The “Sermon on the Mount” contains Jesus’ perfect teaching. The sermon reveals practical things that we must do to become authentic disciples. The importance of genuine discipleship is emphasized in Matthew 7:13-14. The Lord says that everyone is on one of two spiritual paths.
Let’s consider four important things about these paths.
Everyone is not on the same path.
- Some people take the broad path, while others take the narrow path (Matthew 7:13-14). The broad path refers to hell, and the narrow path refers to heaven (Matthew 25:41, 46).
- One cannot reasonably believe in Jesus while refusing to believe in the existence of both heaven and hell. The Lord actually preached more about hell than heaven!
Most people are traveling on the wrong path.
- This was true in the days of Noah (Genesis 6:5).
- This was true of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:32-33).
- This was true of Israel throughout the Old Testament.
- Jesus’ teaching stands in direct contradiction to “universalism.” This is the idea that ultimately everyone will make it to heaven and be saved.
- While this is not what God desires (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16), most people will be lost!
God allows us to choose our path.
- The ability to choose is part of being made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27; Joshua 24:15).
- The word “enter” implies the ability to choose (Matthew 7:13).
- We can choose our spiritual path (Matthew 7:13-14).
- We can choose who to hear (Matthew 7:15-20).
- We can choose to do things Jesus’ way (Matthew 7:21-23).
- We can choose our foundation to build upon (Matthew 7:24-27).
We can know our current path.
- Are we doing the Father’s will (Matthew 7:21)?
- Are we keeping the Father’s commandment (1 John 2:3)?
- Those who are doing God’s will can live with confidence regarding their salvation (1 John 5:13).
Conclusion:
Which path are you on right now? If it is the wrong one, choose to make a detour right now!
