this, that the more influence you have in the church, the greater your role, so-called, in the church, the more accountable you will be for your actions, your daily obedience to Jesus. Because not only is your own life at stake, but so are those whom you're influencing. All those whom you're influencing, their lives are at stake as well. So you will be held accountable to that." [21:08] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are judged by our actions. We are judged by what we do. It is our actions that in the end will tell who we actually are and what we actually believe and what our hearts actually are like and whether we truly are loyal to Jesus. It is our works, it is our actions that judges us. And Jesus will judge us by them. Now, does that mean that we have to live our lives motivated by fear? No, I don't think so. I mean, there is so much grace in the Christian life. There is so much grace in the Bible. It is all of grace in the sense that God has begun it. God began this relationship with Israel. Grace is not just in the New Testament but in the Old Testament as well." [28:33] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus is doing something like that to us. He has the end goal in mind for our lives. He knows what he wants our lives to look like. Is it easy? No. No, it's not easy. But if you follow it, if you listen to him, if you trust him, then that end goal will be worth it. That end goal, our lives transformed obedience and submission, to the Lord Jesus, to the Father. This is what he wants of us." [34:57] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It's not just about hearing, not just about understanding, but choosing and about willing some area in your life that you want to change, that you know that you want, the Lord wants you to change. Okay, so here's what we've gone through in the last three months. You can kind of think about it like this, organize like this. First of all, there was in chapter five, Jesus talks about our relationship with others. Anger, lust, marriage, truthfulness, retaliation, love of enemies. You remember all those passages? They should ring a bell for you because we walked through each of them together. And then you can think about chapter six like this, relationship with God, our piety or our spirituality, our giving, our praying, our fasting. Remember hearing about all these things? Interesting that these things are presupposed in Jesus's mind. That we are doing these things, our relationship with God, how we express our relationship with God. And then finally, the last one, our relationship with the world, money, worry, like finances and the kingdom. Remember that message? And then we had, last of all, this, this exhortation, you know, having gone through all of this, not to judge, right, not to judge. In the chapter seven. Now, why I think Matthew structures it like this is not to say that this is exhaustive of the Christian life, but what he's trying to tell us, I think is what Jesus is trying to tell us, that discipleship is comprehensive. It's not every other, not every possible topic under the sun, but it's, it encompasses our whole lives. Relationship with others, relationship with God, relationship with stuff. And then finally, how do we perceive others?" [36:05] (132 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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