The Choice is Ours
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· 40 viewsThe Choice of two roads
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The Choice is Yours
The Choice is Yours
(NLT) 13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
(NLT) 13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
Choice DEFINITION: the act of choosing
Choice DEFINITION: the act of choosing
Choices
DEFINITION: the act of choosing
DEFINITION: the act of choosing
Choices
Choices
What are the choices that you make each day?
The Road Not Taken Robert Frost
The Road Not Taken Robert Frost
: the act of choosing : selection finding it hard to make a choice
The Road Not Taken Robert Frost
The Road Not Taken Robert Frost
Robert Frost
Robert Frost
By Robert Frost Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
No One Chooses for Us
No One Chooses for Us
Dictionary of Bible Themes 6622 choice
People must choose between good and evil
Jos 24:15; Pr 16:16 See also Ex 32:26; Dt 30:19; 1Ki 18:21; Pr 3:31; 8:10; Jn 7:17
Examples of bad choices
Jas 4:4 See also Pr 1:28-33; Isa 65:12; 66:3-4; Mt 27:21 pp Mk 15:9-11
Examples of wise choices
Heb 11:24-26 See also Jos 24:21-24; Ru 1:16; 1Ki 3:5-14
15 But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
We make choices through the temptations that come our way
People must choose between good and evil
(NLT)
15 But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
Jesus was tempted!
Jesus’ temptation Matt 4:1-11
New Living Translation Chapter 4
The Temptation of Jesus
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.
3 During that time the devil* came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”
4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,
‘People do not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’*”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,
‘He will order his angels to protect you.
And they will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’* ”
7 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God.’*”
8 Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”
10 “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say,
‘You must worship the LORD your God
and serve only him.’*”
11 Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.
Jesus was tempted in all three areas that we are tempted in
The lust of the flesh
The lust of the eyes
The pride of life
(NLT)
(NLT) 15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
The lust of the eyes
The pride of life
(NLT) 15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
Men Are Tempted to Lust – Women Are Tempted to Be Lusted After
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Men are you making a covenant with your eyes, are you guarding yourselves against pornography?
, ,
14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.
15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
Billy Graham has given us some concrete suggestions for young persons who want to find real freedom in life. Number one. Watch your eyes. The eyes are the gateway to the heart. Through the eyes enter most of the things that cause us problems. Job said, "I have made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?" (). Now, you say old Job must have had a time, going around stumbling in the dark with his eyes shut. But wait. There are looks and then there are looks. You can't avoid the first look, but you can avoid the second look. David, who ought to know more about it than anybody said, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scournful" (). If you are going to have some positive approaches to life, you're going to have to begin by learning to control your eyes. Because what we think about, we tend to become. You say, "Well, preacher, you can't help looking sometimes." No, you can't help the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building nests in your hair. Watch your eyes!
Billy Graham has given us some concrete suggestions for young persons who want to find real freedom in life. Number one. Watch your eyes. The eyes are the gateway to the heart. Through the eyes enter most of the things that cause us problems. Job said, "I have made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?" (). Now, you say old Job must have had a time, going around stumbling in the dark with his eyes shut. But wait. There are looks and then there are looks. You can't avoid the first look, but you can avoid the second look. David, who ought to know more about it than anybody said, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scournful" (). If you are going to have some positive approaches to life, you're going to have to begin by learning to control your eyes. Because what we think about, we tend to become. You say, "Well, preacher, you can't help looking sometimes." No, you can't help the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building nests in your hair. Watch your eyes!
There is lust and enticement. Every man—there are no exceptions—is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lusts and enticed. The word "lust" (epithumia PWS: 2462) means to crave either good or evil. There are good desires and bad desires. The word "enticed" (deleazomenos PWS: 1294) means to lure and bait just as a person lures and baits a fish.
There is lust and enticement. Every man—there are no exceptions—is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lusts and enticed. The word "lust" (epithumia PWS: 2462) means to crave either good or evil. There are good desires and bad desires. The word "enticed" (deleazomenos PWS: 1294) means to lure and bait just as a person lures and baits a fish. The picture is this: man has good desires, natural and normal desires. Therefore, when he begins to think about or look at something, he very naturally desires it. His desire is normal behavior. The problem arises when the thing is forbidden or is harmful. If he looks at and thinks about the forbidden or harmful thing, he begins to lust and to be enticed or lured to go after it. This is the very beginning stage of temptation. Man takes his desire and focuses it upon the forbidden or harmful thing. He begins to pay attention to what he should not look at; he begins to think about the things of the flesh and of the world. Thereby he is tempted and drawn away by his own lusts and enticements. 2. There is the conception of lust and the birth of sin. The above point, point one, is what is called the conception of lust. It is a picture of birth. When a person actually begins to look at and think about the forbidden thing, desire and lust are conceived in his mind. He pictures the pleasure of the desire; that is, sin is actually born. Picturing—looking at or thinking about the desire—is sin. This is exactly what Christ Himself said:
Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – Hebrew, James.
The picture is this: man has good desires, natural and normal desires. Therefore, when he begins to think about or look at something, he very naturally desires it. His desire is normal behavior. The problem arises when the thing is forbidden or is harmful. If he looks at and thinks about the forbidden or harmful thing, he begins to lust and to be enticed or lured to go after it. This is the very beginning stage of temptation. Man takes his desire and focuses it upon the forbidden or harmful thing. He begins to pay attention to what he should not look at; he begins to think about the things of the flesh and of the world. Thereby he is tempted and drawn away by his own lusts and enticements.
There is the conception of lust and the birth of sin. The above point, point one, is what is called the conception of lust. It is a picture of birth. When a person actually begins to look at and think about the forbidden thing, desire and lust are conceived in his mind. He pictures the pleasure of the desire; that is, sin is actually born. Picturing—looking at or thinking about the desire—is sin. This is exactly what Christ Himself said:
Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – Hebrew, James.
Women are you making attempts not to be sexually attracted by the male species?
Society teaches women to be sexual, but the bible teaches the opposite
(ISV), (KJV)
(ISV) 9 Women, for their part, should display their beauty by dressing modestly and decently in appropriate clothes, not by braiding their hair or by wearing gold, pearls, or expensive clothes. 10 Their beauty should be displayed through good works. This is proper for women who claim to have reverence for God.
(KJV) 3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
The word "adorn" (kosmein PWS: 58) is really a better translation of what Scripture means. The word means the dress, ornaments, and arrangement of clothing upon the body. But the word adorn also refers to behavior and demeanor, that is, the way a woman carries herself, walks, moves, and behaves in public. Remember: this passage is being written to genuine Christian women—women who truly believe in the Lord and wish to honor the Lord and to have a strong testimony for Him. The Christian woman wants to guard her clothing and to dress modestly; she wants to watch the way she dresses, walks, moves, and behaves in public. She wants to bring honor to the Lord and to build a strong testimony—a testimony that she loves the Lord and has committed her life...
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
• to help people, not to seduce them.
• to serve people, not to destroy them.
• to point people to Jesus, not to attract them to herself.
• to teach people righteous behavior, not fleshly and worldly behavior.
Scripture covers three things about the adorning or dress of a true Christian woman. All three are revealing. They demonstrate exactly where a woman stands—regardless of profession: either with Christ or with the world.
1. The Christian woman is to dress and behave modestly and to keep herself under control at all times.
⇒ She is to dress and adorn herself with "shamefacedness"; that is, in public she is to dress and act modestly, somewhat reserved and shy.
⇒ She is to dress and adorn herself with "sobriety"; that is, she is to dress and act appropriately, sensibly, controlled, soberly, calmly, quietly, and seriously.
Galatians 6:
2. The Christian woman is not to dress to attract attention. This is the point of these negative commands. She is not to adorn herself...
Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon.
Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.
Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
(NLT)
People must choose between good and evil .
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!
The Bible is full of examples
(NLT)
(NLT) 15 But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
, , , , , , ,
26 So he stood at the entrance to the camp and shouted, “All of you who are on the Lord’s side, come here and join me.” And all the Levites gathered around him.
But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
,(NLT) 15 But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
(NLT)
(NLT) 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!
(NLT)
19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!
(NLT) 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!
(NLT)
(NLT)
15 But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
(NLT) 26 So he stood at the entrance to the camp and shouted, “All of you who are on the Lord’s side, come here and join me.” And all the Levites gathered around him.
(NLT)
21 Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.
(NLT) 26 So he stood at the entrance to the camp and shouted, “All of you who are on the Lord’s side, come here and join me.” And all the Levites gathered around him.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!
(NLT)
(NLT)
(NLT) 19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!
26 So he stood at the entrance to the camp and shouted, “All of you who are on the Lord’s side, come here and join me.” And all the Levites gathered around him.
(NLT) 19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!
(NLT)
31 Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways.
(NLT) 21 Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.
19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!
(NLT) 21 Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.
(NLT)
(NLT)
(NLT) 31 Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways.
21 Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.
(NLT) 31 Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways.
(NLT)
10 Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.
31 Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways.
(NLT) 10 Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.
31 Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways.
(NLT) 10 Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.
(NLT)
(NLT)
(NLT) 17 Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.
10 Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.
17 Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.
(NLT)
(NLT) 17 Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.
17 Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.
Broad Gate
Broad Gate
It is a wide gate
The wide gate is the world. The wide gate stands open. It is so wide that four things can be said about it.
There is not a single hindrance to entering the wide gate. Nothing keeps a person from entering it. It is as if a person naturally stands before its wide open doors.
Plenty of people can enter and are entering its wide doors at any given time. A person has plenty of company in entering the wide gate.
Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – .
is so much growth around it.
are so many people entering it.
is so much activity going on. The point is that a person does not even think of another gate, much less look for one.
The wide gate is wide enough to include all: all philosophies and beliefs no matter how extreme, all appetites and passions, all liberties and licenses, all sin and selfishness. The gate is swung wide open so that any and all can enter.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" ().
Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – .
Leads to hell
The broad way ends in destruction and in death. In fact, even as a person walks along the broad way, he is said "to be perishing [apoleian]."
Many travellers desire the crowd and the attractions of the broad way so much that they are willing to run the risk of wrecking among so much traffic.
Many travellers on the broad road figure this: since so many are travelling the broad road, they could not be wrong. All the paths taken within the broad way must end up at the same end. And they are right; the travellers of the broad way, no matter which path they take, do end up at the same end.
"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon" ().
"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock....and every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand" (, ).
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise" ().
Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – .
Many find it
It appears to be the only gate to enter because there...
is so much growth around it.
are so many people entering it.
is so much activity going on. The point is that a person does not even think of another gate, much less look for one.
The wide gate is wide enough to include all: all philosophies and beliefs no matter how extreme, all appetites and passions, all liberties and licenses, all sin and selfishness. The gate is swung wide open so that any and all can enter.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" ().
Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – .
).
Many travellers on the broad road figure this: since so many are travelling the broad road, they could not be wrong. All the paths taken within the broad way must end up at the same end. And they are right; the travellers of the broad way, no matter which path they take, do end up at the same end. "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (). "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock....and every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand" (, ). "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (). "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world" (). "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise" ().
Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – .
Examples of bad choices
Examples of bad choices
, , , , ,
15 But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
(NLT)
(NLT)
(NLT) 4 You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!
(NLT)
26 So he stood at the entrance to the camp and shouted, “All of you who are on the Lord’s side, come here and join me.” And all the Levites gathered around him.
(NLT)
19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!
(NLT)
21 Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.
(NLT) 28 “When they cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. 29 For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. 30 They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. 31 Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. 32 For simpletons turn away from me—to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. 33 But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”
(NLT)
31 Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways.
(NLT)
(NLT) 12 now I will ‘destine’ you for the sword. All of you will bow down before the executioner. For when I called, you did not answer. When I spoke, you did not listen. You deliberately sinned—before my very eyes— and chose to do what you know I despise.”
10 Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.
(NLT)
(NLT) 3 But those who choose their own ways— delighting in their detestable sins— will not have their offerings accepted. When such people sacrifice a bull, it is no more acceptable than a human sacrifice. When they sacrifice a lamb, it’s as though they had sacrificed a dog! When they bring an offering of grain, they might as well offer the blood of a pig. When they burn frankincense, it’s as if they had blessed an idol. 4 I will send them great trouble— all the things they feared. For when I called, they did not answer. When I spoke, they did not listen. They deliberately sinned before my very eyes and chose to do what they know I despise.”
17 Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.
(NLT) 21 So the governor asked again, “Which of these two do you want me to release to you?” The crowd shouted back, “Barabbas!”
(NLT) 9 “Would you like me to release to you this ‘King of the Jews’?” Pilate asked. 10 (For he realized by now that the leading priests had arrested Jesus out of envy.) 11 But at this point the leading priests stirred up the crowd to demand the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus.
(NLT)
4 You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.
(NLT)
28 “When they cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me.
29 For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord.
30 They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them.
31 Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes.
32 For simpletons turn away from me—to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.
33 But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”
(NLT)
12 now I will ‘destine’ you for the sword. All of you will bow down before the executioner. For when I called, you did not answer. When I spoke, you did not listen. You deliberately sinned—before my very eyes— and chose to do what you know I despise.”
(NLT)
3 But those who choose their own ways— delighting in their detestable sins— will not have their offerings accepted. When such people sacrifice a bull, it is no more acceptable than a human sacrifice. When they sacrifice a lamb, it’s as though they had sacrificed a dog! When they bring an offering of grain, they might as well offer the blood of a pig. When they burn frankincense, it’s as if they had blessed an idol.
4 I will send them great trouble— all the things they feared. For when I called, they did not answer. When I spoke, they did not listen. They deliberately sinned before my very eyes and chose to do what they know I despise.”
(NLT)
21 So the governor asked again, “Which of these two do you want me to release to you?” The crowd shouted back, “Barabbas!”
(NLT)
9 “Would you like me to release to you this ‘King of the Jews’?” Pilate asked.
10 (For he realized by now that the leading priests had arrested Jesus out of envy.)
11 But at this point the leading priests stirred up the crowd to demand the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus.
Narrow Gate
Narrow Gate
It is a narrow gate
The narrow gate is the Kingdom of Heaven.
The narrow gate is so narrow it cannot be seen. This says several things. 1) We must turn from the wide gate: turn from following the crowd; turn from the pull of the activity and attractions around the gate. 2) We must search for the narrow gate and seek it out diligently. 3) We must enter immediately when we find the narrow gate. However, it is hard to enter for it is very narrow.
Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – .
The narrow gate is so narrow it cannot be seen. This says several things.
We must turn from the wide gate: turn from following the crowd; turn from the pull of the activity and attractions around the gate.
We must search for the narrow gate and seek it out diligently.
We must enter immediately when we find the narrow gate. However, it is hard to enter for it is very narrow.
Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – .
Leads to life
The narrow way does not end. It leads to a glorious world that is yet unseen, but it opens up an unbelievable life to the traveller.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" ().
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life" ().
"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" ().
Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – .
This road is difficult
The narrow way is the hard way, the way of heaven, the way of faith, hope, and righteousness.
The narrow way is very narrow, and it is hard and difficult to travel.
The way (road) is surrounded by a frightening, threatening, and swampy wilderness. Resistence is needed. The temptation to return to the broad way is sometimes strong. Self-denial and the will to struggle are needed to overcome the flesh and the fear.
"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" ().
"For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would" ().
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" ().
(). "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places"
"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you" ().
(). "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you" (). 2) The way (road) is unpaved, covered with gravel and rocks. It takes strong will and determination and personal sacrifice to stick to the road (). A person must endure hardness and sufferings. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (). "And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God" (). "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier" ().
Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – .Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – .
The way (road) is unpaved, covered with gravel and rocks. It takes strong will and determination and personal sacrifice to stick to the road. A person must endure hardness and sufferings.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" ().
"And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God" ().
"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier" ().
Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – .
Few find it
Some seek the narrow gate and never enter it.
Some come upon it, but they decide it is too narrow for them. It requires too much effort, discipline, and self-denial to enter.
Some seek un-thoughtfully. They carelessly walk right by it without ever seeing it.
Some seek half-heartedly. They still look back to the wide gate so as not to lose sight of it. They miss the narrow gate because of insincerity and lack of discipline.
Some seek and run across it, but they do not like what they see: the restraints, the discipline, the gravel and rocky covering. Therefore, they turn back to the wide gate.
The narrow gate is narrow and hard to find. But it is not shut. It is open to all who seek and find it. The invitation is out to whomever will enter it.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" ().
"And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled" ().
"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" ().
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" ().
"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price" ().
Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – .
Examples of wise choices
Examples of wise choices
, , , ,
(NLT)
(NLT) 24 It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.
24 It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.
25 He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin.
(NLT) 21 But the people answered Joshua, “No, we will serve the Lord!” 22 “You are a witness to your own decision,” Joshua said. “You have chosen to serve the Lord.” “Yes,” they replied, “we are witnesses to what we have said.” 23 “All right then,” Joshua said, “destroy the idols among you, and turn your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.”24 The people said to Joshua, “We will serve the Lord our God. We will obey him alone.”
26 He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.
(NLT)
21 But the people answered Joshua, “No, we will serve the Lord!”
22 “You are a witness to your own decision,” Joshua said. “You have chosen to serve the Lord.” “Yes,” they replied, “we are witnesses to what we have said.”
(NLT) 16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.
23 “All right then,” Joshua said, “destroy the idols among you, and turn your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.”
24 The people said to Joshua, “We will serve the Lord our God. We will obey him alone.”
(NLT)
(NLT) 5 That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” 6 Solomon replied, “You showed great and faithful love to your servant my father, David, because he was honest and true and faithful to you. And you have continued to show this great and faithful love to him today by giving him a son to sit on his throne. 7 “Now, O Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. 8 And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! 9 Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. 11 So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies— 12 I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! 13 And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! 14 And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.”
16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.
(NLT)
5 That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”
6 Solomon replied, “You showed great and faithful love to your servant my father, David, because he was honest and true and faithful to you. And you have continued to show this great and faithful love to him today by giving him a son to sit on his throne.
7 “Now, O Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around.
8 And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted!
9 Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?”
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom.
11 So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies—
12 I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have!
13 And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life!
14 And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.”
WHAT ROAD HAVE YOU CHOSEN?
WHAT ROAD HAVE YOU CHOSEN?
It is a wide gate
Leads to hell
Many find it
(NLT)
13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.
14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.