Jesus Said “I am the Way” — Ajay Chakravarthy — November 26, 2023
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/jesus-said-i-am-the-way River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon distinguishes between the 'door' and the 'way,' emphasizing that while the door represents initial salvation through faith in Christ's blood, the way requires daily discipleship—taking up one's cross and following Jesus. Following this way leads to a deeper knowledge of the Father and entering into the promised rest, which means actively resisting the 'giants' of sin and living in obedience. This requires a transformation from a life enslaved to sin to one empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Enter through the narrow gateJesus teaches that the gate leading to destruction is wide, but the gate leading to life is small and the way is narrow.Matthew 7:13–14
I am the way, the truth, and the lifeJesus states that He is the way to the Father, and following Him step by step brings a growing knowledge of the Father.John 14:6
Taking up your cross dailyWhile the narrow gate speaks of the cross of Jesus, the narrow way speaks of denying oneself and taking up the cross daily.
Go and sin no moreJesus told the woman caught in adultery both not to condemn her and to go and sin no more, representing the door and the way.
From the Red Sea to the Promised LandThe Red Sea pictures salvation and water baptism, while entering Canaan pictures possessing the land so no giant of the flesh rules.Exodus 14:13
God will give a new heart and spiritFor the sake of His holy name, God promises to cleanse His people, remove their heart of stone, and give them a new heart and spirit.
Chosen to be holy and blamelessGod chose believers before the foundation of the world so they would be holy and blameless, making known His wisdom through the church.
Desire is not enough without powerWhen the Israelites tried to enter the promised land in their own strength after rebelling, they were defeated because God was not with them.
Putting to death the deeds of the body by the SpiritPaul describes having the desire to do good but lacking the power, which is supplied by the Holy Spirit to put sin to death.Romans 7:18
God working in us to will and to workGod puts His laws into our minds and hearts, working in us both to desire and to perform His good pleasure.
Jesus had no stately formIsaiah prophesied that Jesus would have no stately form or beauty to attract people, and many could not recognize Him.
Having this treasure in earthen vesselsGod places His surpassing power in fragile earthen vessels so the glory belongs to God and not to us.2 Corinthians 4:7
Responding to insults and hurt without retaliationWhen Jesus was mocked, falsely accused, and crucified, He did not fight back or demand an apology, but forgave those who hurt Him.John 8:48
Choosing the narrow way over the way of LotUnlike Lot who always chose what pleased his flesh, believers are called to endure the daily piercing of the outer man.
Delivered over to death that Jesus may be manifestWe are constantly delivered over to death for Jesus' sake so that His life may be manifested in our mortal flesh.2 Corinthians 4:11
