MATTHEW 7:13-14 – Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
THEME OF THE DAY. THE GENUINENESS OF OUR CHRISTIANITY. Today’s scripture is found in the greatest sermon preached by the greatest Preacher to preach. It is “The Sermon on the Mount” preached by Jesus. It is also one of the most soul-searching portions ever to touch a human heart, but it is not the only one. Later in His sermon, Jesus says something more penetrating to the heart that should cause us to examine themselves – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness’”(Matthew 7:21-23). Friends, the Christian life is not easy. God never intended it to be so. It is likened to a difficult race to run, an obstacle course to navigate, an intense war to engage, and a grueling boxing match to fight (1 Corinthians 9:26-27; 2 Timothy 4:7).
Now the purpose of today’s nugget is not to create doubt of us being Christians. Just the opposite; to affirm our being Christians and provide joy-producing assurance through Biblical evidence of being a Christian. And to do so, let’s consider three pieces of evidence present in the person who is on the narrow path as a true Christian.
The first evidence of new life in Christ is a desire for holiness or conformity to the image of Christ. This is part of the Spirit’s work at new birth. We yearn to not only know Christ, but become like Him. The Psalmist wrote, “As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness” (Psalm 17:15). Where there is a desire to be like Jesus, we may rest assured of our union in Him. Maurice Roberts wrote, “The evidence of real Christian faith and life is to be seen in the character we possess. Where Christ is in a man’s soul, the fruits of love, peace, and holiness will be visible.”
A second evidence in the life of a true Christian is the delight in obeying God’s Word. We take great pleasure in obedience. The Apostle John stated, “For this is the love of God that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). For the healthy Christian, obedience is a consuming passion knowing that it is by heart-felt, grateful, and purposeful obedience, love to Christ is displayed (John 14:15). And like the first piece of evidence, the Spirit of God puts this passion in us and then energizes the will to obey. A profession of faith in Christ lacking consistent and progressive obedience to His Word is a profession without Biblical support.
One more piece of evidence affirming the genuine nature of our walk with Christ will be the increase of self-denial in our lives. Jesus said, “And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). What will happen in Christians who are growing in Christ will be a decrease of selfish living. Christ’s interests and the interests of others will replace self-interests. A life of sacrificial service, motivated by love, will follow. There will be noticeable acts of the will denying our will and delighting in the Lord’s will. As this unfolds, serving others in Christ’s name takes on new meaning. We won’t be Christians serving others out of convenience but actually the opposite. We will embrace sacrifice as an opportunity to be like Christ in meeting the needs of His people and the world. And joy abounds when self-denial, not self-fulfillment is pursued. The Christian life is difficult. The path is narrow, but oh, what a privilege, what a joy, what a life! May God help us to let His Word define and direct our understanding and living of the Christian life.
PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for giving me Your Word which clearly defines for me what a follower of Your Son is like.”
QUOTE: “It is the Bible, not our experience, not our church, but only the Bible that safely defines what a Christian is”