Choosing the Narrow Path: Discipleship and True Life
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the challenging yet rewarding journey of discipleship, emphasizing the narrow path that leads to life, as opposed to the broad road of self-rule and materialism. We began by acknowledging the allure of the world's path, which seems easier and more appealing due to its popularity and immediate gratification. However, we delved into the reasons why the path of Jesus, though narrow and less trodden, is ultimately the path that leads to true life and fulfillment.
We discussed three main challenges on this journey: the flesh, the world, and the devil. The flesh often tempts us with immediate pleasure and ease, making it difficult to pursue spiritual disciplines that foster long-term spiritual health and growth. We examined how the disciplines of prayer, fasting, and community living are not just rituals but are vital practices that connect us with the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to overcome the flesh.
The influence of the world and its materialistic culture poses another significant challenge. We are constantly bombarded with messages that prioritize wealth, comfort, and self-indulgence. However, we learned that true freedom and joy come not from accumulating wealth but from following Jesus and serving others. This counters the cultural narrative and requires a conscious effort to resist and redefine success as we know it.
Lastly, we addressed the reality of spiritual warfare. Our spiritual journey is contested by the devil who seeks to derail us from the path of life. We were reminded of the importance of being vigilant and equipped with the full armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6. This spiritual armor enables us to stand firm against the devil's schemes and to support one another in our spiritual battles.
Throughout the sermon, we were encouraged to embrace these challenges not as burdens but as opportunities to deepen our reliance on God and to experience His power in our lives. By choosing the narrow way, we align ourselves with Christ's life and mission, and we participate in the profound joy and peace that come from walking closely with Him.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Challenge of the Flesh: Our natural inclinations often lead us away from spiritual growth. Engaging in spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting connects us with the Holy Spirit, whose power enables us to overcome these inclinations and grow in spiritual maturity. This process is not about self-improvement but about divine empowerment. [50:59]
2. Resisting Worldly Influence: The culture around us promotes a path of ease and self-indulgence, but as followers of Christ, we are called to a different standard—one of sacrifice and service. By fostering a community that encourages spiritual growth and accountability, we can resist the pull of the world together. [59:30]
3. Spiritual Warfare Awareness: Recognizing the reality of spiritual warfare is crucial. We must be vigilant and equipped with the spiritual armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes. This awareness helps us to not only defend ourselves but also to support our brothers and sisters in Christ. [01:01:13]
4. The Power of Submission to God: In the battle against the devil, our greatest weapon is submission to God. When we submit to God and resist the devil, he will flee from us. This submission is not a sign of weakness but of ultimate strength and alignment with God's will. [01:04:13]
5. The Narrow Way Leads to True Life: Although the narrow way is challenging, it is the path to true life, joy, and peace. Embracing this path requires daily decisions to follow Jesus, deny ourselves, and take up our cross, but it is in this way that we find the abundant life Jesus promised. [01:07:06]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [27:25] - Introduction to the Narrow Way
- [37:56] - The Hard Path to Good Fruit
- [41:22] - The Narrow Way Defined
- [50:59] - Overcoming the Flesh
- [59:30] - Resisting the World
- [01:01:13] - Spiritual Warfare
- [01:04:13] - Victory in Submission
- [01:07:06] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 8:31-38 - "He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. 'Get behind me, Satan!' he said. 'You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.' Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.'"
2. Matthew 7:13-14 - "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."
3. Ephesians 6:10-12 - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus say must happen to the Son of Man according to Mark 8:31-33?
2. In Mark 8:34, what does Jesus say is required to be his disciple? [32:36]
3. According to Matthew 7:13-14, what are the characteristics of the narrow and broad roads?
4. What does Ephesians 6:10-12 say about the nature of our struggle and the armor of God?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus rebuked Peter so strongly in Mark 8:33? What does this reveal about Peter's understanding of Jesus' mission? [30:51]
2. How does the concept of taking up one's cross in Mark 8:34-35 challenge common cultural values of self-preservation and success? [34:27]
3. What does it mean to "enter through the narrow gate" as described in Matthew 7:13-14? How does this relate to the idea of discipleship discussed in the sermon?
4. How can the "full armor of God" described in Ephesians 6:10-12 help believers stand firm against the devil's schemes? [01:02:32]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the pull of the "broad road" of self-rule and materialism. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now? [40:45]
2. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross. What is one specific area in your life where you need to practice self-denial to follow Jesus more closely? [34:27]
3. The sermon mentioned the importance of spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting. Which spiritual discipline do you find most challenging, and how can you incorporate it into your routine this week? [50:59]
4. How can you foster a community that encourages spiritual growth and accountability to resist worldly influences? Share one practical step you can take to build such a community. [59:30]
5. Spiritual warfare is a reality in our journey of faith. What steps can you take to be more vigilant and equipped with the armor of God in your daily life? [01:01:13]
6. Submission to God is described as our greatest weapon against the devil. What does submission to God look like in your current circumstances, and how can you practice it more fully? [01:04:13]
7. The narrow way leads to true life, joy, and peace. Identify one daily decision you can make to align yourself more closely with Jesus' path. How will you implement this decision starting today? [41:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Overcoming Our Natural Inclinations
Engaging in spiritual disciplines is essential for overcoming the natural inclinations that often lead us away from spiritual growth. These inclinations, rooted in the flesh, tempt us with immediate pleasure and ease, making it difficult to pursue the long-term spiritual health and growth that comes from disciplines like prayer and fasting. By connecting with the Holy Spirit through these practices, we receive the divine empowerment necessary to resist these temptations and mature spiritually. This process is not about self-improvement but about allowing God's power to work within us, transforming us from the inside out. [50:59]
Galatians 5:16-17, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Reflection: What spiritual discipline could you practice this week to strengthen your connection with the Holy Spirit and resist the temptations of the flesh?
Day 2: Resisting the Pull of Materialism
The culture around us often promotes a path of ease and self-indulgence, but as followers of Christ, we are called to a different standard—one of sacrifice and service. This requires us to resist worldly influences and redefine success, not as the accumulation of wealth but as following Jesus and serving others. By fostering a community that encourages spiritual growth and accountability, we can collectively resist the pull of the world and live out our true calling. This path is not easy, but it is rewarding and leads to true freedom and joy. [59:30]
1 John 2:15-17, "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in a community that challenges the materialistic culture and supports your spiritual growth?
Day 3: Equipped for Spiritual Warfare
Recognizing the reality of spiritual warfare is crucial for every believer. We must be vigilant and equipped with the spiritual armor of God to effectively stand against the devil's schemes. This awareness helps us not only defend ourselves but also support our brothers and sisters in Christ. By understanding and utilizing each piece of the armor described in Ephesians 6, we can maintain our spiritual integrity and aid others in their battles, fostering a strong, resilient community of faith. [01:01:13]
Ephesians 6:13-17, "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness."
Reflection: Which piece of the spiritual armor do you need to focus on this week, and how can you use it to help someone else in their spiritual battle?
Day 4: The Strength in Submission to God
In the battle against the devil, our greatest weapon is submission to God. When we submit to God and resist the devil, he will flee from us. This act of submission is not a sign of weakness but a powerful alignment with God's will, which provides us with the strength to overcome any spiritual challenges. By living in submission, we align ourselves with the ultimate source of power and authority, ensuring our victory in spiritual warfare. [01:04:13]
James 4:7, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to submit to God, and how can you take steps to surrender it to Him this week?
Day 5: Embracing the Narrow Way
Although the narrow way is challenging, it is the path to true life, joy, and peace. Embracing this path requires daily decisions to follow Jesus, deny ourselves, and take up our cross. This journey is not about choosing the easy way but about finding the abundant life Jesus promised to those who follow Him faithfully. By committing to this path, we experience profound joy and peace that only comes from a close walk with Christ. [01:07:06]
Matthew 7:13-14, "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 does taking up your cross daily look like in your current life situation, and how can you more fully embrace the narrow way this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "It's easier to accumulate debt than to accumulate savings. One's the hard path. Preferring myself versus preferring another. In relationships, we see this. Man, it's easier to prefer myself, but that's really bad for my marriage. It's bad for friendships and relationships if you're always preferring yourself. Rather than preferring another." [39:21]
2. "The problem with money is not that it's bad, but it is the ultimate flesh facilitator. Here's the thing. I've told you before, my flesh, it just wants to do what it wants, when it wants, how it wants. Okay, I don't need to be a wealthy man. But I sure love freedom. And wealth makes it a lot easier for me to be free." [56:37]
3. "It's not subtle. The flesh wants what it wants when it wants. That's why it hates diets. I want what I want when I want. I'm a simple man. Okay? All I want is what I want when I want it. That's why I hate exercise. I do exercise, and I hate it. I try to trick myself thinking I did more than I did. Because I don't want to be exercising." [47:04]
4. "The flesh desires what is contrary to the spirit, and the spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. Do you understand that? That was a huge sentence right there, and we need to recognize it." [44:26]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The key here is the way to defeat the flesh is engaging the spirit through the disciplines. This is really important. It's not like I muscle things up with the disciplines. And now I'm a better person, so I'm able to fight the flesh or I'm able to do it on my own. No, what happens in the disciplines is I connect with the spirit and I access a very different power." [50:59]
2. "Our victory is secure and it's found in Christ. 1 John 4, for little children, you are from God and have overcome them. For he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. James 4, 7, my favorite verse on spiritual warfare. Here it is. Real simple. Submit yourself to God. That's the important part." [01:04:13]
3. "The narrow way is never the easy way, ever. But our secret weapon is that we are not alone. See, Jesus, when he said the narrow way, and he said, the key idea is he said, come follow me. Expect the narrow way to be different. That's why we're calling it the other way. Rest of the world is going one way. We're following Jesus. We're going the other." [01:05:36]
4. "The narrow way is never the easy way ever. I had to add the ever. Ever, ever, ever, ever. The narrow way is never the easy way. And you're like, wait a minute. What about the power of God? What about the good news? What about positive confession? What about positive thinking? Yeah, that's all fine, whatever." [41:22]
5. "The main purpose of the disciplines is to crucify the flesh. Look what Paul wrote, 1 Corinthians 9, 24 through 27, he said, do you not know that in a race, all the runners run, but only one gets the prize, run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in games goes into strict training." [49:28]
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