The Narrow Way - Doug Stanton
THE NARROW WAY THAT LEADS TO LIFE
Jesus spoke about the narrow way in the Bible, referring to a path or a road that few would choose to follow. This narrow way involves living a life of obedience to God's commandments, walking in righteousness, and pursuing a relationship with Him. It is a road that requires discipline, sacrifice, and faithfulness. Unlike the broad and easy path that many people prefer to take, the narrow way demands a commitment to personal transformation and spiritual growth. It symbolizes a life dedicated to seeking God's will above all else and aligning one's actions with His principles.
QUESTION 1: Briefly tell me what this has meant in your own life up till now?
Finding the narrow road starts with a personal decision to prioritize one's spiritual journey above your worldly pursuits. It involves seeking God's guidance through prayer, reading the Bible, and surrounding oneself with a community of believers who can offer support and accountability. This is so important to find people of kindred heart and desire.
While the narrow way may not always be comfortable or popular, it leads to true fulfillment and eternal life. God assists us in discovering this path by illuminating our minds, convicting our hearts, and directing our steps. He provides us with the strength, wisdom, and grace needed to stay on course despite challenges and temptations that may arise. This is perfected over time by discerning was this God's leading or mine?
Although the narrow road may present obstacles and require us to let go of certain things, it ultimately leads to a deeper intimacy with God and a sense of purpose that transcends earthly concerns and desires. By following the narrow way, we align our lives with God's perfect will and experience the abundant life that Jesus promised. It is a journey of growth, transformation, and relationship-building that shapes our character and impacts the world around us. As we walk in obedience and faith along the narrow path, we bear witness to God's faithfulness and reflect His love and truth to those around us.
QUESTION 2: Tell me briefly your growth and experience in this area of your journey.
Jesus spoke about the narrow way that only a few would find, contrasting it with the broad path that many would travel. The narrow way represents a life of following Christ wholeheartedly, committing to His teachings, and living in alignment with God's will. This path involves making sacrifices, denying self, and walking in obedience to God's Word. It's a deliberate choice to live differently from the world's norms and to prioritize spiritual growth and righteousness.
Finding this narrow road involves seeking God diligently through prayer, studying the Bible, and being led by the Holy Spirit. It requires a genuine desire to know God more intimately and a willingness to surrender one's will to His. Not my will but yours Father.
The narrow way is not easy, as it may involve facing challenges, persecution, and opposition from the world or even from within one's circle. However, despite the difficulties, walking on the narrow road leads to true life - life in abundance, peace, and eternal significance.
God helps believers find this narrow path by His grace, guidance, and faithfulness. He provides strength, wisdom, and direction through the Holy Spirit, comforting and empowering them to persevere in their journey. Trusting in God's promises, especially Romans 8:28 & 29, brings assurance that all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, shaping them into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. I like to say according to HIs Eternal Purposes.
In conclusion, discovering and walking on the narrow road that leads to life is a transformative and rewarding journey. As we travel we are changed from Gory to Glory by the working of God from within.
It requires intentional effort, perseverance, and dependency on God's grace and leading. While it may not be a popular or comfortable path, choosing to follow Jesus faithfully and wholeheartedly ultimately brings fulfillment, joy, and blessings. now and for eternity.
As you navigate this narrow way with God's help, you will grow in faith, maturity, and spiritual intimacy, reflecting more of Christ in your character and actions. I encourage you to embrace the challenge and beauty of the narrow path and allow God to lead you closer to His heart and purposes. Nothing will satisfy you as deeply as this narrow way.
QUESTION 3: What is the lesson exposed by Doug & Karens personal experience shared in the video teaching.
It's essential to remember that the narrow way is not a solitary journey but a shared experience with fellow believers. Believers are called to encourage and support one another along the narrow road, spurring each other on towards love and good deeds. As we walk together in unity, we reflect the love of Christ to the world and bear witness to the transformative power of following Him faithfully. The narrow way may present challenges and trials, but with God's help and the support of a community of believers, we can navigate its twists and turns with faith, hope, and perseverance, knowing that it ultimately leads to abundant life in Christ.
When Jesus spoke about the narrow way that only a few would find, He was highlighting the challenging but rewarding journey of following Him. The narrow way refers to the path of righteousness, obedience, and faith that is often overlooked in a world filled with distractions and temptations. To find this narrow road, one must prioritize their relationship with God above all else, seeking His guidance and wisdom in every decision. It requires a deliberate choice to align one's life with the teachings and example of Jesus, even when it goes against the norm of society.
Contrary to popular belief, the narrow way is not an easy road to travel. It demands self-discipline, sacrifice, and a willingness to go against the flow. While the wide road may seem appealing with its promises of instant gratification and worldly success, the narrow road leads to eternal life and fulfillment in God. Walking this path may involve facing hardships, persecution, and rejection, but those who persevere will find true peace and joy in the presence of the Lord.
QUESTION 4: Have you experienced rejection or persecution from pursuing Christ.
God plays a crucial role in helping individuals find and stay on the narrow way that leads to life. Through the Holy Spirit, believers receive guidance, strength, and comfort to navigate the challenges and obstacles along the journey. As I said, Romans 8:28-29 reassures us that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. By surrendering our lives to God, we can trust in His divine plan and find hope in the promise of eternal life that awaits those who follow the narrow way, even if it means losing our earthly lives in the process.
As we delve into the concept of the narrow way that Jesus spoke about, we must understand that it is not a popular or easy path to follow. Jesus himself said that few would find and walk on this road, emphasizing the challenges and sacrifices that accompany this journey. The narrow road signifies a life of obedience, faith, and commitment to God's will. It requires us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else, setting aside our own desires and worldly pursuits. Finding this narrow path may involve going against the norms of society and facing opposition, but the rewards of eternal life and closeness with God far outweigh the temporary discomforts of the journey.
By aligning our hearts and minds with God's purposes, we can walk confidently on the narrow road, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. It is through prayer, obedience, and a deepening relationship with God that we can stay on course and remain steadfast in our faith. Our desire is for this course to help you on your journey. Many have already shared how it has helped them..
Question 5: How is this course helping you stay on course?
In understanding the cost of losing our lives to find the life given by God, we recognize the importance of surrender and submission to His will. Jesus taught that to save our lives, we must be willing to lose them for His sake. This sacrificial mindset challenges us to let go of our selfish ambitions, pride, and worldly attachments in exchange for the abundant and eternal life that God offers. God discourages us from straying onto the wrong path by warning us of the consequences of following our own desires and straying from His will. Through His word, the counsel of wise mentors, and the conviction of the Holy Spirit, God lovingly guides us away from temptation and towards the narrow road that leads to true fulfillment and everlasting joy.
0 comments