The Strait and Narrow Way

1. Read: Matt.7:13-14

2. About the Text:

1) In Luke 13:23 Jesus was asked a question: “Lord, are there few that be saved?” Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.”

2) Jesus said that the way that leads to life will be trod by few.

3) Most seek to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (Heb.11:25).

4) This is the broad gate and the wide way.

5) For those, however who desire eternal life, the strait and narrow way is the path that must be walked.

6) The word “strait” here does not mean “in a straight line.”

7) The word “strait” S-T-R-A-I-T means a confined place where there are obstacles on either side

8) In a figurative sense it means a place or position of difficulty.

9) The strait and narrow way is a metaphor for making difficult choices in life and living in a way that is consistent with God’s will.

3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. Every trail had a trail blazer—someone who marked out and created the trail.

1) The North Kaibab trail was used by Indians of the Southwest.

2) In the early 1900s a man named Dave Rust created part of this trail.

3) The CCC maintained it in the 1930s.

2. The trail of salvation was blazed by Jesus Himself.

1) In Hebrews 2:10 Jesus is called the “captain” of our salvation.

2) In Hebrews 6:20 Jesus is called the “forerunner.”

3) In Hebrews 12:2 He is called the “author and finisher” of our faith.

4) Jesus is the one who blazed the trail from earth to heaven.

3. When we follow in Jesus steps, we walk the trail that he blazed to heaven.

1) 1 Peter 2:21 “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.”

2) 1 John 2:6 “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”

1. If one desires to reach the end of the trail, it must be followed.

1) The North Kaibab is a trail that must be followed for one to get down the canyon.

2) You either take this trail, or you don’t go.

2. Jesus expects us to begin, and follow the trail he has blazed for us.

1) One must be faithful to the trail before him.

2) Luke 9:62 “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

3) Heb.10:38 “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.”

3. Faithfulness demands that we stay true to our commitment to walk the trail that Jesus blazed – apostasy is the only alternative.

1) 2 Pet.2:20 says that if we are not faithful, our latter end will be worse than the first.

2) 2 Tim.4:10 records the choice of Demas who left Paul for the world.

1. For one to walk on the North Kaibab, it is a commitment to something that has not changed for years.

1) Good trails do not change because they bring the sojourner to the desired destination.

2) Of course, an earthly trail may undergo some changes.

2. If we desire to arrive in heaven to be with God for eternity, we must not change the path Jesus blazed.

1) God, our destination, does not change (Malachi 3:6).

2) Jesus path to God also does not change: Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever”

3) Proverbs 4:26-27 “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.”

1. At the end of the Roaring Springs segment of the North Kaibab, one is rewarded with a fountain of living waters.

2. So also with the trail that Jesus blazed, there is the fountain of living waters.

1) John 4:14 “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

2) Revelation 22:17 “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.”

3. When this life is over, we can expect to be with God in heaven.

1) 1 Corinthians 9:25 “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”

2) 2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

4. What a glorious reward for faithfully walking the trail Jesus blazed.

1. The strait and narrow way is the . . .

1) The Trail that Jesus Blazed

2) The Trail that, Once Begun, Must be Followed

3) The Trail that Does not Change

4) The Trail that Brings Reward

2. Invitation