How can we identify the "broad road" in today's cultural context? The Scene: Two Diverging Roads “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) What Makes a Road “Broad”? • Room for any opinion, lifestyle, or belief except the exclusive claims of Jesus (John 14:6). • No boundaries defined by God’s Word—personal preference sets the rules (Judges 21:25). • Applause from the majority; popular, trending, celebrated (Luke 6:26). • Short-term ease and comfort, long-term ruin (Proverbs 14:12). Spotting the Broad Road in Today’s Culture • Moral relativism: “Your truth, my truth,” denying absolute right and wrong (Isaiah 5:20). • Self-exaltation: obsessions with image, followers, brands—life oriented around “me” (2 Timothy 3:2). • Entertainment-driven living: constant pursuit of pleasure; boredom with holiness (2 Timothy 4:3-4). • Celebration of sin: redefining or normalizing what Scripture calls wicked (Romans 1:32). • Hostility toward biblical authority: viewing God’s commands as outdated, oppressive (Romans 8:7). • Faith reimagined to fit culture: “progressive” gospels that deny sin, the cross, or judgment (Galatians 1:6-9). • Consumer Christianity: church chosen for convenience, not conviction; sermons graded like podcasts (John 6:26-27). • Pressure to conform: fear of being branded intolerant keeps many silent (Romans 12:2). Subtle Detours That Still Keep Us on It • Nominal faith—Christian label without repentance or obedience (Luke 6:46). • Social-media spirituality—virtue-signaling posts replace sacrificial love (1 John 3:18). • “Success gospel”—measuring blessing by wealth or comfort, not Christlikeness (1 Timothy 6:5). • Compartmentalized life—Sunday worship, weekday compromise (James 1:22). • Bitterness and unforgiveness—broad road attitudes hiding under church clothes (Ephesians 4:31-32). Guardrails That Keep Us on the Narrow Way • Daily intake of Scripture—letting God define reality (Psalm 1:1-2). • Deliberate separation from known sin and worldly values (1 John 2:15-17). • Active fellowship with believers who will exhort and correct (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Continual yielding to the Holy Spirit, producing counter-cultural fruit (Galatians 5:22-24). • Willingness to suffer loss, ridicule, or disadvantage for Christ (Philippians 1:29). • Ongoing repentance and course-correction as the Spirit convicts (1 John 1:9). Why the Narrow Road Is Worth Every Step • It leads to life—abundant now, eternal forever (John 10:10). • It deepens intimacy with Jesus, the One who walked it first (Hebrews 12:2). • It yields a clear conscience, unshakable hope, and lasting joy (Psalm 16:11). • It ends in the Father’s welcome: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). Choose intentionally. Crowds may stream past, but the narrow way is the only road that arrives at life. |
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