Are You a True Disciple of Jesus?
Text: Matthew 7:13-27
Central Idea of the Text: Jesus gives four comparisons of true discipleship; walking in the narrow way, producing good fruit, being known by Jesus, and obeying His words.
Sermon Title: “Are You a True Disciple of Jesus?”
Specific Objective of the Sermon: By examining our lives using the four examples given by Jesus, we can know if we are true disciples of Jesus.
Sermon Introduction: “Green side out, brown side out. Run in circles, scream and shout.” This was an old Marine Corps saying depicting the cloth helmet cover of the Viet-Nam era metal combat helmet. The cloth covers were worn interchangeably over the old metal combat helmets. Green was worn on the outside of the helmet for tropical climates. Brown was worn on the outside of the helmet for desert climates. “Run in circles, scream and shout” depicted the hectic uncertainty of military life. Just like the frustration of deciding if what you were doing was the right way in the Marine Corps, there is really only one correct way to live your life. Like the helmet covers, there are only two ways to go in life’s journey, the narrow way or the broad way. We are traveling on only one road, headed in only one direction. Will we go the broad way that leads to darkness, destruction and death? Or will we enter in at the narrow gate and live in the light? Jesus gives four comparisons of true discipleship; walking in the narrow way, producing good fruit, being known by Jesus, and obeying His words. By examining our lives using the four examples given by Jesus, we can know if we are true disciples of Jesus.
Sermon Outline:
I. Because we are true disciples of Jesus, we are on the narrow way. vv. Matthew 7:13-14.
A. False disciples follow the broad way that leads to death. , Matthew 7:13.
1. The broad way is comfortable. , Matthew 7:13. [1]
2. The broad way is politically correct. , Matthew 7:13.
3. The broad way is found by many. , Matthew 7:13.
B. True disciples follow the narrow way that leads to life. , Matthew 7:14.
1. The narrow way is demanding. , Matthew 7:14. [2]
2. The narrow way is politically incorrect. , Matthew 7:14. [3]
3. The narrow way is found by few. , Matthew 7:14.
II. Because we are true disciples of Jesus Christ, we are producing good fruit. , Matthew 7:15-20.
A. False disciples produce bad fruit. , Matthew 7:17.
1. False prophets appear to be true disciples. , Matthew 7:15.
a. False prophets have the appearance of godliness. , Matthew 7:15 a. [4]
b. False prophets are ravening wolves on the inside. , Matthew 7:15 b.[5]
2. False prophets are from a corrupt tree. , Matthew 7:17.
a. False prophets produce evil fruit. , Matthew 7:17.
b. False prophets can lead men astray. , Matthew 7:5.
B. True disciples produce good fruit. , vv Matthew 7:17, Matthew 12:33.
1. True disciples produce fruit consistent with repentance. , Matthew 7:17. [6]
2. True disciples are known for their good fruit. , vv Matthew 7:16, 20.
III. Because we are true disciple of Jesus Christ, we are known by Jesus. , vv Matthew 7:21-23.
A. False disciples are never known by Jesus. , Matthew 7:23.
1. False disciples appear to work for Jesus. , Matthew 7:22. [7]
2. False disciples actually work lawlessness. , Matthew 7:23.
3. False disciples will be cast out by Jesus because He never knew them. , Matthew 7:23.
B. True disciples are known by Jesus. , vv Matthew 7:21, 23.
1. True disciples actually do work for Jesus. , Matthew 7:21. [8]
2. True disciples work righteousness. , Matthew 7:23.
3. True disciples will be accepted because they are known by Jesus. , Matthew 7:23.
IV. Because we are true disciples of Jesus Christ, we are obeying the words of Jesus. , vv Matthew 7:24-27.
A. False disciples do not obey the words of Jesus., Matthew 7:26 a.
1. False disciples are foolish and build their house on sand. , Matthew 7:26 b. [9]
2. False disciples’ works are destroyed when the storm comes. , Matthew 7:27
B. True disciples obey the words of Jesus. , Matthew 7:24.
1. True disciples are wise and heed the words of Jesus. , Matthew 7:24.
2. True disciples build their house on the rock, Jesus. , Matthew 7:25. [10]
Sermon Conclusion: Broad side out, narrow side out, run in circles, scream and shout. Just as we compared the two types of helmet coverings used in combat. Examine your spiritual journey as a type of battle garment. Are you wearing the narrow side out? Are you dressed for battle in the righteousness of Jesus Christ? Are you on the narrow way? Entering at the narrow gate? Are you producing good fruit? Are you known by Jesus? Are you obeying the words of Jesus? I challenge you to examine your life. Are you on the narrow path? Are you a true disciple of Jesus?
Sermon Appeal: The lure of the world draws you into a false sense of security. Perhaps you feel that you are “not that bad”, you don’t sin as much as others. Perhaps you are a well respected member of this community and have a great reputation for charity. You may be a life-long member of this church. You may even be a Deacon or teach Sunday school, yet you are traveling on the broad way that leads to destruction. You may be depending on “all that you’ve done for Jesus” to make up for what’s missing.
Examine yourself. Are you truly walking on the narrow way? Is it Christ, and Christ alone that is your hope for salvation? Do you trust in your good works, plus Christ, for salvation? Paul tells us that our very best are nothing but filthy rags. We can boast in no one but Christ alone. Good works don’t save, good intentions don’t save. Faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone is what saves us from our sin and the sure and just coming destruction.
This narrow way is a difficult way to travel. Jesus spells it out for us in advance. You are not promised your best life now when you follow Jesus. Many of his followers turned away from him because he spoke the truth to them. They could not bear his strong words and turned away and followed no more. This narrow road is not defined by our design. We don’t come to Jesus on our terms. He chose us, we didn’t choose him.
If you are on the broad way, you are lost and headed for hell. You need a Savior and that Savior is Jesus Christ. Repent of your sins and believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose from the grave after 3 days and is coming back again. Enter the “Narrow Way” today.
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[1] Illustration Summary: Venus Fly-trap Analogy.
[2] Illustration Summary: In serving we don’t set pre-conditions. Tell of grandson’s football and daughter’s gymnastics.
[3] Application Summary: Story about taking a stand on taking God’s name in vain. Taking a stand marks you.
[4] Illustration Summary: Examine the characteristics of “Popular” preachers and their ministries (no names used) .
[5] Illustration Summary: Define ravening.
[6] Application Summary: Explore fruit meet for repentance. vv Mt. 3:8, Lk. 3:8, Acts 26:20
[7] Illustration Summary: Church membership and service in the church is no indication of salvation.
[8] Illustration Summary: What the true disciple does in service will be rewarded and no earthly recognition is expected.
[9] Illustration Summary: Except of Lyrics of song by Casting Crowns - “American Dream”.
[10] Application Summary: Jesus is the rock to build on.