LEARNING DAILY

 

 

Matthew 7:14, “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few on it.” Jesus

The way to God’s kingdom is narrow; it is a difficult way and few are on it. According to the Sower there are those who get on it but fall away because it is too difficult to walk on it and they get consumed by the snares of living life. Perhaps the kingdom of self overwhelms them. Today we need to examine the difficulties of walking the narrow way so you and I will be prepared to face them when they come.

 

Jesus told His followers this in John 16:33b, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” There is no “if” in this statement. He was very clear that His followers would have various trials, conflicts, and even persecutions because of following Him. Being unwilling to endure these difficulties cause many to stay off the narrow way; remember Jesus said the broad way was an easy way.

 

 Luke 9:23 was referred to in yesterday’s blog; it needs to be referred to again in his context of facing trials. Jesus said to follow Him you and I must deny self. If you remember this really means denying ourselves of worldly stuff or sin. Too many do not want to do that. The reality is you and I cannot do everything we want to do or what the old self wants us to do and go to heaven. Self-denial means crucifying the flesh and following Jesus. We just cannot do what Jesus demands of us and fulfill the lusts of the flesh at the same time. The choice for each of us is daily. Who are you going to choose to serve? Remember the kingdom of self is daily trying to get us to follow it instead of choosing to follow Jesus.

 

2 Timothy 3:12 shares another difficulty those on the narrow way will face. “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” Suffering persecution! That will cancel many people from this narrow way. In this country people do not know the kind of suffering many followers of Christ experience. But there is growing persecution in the United States for Christians. Our “loyalty to Jesus Christ, His truth, and His righteous standards involves a constant determination not to compromise our faith or give in to the flood of voices calling us to conform to the world and lay aside Scriptural truth” (LSSB). Here is something to consider: if you are trying to live by God’s standards you will be ridiculed and even deprived of opportunities offered to nonbelievers. Consider for a moment if you have experienced this. If you have, would you have done so if you were not a follower of Jesus Christ. I want to offer encouragement to you right now. Stay strong and be diligent to live out your faith; There are rewards in eternity in doing so; there is also a price to pay for not doing so. Let me add that Jesus suffered while He walked on this earth and we can expect nothing less.

 

There is another aspect that separates the narrow way from the broad way. In Hebrews 12:14, the writer states this, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” Holiness is being separated from sin and being set apart for God. It is to be close to Him, to be like Him, and to seek Him and His righteousness. You and I must be clear about holiness – it is Jesus Christ who gives us our righteousness, which comes when we are saved by Him; it is only because of this that we can be on the narrow way. That was the reason He came to this earth. Without holiness no one will be able to enter heaven. You cannot earn it. It comes only through our relationship with the King of kings and Lord of lords.

 

There are several more thoughts to share on this in the next page of the blog. It is my prayer that this encourages you today to choose to walk with Jesus as He desires!

 

From now on DJSB will be used to note information or quotes from the David Jeremiah Study Bible and LSSB will refer to information and quotes from the Life in the Spirit Study Bible