WHICH WAY ARE YOU ON?

Matthew 7:13-14

"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."

1. Everyone, even those persons who are not "religious," are on a spiritual journey. Some are on the right path, headed in the right direction. Others are on the wrong path, headed in the wrong direction.

2. Consider Mathew 7:13-14.

I. The strait gate.

A. Strait – hemmed in like a narrow gorge between rocks, pinched, not easily seen because of its lack of popularity.

B. The gate is not the way that leads to life, but rather it provides access to the way. Represents a person’s conversion. Notice I Peter 2:1-2; II Peter 1:5-11; II Peter 3:18.

C. Gate must be entered. Consider Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6, Acts 17:30; Matthew 10:32-33; Mark 16:16. Effort must be put forth to enter this gate (Luke 13:24).

II. The narrow way.

A. Narrow – confined, limited in scope.

B. Whereas the strait gate represents a person’s conversion, the narrow way represents the Christian life. Traveling this way requires that certain baggage be left behind (Matthew 16:24). Care must be taken to overcome obstacles along the way. Notice Ephesians 5:15 (esp. ASV).

C. Not necessarily "made narrow" but it must be narrow by its very nature. This way, being hedged in by the law of Christ, is narrow because of the demands placed upon Christians.

III. The destination (life).

A. Life – refers to union (with God).

B. In contrast, the destruction found at end of the broad way signifies a person’s spiritual and eternal perdition (loss). Re: II Thessalonians 1:8-9; II Peter 3:7.

C. In relation to the total number of people who have ever lived, relatively few people will enjoy eternal life.

1. What way are you traveling?