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Module #4 - BaptismModule #4 - Baptism

CHURCH BULLETIN

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CHURCH BULLETIN

Which Which way to way to

Heaven ?Heaven ?Mathew 7: 13,14Mathew 7: 13,14

I – INTRODUCTION to the topic and contextual background

• In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ gives the standards for Kingdom citizens. Since the start of Chapter 5, He has given us the standards related to self, morality, religion, money and possessions and human relations. Jesus has been giving God’s standards as oppose to the self righteous & hypocritical man made standards by the Pharisees. Here in Mathew 7: 13,14, Jesus extends an invitation to us on becoming a Kingdom Citizen and inheriting eternal life. He presents the choice of entering the Kingdom or not.

• The choice is between one and the many. There is only one road to heaven and all other roads lead to destruction. The contrast Jesus is making here is not between better and best or religion and irreligion. It is a contrast between God’s righteousness and Man’s righteousness. Man’s way and God’s ways. From here through the rest of the sermon (Verses 13 to 27) Jesus repeatedly points out two things. Two gates, two ways, two destinations, two kind of trees, two kinds of people, two kinds of builders. Jesus makes the choice crystal clear. In verse 13 to 14 Jesus deals with the first four contrast.

II – The contrast

A.) The Two Gates

“Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it.” – Mathew 7:13,14

-“Enter” – demands a specific action. The command is not to ponder or admire the gate but to enter it. Many people respect and praise our Lord Jesus Christ but never receive Him as their Lord and Saviour.

- the “Strait gate” – “Strait” or “Narrow” picture a turnstile. Jesus command is not simply to enter some gate but to enter the right gate, the only gate that leads to heaven. (John 10:9, Acts 4:12)

What it takes to enter the narrow gate:

1.) The narrow gate must be entered alone – We can bring no one else and nothing else. People do not come to God’s Kingdom by group but singly. The Jews had the mistaken belief and was rebuked by Jesus and John the Baptist.

2.) We must go through the narrow gate without our baggage – The way to the cross is a way of self denial. (Mathew 16:24,25, Luke 18:22,23, Mathew 18:3, Luke 18:3)

3.) To enter the narrow gate demands repentance – Many Jews believe that simply being a Jew was sufficient for entrance to the Kingdom. Many people today believe that being in church qualifies them for heaven. Unfortunately they are mistaken. Repentance is required to enter the narrow gate. (Acts 20:21, Mark 1:14,15, Luke 3:1 to 6)

-The two gates leads to two ways. The gate that is wide leads to a broad way, the gate that is narrow, leads to a narrow way.

B.) Two ways

“Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it.” – Mathew 7:13,14

- The way that is broad is the easy and attractive way. There are a few rules, few restriction and requirements. No commitment needed.

- The narrow way is a demanding way, a way of self denial. “Strait” or “Narrow” comes from the Greek word “Stenos” which means to groan as being under pressure. Used figuratively to represent restriction or constriction.

-The fact that few are those who find God’s way, implies that it is to be sought diligently. (Luke 13:23-24) To strive “agonizomai” indicates that entering the door to God’s Kingdom takes a conscious, purposeful and intense effort. Jesus gives the characteristics of those who are Kingdom citizens in Mathew 5:1 to 13. The Kingdom is for those who want it at any cost. (Mathew 13:44 to 46) It is not for those who want a cheap and easy way to heaven.

- God’s way of salvation is remarkably simple, but not easy. We can pay nothing for salvation yet coming to Jesus Christ cost everything we have. (Luke 14:26, 28 – 31, John 15:19-20)

C.) Two destinations

“Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it.” – Mathew 7:13,14

Both the broad and narrow way points to the good life, salvation, God, the Kingdom and blessing. But only the narrow actually leads to those.

“Destruction” refers to total ruin or loss. It is the destination of all man made efforts.

- The Narrow way leads to eternal life. (John 14:2-3)

C.) Two Groups

“Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it.” – Mathew 7:13,14

- Going into the two gates and traveling the two ways headed for the two destinations are two groups of people. Those who go through the wide gate and the broad gate are many. (Mathew 7:22,23)

- Those who enter the narrow gate and walk the narrow way are few not because the gate is small or the way is too narrow to accommodate people. There is no limit to God’s grace. He earnestly desires that all come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) In perfect harmony with his absolute sovereignty God has allowed men to choose Him or not. The choice is now yours.