Two Gates, Two Ways, Two Ends - Matthew 7:13 - 23

13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.  14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. 

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ 

Sermon Questions: 

1. How does Jesus' difinitive comment - there are only two paths in life (to life or to destruction) sit with you?
2. Are you prone to hear false prophets that make the path easy or that put restrcitions up to make it seem like you are safe from danger?
3. What flashy acts tend catch your spiritual attention? (prayer, knowledge, piety, miracles, etc?)
4. Jesus is the gate, and the way, and the life - what does walking with him look like today?
5. A narrow gate, a hard path, few who find it - which is the hardest for you to trust in Jesus' wisdom today?