Decision Time!

Introduction:
We are nearing the close of Jesus’ great sermon. Now,...He asks, What are you going to do about it? This was a sermon not just to be heard—but practiced! In the remainder of the sermon He speaks of only two alternatives. (Two gates 7:13-14; Two kinds of fruit 7:15-18; and Two foundations 7:24-27) We must decide between the way of submission & trust and the way of rejection & rebellion. Which pathway will we choose? Jesus tells us to enter the narrow gate.

I. The Christian Life is __________ in the ______________.
    A. Doesn’t start out fairly broad—then narrows—even the gate is narrow! Must remember this:
        1. In our ____________. Emphasis should not be on ___________ but _____________!
        2. Lk. 9:57-62—involves a commitment; change; sacrifice!
    B. Most serious problem facing us: The # of ___________; ____________ people in membership!
        1. This can paralyze a congregation!
        2. Mt. 22:14-For many are called, but few are chosen.
        3. Lk. 13:23-24—there are few who will be saved.

II. It is narrow because of what we leave _________.
    A. We must leave behind ________________________.
        1. Must break w/the world; the crowd; the majority.
        2. 1 Peter 2:9-11—But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's
             OWN POSSESSION
        3. Cannot take the “crowd” with you—2 Cor. 6:7
    B. Must break with _____ _______ of the world.
        1. Col. 3:5-10. Must put away the natural inclinations of the flesh.
        2. Put on _____________________. Turn the other cheek; go the 2nd mile; love our enemies…
    C. Must leave __________ behind. Col. 3:9—all of us born w/pride…
         1. If we don’t tame our pride—how can we apply His sermon?
            a) Mt. 16:24—must deny self!
        2. The old self must be ready to ______. Rom. 6:6; Gal. 2:20.

III. This is not easy!
    A. It will involve living like _________ every day!
        1. Anyone can follow the ___________.
        2. It takes someone special to follow the _________________.
    B. Will involve suffering along the way—Mt. 5:11; 2 Tim. 3:12
    C. Not only a narrow gate—but a ____________ way! From beginning to end!
        1. It’s about fighting a good fight; running a strong race—to the end!
        2. 2 Tim. 4:7-8—once you start—finish what you __________!

Conclusion:
    A. Sound discouraging? Don’t overlook what Jesus says where this road leads!
        1. Are you willing to pay the price to get to heaven?
     B. Count the cost! Lk. 14:28-33—are you willing to forsake everything to get there?
    C. Which path are you going to choose? Which way are you going to go?
        1. Only one path leads to heaven—start down that path today!



Decision Time! Introduction: We are nearing the close of Jesus’ great sermon. Now,...He asks, What are you going to do about it? This was a sermon not just to be heard—but practiced! In the remainder of the sermon He speaks of only two alternatives. (Two gates 7:13-14; Two kinds of fruit 7:15-18; and Two foundations 7:24-27) We must decide between the way of submission & trust and the way of rejection & rebellion. Which pathway will we choose? Jesus tells us to enter the narrow gate. I. The Christian Life is __________ in the ______________. A. Doesn’t start out fairly broad—then narrows—even the gate is narrow! Must remember this: 1. In our ____________. Emphasis should not be on ___________ but _____________! 2. Lk. 9:57-62—involves a commitment; change; sacrifice! B. Most serious problem facing us: The # of ___________; ____________ people in membership! 1. This can paralyze a congregation! 2. Mt. 22:14-For many are called, but few are chosen. 3. Lk. 13:23-24—there are few who will be saved. II. It is narrow because of what we leave _________. A. We must leave behind ________________________. 1. Must break w/the world; the crowd; the majority. 2. 1 Peter 2:9-11—But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION 3. Cannot take the “crowd” with you—2 Cor. 6:7 B. Must break with _____ _______ of the world. 1. Col. 3:5-10. Must put away the natural inclinations of the flesh. 2. Put on _____________________. Turn the other cheek; go the 2nd mile; love our enemies… C. Must leave __________ behind. Col. 3:9—all of us born w/pride… 1. If we don’t tame our pride—how can we apply His sermon? a) Mt. 16:24—must deny self! 2. The old self must be ready to ______. Rom. 6:6; Gal. 2:20. III. This is not easy! A. It will involve living like _________ every day! 1. Anyone can follow the ___________. 2. It takes someone special to follow the _________________. B. Will involve suffering along the way—Mt. 5:11; 2 Tim. 3:12 C. Not only a narrow gate—but a ____________ way! From beginning to end! 1. It’s about fighting a good fight; running a strong race—to the end! 2. 2 Tim. 4:7-8—once you start—finish what you __________! Conclusion: A. Sound discouraging? Don’t overlook what Jesus says where this road leads! 1. Are you willing to pay the price to get to heaven? B. Count the cost! Lk. 14:28-33—are you willing to forsake everything to get there? C. Which path are you going to choose? Which way are you going to go? 1. Only one path leads to heaven—start down that path today!