Springs Article 2023-01 (1)

Matthew 7:13-14
Matthew 7:21-23
John 14:1-6

What is the difference between a gate and a way?

  • A gate is an opening in a wall or fence
  • A gate is a boundary (restricted zone)
  • A way is a road, track or path for travelling along
  • The gate and the way combine together to form a passageway
  • The gateway to life can be imagined as a narrow bridge to Heaven

What is the difference between a broad way and a narrow way?

  • The broad way is easy (unrestricted – you can do as you like, whatever you like)
  • The narrow way is difficult (restricted – you can’t do as you like; you can’t do whatever you like)
  • The broad gate is no boundaries; the broad way is no restrictions
  • The narrow gate is boundaries; the narrow way is restrictions.
  • The way to life is a narrow passageway!
  • Jesus is the straight gate and the narrow way
  • The boundaries and restrictions you have to keep are defined Jesus Christ – the Word of God, John 1:1-5
  • You are called to be conformed to the image of Jesus, Romans 8:29
  • If you want to enter into life, you have stay on the straight and narrow

What are the boundaries and restrictions on the narrow passageway called Jesus?

  • John 15:6,10: Those who remain in me will produce much fruit
  • John 14:15: If you love me, you will obey my commandments
  • 1 John 2:15-17: Anyone who does what pleases God will live forever

If I’m already in a narrow passageway, how can I get to do as I like?

  • Stop moving forward
  • Become stagnant
  • Sit on the fence
  • Backslide
  • Jump off the fence
  • Exit the gate

What will hinder me from getting through or continuing on a narrow passageway?

  • Weight
  • Baggage
  • Laziness
  • Weariness (Tiredness)
  • Impatience
  • Indiscipline
  • Pride (Stubbornness)
  • Starvation
  • Dehydration

How can I be sure to enter into eternal life (the Kingdom of Heaven)?

  • The only way to life is to abide in Christ through faith and obedience
  • Faith + Obedience = Life
  • Unbelief + Disobedience = Destruction 
  • Faith – Obedience = Unfaithfulness = Destruction, Matthew 7:21-23


Jesus is not only the way to eternal life; he is the only passageway.
You have to remain (abide) in Him in order to make it to life – no stagnancy, no backsliding, no adulteration, no compromising, no drifting, no religious hypocrisy, no rebellion, no unfaithfulness. This is empowered by quick repentance, humility and obedience. 
 

To find out more, listen to the audio sermon.