Zac Poonen - The Narrow Way To Life

Zac PoonenJuly 11, 201844mWatch on YouTube

Part ofZac Poonen - NCCF 20188 of 8

Also in

Zac Poonen379 messages

Speaker: Zac Poonen Title: The Narrow Way To Life Date: 07-08-2018 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

Jesus taught that true discipleship requires walking the narrow way, which goes far beyond mere external adherence to rules like not committing murder or adultery. This narrow path demands internal purity, specifically concerning one's heart, thoughts, and anger. The speaker emphasizes that most Christians only focus on external testimony, missing the profound call to guard one's private life and heart from sin.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

What is the narrow gate Jesus spoke of?Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount by describing the narrow gate and the narrow way that leads to life, contrasting it with external religion.

Internal righteousness instead of external rulesWhile the broad way is satisfied with not committing outward murder, the narrow way deals with inward anger, which is murder in the heart.

Lust in the heart and the narrow standardJesus elevates the standard beyond outward faithfulness by teaching that looking at a woman with lust is adultery in the heart.Matthew 5:27

Speech, oaths, and loving enemiesThe narrow way rejects making false oaths, demands absolute truthfulness in speech, and commands believers to love and pray for their enemies.

The danger of compromising the message todayModern Christian preachers often play down these strict standards to increase numbers, but preaching the broad way puts souls at risk.

Paul's faithful ministry in EphesusPaul reminded the Ephesian elders that he spent three years warning them night and day with tears so he could be innocent of anyone's blood.Acts 20:17

The warning against savage wolvesPaul warned that after his departure, savage wolves would enter the flock and internal divisions would arise, mirroring the loss of first love seen in Revelation.

Orthodoxy without the narrow way is not enoughEven the devil believes in the Trinity and correct theology, so holding theological statements without walking the narrow way is insufficient.

The test of the tree is its fruitJesus teaches that a good tree produces good fruit, and any tree that fails to bear good fruit must be cut down.Matthew 7:15–20

Building on the rock by obeying Jesus' wordsThe wise man builds on the rock not just by hearing Jesus' words in church, but by taking the trouble to dig deep and obey them.

Digging deep for a solid foundationComparing Scripture with Scripture in Luke 6 shows that building on rock requires the hard work of digging past surface sand to hit solid stone.

Facing the judgment seat of ChristAmong believers, there will be two groups at the return of Christ: those who stand with confidence and those who are ashamed.

Meditating on the Sermon on the MountThe speaker encourages meditating on Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7 to build a strong, uncompromised church standard over time.

The bride prepared for Jesus ChristLike Abraham's servant seeking a bride for Isaac, the Holy Spirit seeks to form a pure bride for Jesus Christ by showing us His daily attitude.

Refusing to live in a bad moodBy looking at how Jesus lived without yielding to bad moods or bitterness under pressure, believers can press on to become like Him.

Related messages

Back to the catalog

NCCF Church

Zac Poonen - The Narrow Way To Life

Zac Poonen · July 11, 2018 · 44m

Following Jesus Freedom from sin