"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
"Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Mt 7:13-14
Presenting a rosy picture of the Christian life and minimizing that it is filled with trouble does not follow the lead of our Lord.
It may be that the "false prophets" of v.15 are especially those who deny that the way is narrow and hard.
(Reformation Study Bible note)
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Mt 7:15-16a
These words of Jesus are still true today...we have many "voices" in the land that claim they are speaking for God.
The Scripture records these words after Paul was stoned at Lystra:
When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. Acts 14:2122
Lord, let Your word be effective in our lives today...helping us to discern where the narrow gate is to be found individually and give us the grace to let Your Spirit prune and plant as You see fit in our lives.
Cause us to delight in You and Your Truth more than anyhing else...make us REAL Lord...make us REAL.
"Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Mt 7:13-14
Presenting a rosy picture of the Christian life and minimizing that it is filled with trouble does not follow the lead of our Lord.
It may be that the "false prophets" of v.15 are especially those who deny that the way is narrow and hard.
(Reformation Study Bible note)
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Mt 7:15-16a
These words of Jesus are still true today...we have many "voices" in the land that claim they are speaking for God.
The Scripture records these words after Paul was stoned at Lystra:
When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. Acts 14:2122
Lord, let Your word be effective in our lives today...helping us to discern where the narrow gate is to be found individually and give us the grace to let Your Spirit prune and plant as You see fit in our lives.
Cause us to delight in You and Your Truth more than anyhing else...make us REAL Lord...make us REAL.
