The Narrow Road and the Wide Gate | Greg Ford | ONE CHURCH

The Narrow Road and the Wide Gate | Greg Ford | ONE CHURCH

ICEBREAKER:

How did you see God move this last week?

Summary:

The Sermon on the Mount is a collection of teachings by Jesus that covers a range of topics central to Christian faith and practice. It includes the Beatitudes, ethical teachings, and practical instructions for living out a life that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God. This foundational sermon emphasizes love, mercy, righteousness, and the importance of a sincere heart in our relationships with others and with God.

Key Points / Scripture Referenced

  1. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12)
    Jesus outlines the characteristics of those who are blessed in the Kingdom of Heaven, highlighting the values of humility, mercy, and righteousness.

  2. Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16)
    Believers are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, influencing culture and reflecting God's truth in their lives.

  3. Fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17-20)
    Jesus clarifies that He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, emphasizing the need for a righteousness that exceeds mere external compliance.

  4. Ethical Teachings (Matthew 5:21-48)
    Jesus addresses various moral issues, including anger, lust, divorce, and love for enemies, stressing the importance of the heart's intentions.

  5. The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)
    Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray, focusing on the relationship with God, reliance on Him for daily needs, and the importance of forgiveness.

  6. Warnings Against Hypocrisy (Matthew 6:1-18)
    Genuine faith is emphasized over outward appearances, warning against practicing righteousness for the sake of public approval.

  7. Trust in God (Matthew 6:25-34)
    Jesus encourages believers not to worry about their needs, reminding them of God's care and urging them to seek first His Kingdom.

  8. Narrow vs. Wide Gate (Matthew 7:13-14)
    The path to life is narrow, and few find it, challenging believers to pursue a life of intentional faithfulness.

  9. False Prophets (Matthew 7:15-20)
    Jesus warns against false teachers and encourages discernment, emphasizing that true followers of Christ will bear good fruit.

  10. The Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-27)
    Jesus concludes with a parable about building one's life on His teachings, stressing the importance of putting His words into practice.

Conclusion:

The Sermon on the Mount challenges believers to live authentically and reflect the character of Christ in their everyday lives. It calls for a deeper understanding of righteousness that stems from a genuine relationship with God and expresses itself in love for others. By embracing these teachings, we can contribute to the work of God's Kingdom on earth.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does the term "blessed" mean to you in the context of the Beatitudes?

  2. How can we be effective "salt and light" in our communities today?

  3. In what areas of your life do you struggle with righteousness that exceeds mere external compliance?

  4. How does viewing prayer as a relational conversation with God change your perspective on it?

  5. What practices can help us identify and guard against false teachings in our faith journey?

Guided Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Help us to internalize these lessons and apply them to our lives. May we be diligent in seeking Your Kingdom and reflecting Your light to those around us. Grant us wisdom to discern truth from falsehood and strength to live out our faith authentically. As we strive to embody the characteristics of Your Kingdom, fill us with love, mercy, and grace. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

One Church