The Narrow Way vs. The Broad Way
The Warnings of Jesus: A Study of His Hard Teachings • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 45:18
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The Narrow Way vs. The Broad Way
The Narrow Way vs. The Broad Way
Wednesday Night Bible Study – Session 3
Wednesday Night Bible Study – Session 3
Series: The Warnings of Jesus: A Study of His Hard Teachings
Date: March 26, 2025
Title: The Narrow Way vs. The Broad Way
Introduction
Introduction
Welcome
Welcome: Tonight, we continue our series on the warnings of Jesus, focusing on His teaching about the narrow and broad ways.
Why This Study Matters
Jesus warns that only a few will find the narrow way, while many will take the broad road to destruction.
Many assume that all roads lead to God, but Jesus clearly teaches that there are only two paths, and only one leads to life.
This study will answer:
What are the two ways, and how do they differ?
Why do so many choose the broad way?
How can we ensure that we are walking the narrow way?
Key Passage: Matthew 7:13-14
This passage is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He contrasts the two paths of life.
This teaching connects directly to His other warnings about true and false discipleship.
Part I: The Two Paths – One Leads to Life, the Other to Destruction
Part I: The Two Paths – One Leads to Life, the Other to Destruction
13 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: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
1. The Two Gates and Paths Defined
1. The Two Gates and Paths Defined
The Broad Way
Wide gate, easy path, many people on it.
Represents worldly living, sin, and self-indulgence.
Ends in destruction (Hell and eternal separation from God).
The Narrow Way
Small gate, difficult path, few people on it.
Requires faith, obedience, and sacrifice.
Leads to eternal life.
Parallel Scriptures Deut 30:19, Psalms 1:6, Proverbs 14:12.
Parallel Scriptures Deut 30:19, Psalms 1:6, Proverbs 14:12.
Deuteronomy 30:19 – God sets before us life and death, blessing and cursing—choose life.
Psalm 1:6 – The Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Proverbs 14:12 – There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end is death.
Application: Every person chooses one of these two paths—there is no middle ground.
Part II: Why Do Many Choose the Broad Way?
Part II: Why Do Many Choose the Broad Way?
13 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:
1. The Broad Way Appeals to the Flesh
1. The Broad Way Appeals to the Flesh
It requires no sacrifice or self-denial.
It allows people to follow their own desires without submission to God.
John 3:19 (KJV): “Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”
2. False Religion and Worldly Philosophy Promote It
2. False Religion and Worldly Philosophy Promote It
Many believe that good works, religious tradition, or sincerity can save them.
Matthew 15:8-9 (KJV): “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.”
Many follow false teachings that distort the Gospel.
3. The Majority Walk This Path
3. The Majority Walk This Path
People assume the majority must be right.
Luke 13:23-24 (KJV): “Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.”
Application: We must be careful not to follow the crowd—truth is not determined by popularity.
Part III: Why Is the Narrow Way So Hard?
Part III: Why Is the Narrow Way So Hard?
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
1. The Narrow Way Requires Repentance and Obedience
1. The Narrow Way Requires Repentance and Obedience
True salvation means turning away from sin and submitting fully to Christ.
Luke 9:23 (KJV): “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
2. The Narrow Way Brings Persecution
2. The Narrow Way Brings Persecution
Those who choose this path will be hated by the world.
John 15:19 (KJV): “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”
2 Timothy 3:12 (KJV): “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
3. Few Are Willing to Pay the Cost
3. Few Are Willing to Pay the Cost
Many people want the benefits of salvation but not the cost of discipleship.
Matthew 10:38 (KJV): “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.”
Application: The difficulty of the narrow way proves our faith—those who endure to the end will be saved.
Part IV: How Can We Stay on the Narrow Way?
Part IV: How Can We Stay on the Narrow Way?
1. Believe in Christ Alone for Salvation
1. Believe in Christ Alone for Salvation
John 14:6 (KJV): “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
The narrow way begins with Christ—we cannot earn our way in.
2. Obey God’s Word Completely
2. Obey God’s Word Completely
Psalm 119:105 (KJV): “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
We must follow God’s Word, not human opinions or traditions.
3. Walk in the Spirit, Not the Flesh
3. Walk in the Spirit, Not the Flesh
Galatians 5:16 (KJV): “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
We must reject sin and follow the Spirit’s leading.
4. Endure Until the End
4. Endure Until the End
Matthew 24:13 (KJV): “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
Remaining faithful through trials and persecution proves our love for Christ.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Summary of Key Truths
There are only two paths—the broad way leads to destruction, the narrow way leads to life.
Many will choose the broad way because it is easy and popular.
Few will choose the narrow way because it requires repentance, obedience, and endurance.
The reward for choosing the narrow way is eternal life with Christ.
2. Final Call to Self-Examination
Are we walking in obedience to Christ, or following the crowd?
Have we truly entered through the narrow gate, or are we deceived?
Next Session: Beware of False Prophets and Wolves
Next Session: Beware of False Prophets and Wolves
How can we recognize false teachers who lead people down the broad way?
What does it mean when Jesus says, “By their fruits, you shall know them” (Matthew 7:15-20)?
How can we guard ourselves against deception in the last days?
