Examining Our Hearts: The Narrow Path to Christ

Summary

In Matthew 7, Jesus brings the Sermon on the Mount to a powerful conclusion, challenging us to examine our hearts, our motives, and the very foundations of our lives. The world around us is constantly redefining words like “relativity,” “tolerance,” and “discrimination,” often blurring the lines between truth and error, right and wrong. Yet, God’s Word stands as an unchanging absolute, calling us to discernment and to a life that is radically different from the culture around us.

Jesus uses a series of contrasts to drive home the reality that there are only two ways: the way of self-righteousness and human accomplishment, and the way of humble dependence on Christ’s finished work. The call to “be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect” is not meant to discourage us, but to drive us to the grace of God, recognizing that salvation is costly—it cost Christ everything—and that following Him will require sacrifice and repentance.

When Jesus says, “Judge not, that you be not judged,” He is not forbidding all forms of judgment, but rather calling us to examine our own hearts first. We are to remove the “beam” from our own eye before addressing the “mote” in our brother’s. True discernment begins with self-examination and humility, not condemnation. Yet, we are also called to be discerning, to recognize false teaching and to lovingly restore those caught in sin, always with a spirit of meekness and a desire for restoration, not condemnation.

The narrow gate and the broad way illustrate that not all paths lead to life. The way of Christ is exclusive and requires us to leave behind our self-reliance and trust in Him alone. Many will claim to know Jesus, but only those who do the will of the Father—who obey the gospel and build their lives on the rock of Christ—will stand when the storms come. Outward profession and even religious activity are not enough; what matters is a genuine relationship with Christ, evidenced by obedience and fruitfulness.

In a world that prizes tolerance and relativism, Jesus calls us to a higher standard: to be discerning, to pursue truth, and to build our lives on the unshakable foundation of His Word.

Key Takeaways

- Discernment Begins with Self-Examination
Before addressing the faults of others, it is essential to examine our own hearts and motives. Jesus warns against hypocrisy, reminding us that we must first remove the “beam” from our own eye before we can help others with their “mote.” True spiritual discernment is rooted in humility and a willingness to be corrected by God’s Word. [17:32]

- God’s Standards Are Absolute, Not Relative
In a culture that constantly redefines truth and morality, God’s Word remains the unchanging standard. The call to righteousness is not about earning salvation, but about responding to God’s grace with obedience. We must resist the temptation to cheapen grace or conform to the world’s shifting values, remembering that following Christ comes with a cost. [14:54]

- Judgment and Restoration Must Be Motivated by Love
While only God can judge the eternal destiny of a soul, we are called to exercise discernment within the church. Addressing sin in others is not about condemnation, but about restoration and edification, always approached with meekness and self-awareness. The goal is to help one another grow in holiness, not to elevate ourselves above others. [29:52]

- The Narrow Way Requires Exclusive Trust in Christ
Jesus makes it clear that there are only two paths: the broad way that leads to destruction and the narrow way that leads to life. The narrow gate is entered individually, without reliance on our own works or baggage. Salvation is found in Christ alone, and many who think they are on the right path may be deceived by self-reliance or empty profession. [36:51]

- Obedience Is the Evidence of a Firm Foundation
Hearing God’s Word is not enough; it must be put into practice. The wise builder is the one who not only hears but obeys, building his life on the rock of Christ. When trials come, only those whose lives are founded on obedience to Jesus will stand firm, while those who rely on outward appearance or empty words will fall. [44:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:31] - Introduction of Guests
[03:54] - Overview of the Sermon on the Mount
[06:12] - Contrasts: True vs. False Religion
[07:40] - Relativity, Tolerance, and Discrimination in Culture
[12:52] - Jesus Lays Down New Testament Canon
[14:54] - The Cost of Following Christ
[16:19] - Prayer and Reading Matthew 7:1-5
[18:12] - What Does “Judge Not” Mean?
[20:10] - Hypocrisy and Self-Examination
[22:10] - Biblical Judgment and Discernment
[26:16] - Discerning False Teachers
[28:26] - Church Discipline and Restoration
[32:37] - The Two Ways: Narrow and Broad
[36:51] - Entering the Narrow Gate
[37:32] - Fruit Inspectors: Recognizing True and False Prophets
[39:39] - True Profession vs. Empty Words
[43:42] - The Wise and Foolish Builders
[44:58] - The Authority of Jesus’ Teaching
[46:26] - Final Prayer and Closing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Matthew 7 and the Foundations of a Disciple’s Life

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### Bible Reading

- Matthew 7:1-27 (Main text of the sermon)
- 2 Corinthians 13:5 (“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves…”)
- Galatians 6:1 (“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness…”)

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### Observation Questions

1. In Matthew 7:1-5, what does Jesus say about judging others, and what illustration does He use to make His point? [16:56]
2. According to the sermon, what are the two “ways” or “gates” that Jesus describes in Matthew 7:13-14, and what do they represent? [33:20]
3. What does Jesus say is the difference between the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24-27? [43:42]
4. In 2 Corinthians 13:5, what does Paul command believers to do, and why is this important in the context of Jesus’ teaching? [22:10]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus tell us to remove the “beam” from our own eye before addressing the “mote” in someone else’s? What does this reveal about the heart behind true discernment? [17:32]
2. The sermon mentions that God’s standards are absolute, not relative. How does this challenge the way our culture views truth and morality? [09:06]
3. According to the sermon, what is the real danger of relying on outward profession or religious activity instead of a genuine relationship with Christ? [39:39]
4. Galatians 6:1 talks about restoring someone “in a spirit of meekness.” What does this look like practically, and how does it differ from condemnation? [29:52]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon emphasized starting with self-examination before addressing others’ faults. Is there an area in your life where you need to “remove a beam” before helping someone else? What would it look like to do this honestly? [22:10]
2. In what ways have you felt pressure to accept or promote ideas or lifestyles that conflict with God’s Word, as described in the sermon’s discussion of “tolerance” and “relativity”? How have you responded, and how might you respond differently in the future? [09:06]
3. Jesus says the narrow gate must be entered individually, without relying on our own works or “baggage.” Are there things you are holding onto—habits, attitudes, or self-reliance—that make it hard for you to fully trust Christ? What steps could you take to let go? [36:51]
4. When you see a fellow believer struggling with sin, do you tend to avoid the issue, confront harshly, or approach with a spirit of restoration? What would it look like to lovingly restore someone “in a spirit of meekness” this week? [29:52]
5. The wise builder not only hears Jesus’ words but puts them into practice. Can you think of a recent time when you heard God’s Word but struggled to obey? What kept you from acting, and what could help you build a firmer foundation? [44:19]
6. The sermon warns against being deceived by empty profession or religious activity. How can you tell if your faith is genuine and producing fruit? Are there specific “fruits” you want to see more of in your life? [38:12]
7. The call to follow Christ comes with a cost. What sacrifices or changes might God be asking you to make right now? How can the group support you in taking that step? [14:54]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help each person examine their heart, trust in Christ alone, and build their life on the unshakable foundation of His Word. Pray for humility, discernment, and courage to live differently from the world.

Devotional

Day 1: Righteous Judgment Begins With Self-Examination
Before we can address the faults or sins of others, we must first examine our own hearts and lives. Jesus warns against hypocrisy, urging us to remove the "beam" from our own eye before attempting to help our brother with the "mote" in his. This self-examination is not just a one-time act but a continual process, ensuring that our motives are pure and that we are not acting out of pride or self-righteousness. Only when we have honestly dealt with our own sin can we lovingly and humbly help others. [17:32]

Matthew 7:1-5 (ESV)
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to honestly examine yourself and confess sin before you try to address someone else’s shortcomings?


Day 2: The Narrow Way—Christ Alone Is the Gate
Jesus teaches that there are only two paths: a broad way that leads to destruction and a narrow way that leads to life. The narrow gate is Christ Himself, and only by coming to Him—without relying on our own works or bringing any baggage—can we enter into true life. This path is not popular or easy, and few find it, but it is the only way to salvation. The world may call this view intolerant or narrow-minded, but Jesus is clear: He alone is the way, the truth, and the life. [33:20]

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 “baggage” or self-reliance might you be trying to bring through the narrow gate, and how can you surrender it to Christ today?


Day 3: True Faith Is Known by Its Fruit
Jesus warns that false prophets and teachers will come, often appearing harmless but inwardly dangerous. The true test is not outward appearance or even impressive works, but the fruit produced in a person’s life. Good trees bear good fruit, and bad trees bear bad fruit. We are called to be discerning, to look at the results of a person’s life and teaching, and to ensure that our own lives are bearing fruit that reflects a genuine relationship with Christ. [37:32]

Matthew 7:15-20 (ESV)
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”

Reflection: What kind of fruit is your life producing, and how can you cultivate more of the fruit that honors God?


Day 4: Obedience to the Gospel, Not Just Words or Works
Not everyone who calls Jesus “Lord” or does impressive works in His name will enter the kingdom of heaven. What matters is obedience to the will of the Father—responding to the gospel in faith and surrender, not relying on our own efforts or religious activity. Jesus desires a real relationship with us, not just outward profession or performance. We must examine whether our trust is in Christ alone and whether our lives reflect true obedience to His call. [39:39]

Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV)
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

Reflection: Are you trusting in your own works or religious activity, or are you truly surrendered in obedience to Christ and His gospel?


Day 5: Build Your Life on the Rock—Be a Doer of the Word
Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount by comparing two builders: one who builds on the rock by hearing and doing His words, and one who builds on sand by hearing but not obeying. Storms will come to every life, but only those whose foundation is Christ and obedience to His teaching will stand firm. It is not enough to simply listen to God’s Word; we must put it into practice, letting it shape every part of our lives. [43:42]

Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV)
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

Reflection: What is one specific teaching of Jesus you have heard but not yet put into practice? How can you begin to act on it today?

Quotes