The Golden Rule: Pathways to True Discipleship

Bible Passage: Matthew 7:12-14

NLT says, 12. “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught int theThe Golden Rule: Pathways to True Discipleship law and the prophets. 13. You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell ( the Greek NT reads The road that leads to destruction.) is broad, and its gate is wide for many to choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”

Opening Prayer!

1. Principle of Compassion

Matthew 7:12

Let’s start by exploring how Jesus' simple yet profound Golden Rule encapsulates the essence of all His teachings. Its a universal call to compassion and empathy. When this principle, is practiced daily, it embodies the love of Christ and draws us closer to God. Encourage your audience to Take a moment to assess your interactions with others. Do you strive to live out this rule, thus deepening your ability through Christ to disciple and transform our communities to look more like the Living Christ in us or do you only seek to self gratify your flesh and its wicked desires.

You see… Jesus presents the 'Golden Rule,' emphasizing the importance of treating others as we wish to be treated. This passage emphasizes the narrow path leading to life and the importance of making conscious choices in our walk of faith.

Granted every one has bad days. However, if your attitude comes across as selfish, moody, and prideful. Are you expecting others to treat with the same bad attitude? Absolutely not! Our thoughts for each other should reflect to esteem and encourage one another. Not, to slander and beat each other up through evil speaking leaving one another crushed by our carnal actions.

I wonder, what the Lord think when we as believers in Christ do as James 4:1 questions us, “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?”

Big Idea: Living by the Golden Rule leads us along the narrow path to true discipleship, reflecting Christ’s love in a world that often embraces selfishness.

Therefore our second point here tonight is…

2. Pursuing the Path

Matthew 7:13

Let us perhaps consider the challenging concept of the narrow gate and the broad road. Point out that following Christ, as outlined by His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, requires deliberate choices that may not align with worldly values.

Discuss: So, How does the narrow path lead us to life, followers of Christ are called to perseverance in faith despite the challenges the world system presents as an alternative way, that is, the broad way.

What is the narrow way?

“So, the scriptures make it clear: the narrow path is Jesus. And when we’re told ‘narrow is the gate’ and ‘narrow is the way,’ we’re told that many will seek other avenues to heaven but that the only road that can possibly lead to Christ through His sacrifice for mankind.” Pure Flix. com

The narrow path calls believers to focus on selflessness, embodying the Golden Rule in their everyday lives.

So, why does it seem as if the church has forgotten the Golden Rule and how we’re to treat one another?

Proverbs 18:21 tells us in the NLT, “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”

Jesus gave us the greatest example to follow, Himself, and how we are to treat one another. One may try and justify themselves to believe they love their brothers and sisters in Christ but if hate has entered your heart against your brother or sister then where is the love in that; it isn’t.

Stop sinning against each other.

Be found faithful by reflecting Christ’s love in a world that often embraces selfishness. Do you not know that God’s eyes go to and fro searching for those who are faithful and obedient to His Word.

Allowing the Holy Spirit in you to sanctify you along this narrow way leads to...

3. Promise of Life...which is a third point for tonight.

Matthew 7:14

Perhaps ponder the significance of choosing the narrow road, such difficulty (persecution, rejection, and the constant attacks from the evil one) are ever present in our faith journeys but so are rewards of God’s promise of eternal life. It’s not about where you started it’s about where you finish the race. Listen brothers and sisters true discipleship is marked by a lifestyle reflecting Christ’s love—a journey that few undertake but leads to eternal life. I urge you as believers to consider the seriousness of your daily decisions, when they align with Christ's teachings. It reinforces this point that embodying the Golden Rule is vital for a fruitful Christian walk.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage ultimately points to Christ as the embodiment of love and righteousness. As Jesus fulfilled the law and the prophets, His life modeled the perfect application of the Golden Rule, inviting believers to follow His example in their relationships with others.

Teaching: The key teaching of this scripture centers around the principle that our treatment of others is a reflection of our relationship with God. By applying the Golden Rule, believers can cultivate a lifestyle of compassion and obedience to God’s will, revealing the character of Christ to those around them.

Application: As Christians we need to recognize the power of our actions and decisions in nurturing our relationships with others, when we foster a community built on love, respect, and kindness. It challenges us to reflect on our daily interactions and consider if we are truly embodying the teachings of Christ.

Closing Prayer: Pastor Paul Burdic

Invitation: Pastor Steve McNeil