The Sermon on the Mount
Daily Bible Studies for September 29 - October 4, 2008
Learn what we believe and how we are to behave!
This Week’s Scripture: Matthew 7:13-14 MOT & NLT
[Jesus said], 13“You (all) enter through the narrow gate; because wide (is) the gate and broad (is) the way heading away to destruction, and many are the (ones) going in through it; 14but straight (is) the gate and made narrow is the way leading away to life (zoen), and few are the ones finding it. Matthew 7:13-14 MOT
13“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Matthew 7:13-14 NLT
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Jesus makes it clear in this week’s reading that it’s easier to go to hell than it is to go to heaven. I know that apart from Him and His grace it is impossible for anyone to go to heaven! I give You thanks and praise for sending Him as the sacrifice for my sins, and as the door to heaven! This I pray with great gratitude in Jesus’ name! Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
[Jesus said], 13“You (all) enter through the narrow gate; because wide (is) the gate and broad (is) the way heading away to destruction, and many are the (ones) going in through it; MOT
Do you think that Jesus made this statement because it WILL always be true – that is that many will always be on the way to destruction—or in order to challenge the disciples to foster change through Jesus in their lives that the numbers of those being destroyed would be dramatically reduced?
Today’s Challenge: I will live my life in the power of the Holy Spirit so that I may stay on the narrow way!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, My heart’s desire is to Know you so deeply that I will always see Your steps ahead of me on the way leading to the life that is truly life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may do so, and do it with joy! This pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
14but straight (is) the gate and made narrow is the way leading away to life (zoen), and few are the ones finding it. MOT
The word “zoen” means “God’s life” or “Spiritual life.” It is different than “bios” which is simply physical or biological life. What do you see as the significance of Jesus using the word “zoen” here?
What does this mean to you in practical terms?
Today’s Challenge: I will seek to live the life that is truly life in all my endeavors and relationships today!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I reflect a second day on the reality that the way to life is straight and narrow, I pray that You will empower me to WANT that life in my life today. I pray that I will seek You first and live in Your will. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
14but straight (is) the gate and made narrow is the way leading away to life (zoen), and few are the ones finding it. MOT
Think of an alternative image for what Jesus is talking about in verse 14. How would you express it?
What can you do today to help someone else to find the narrow way?
Today’s Challenge: I will look for opportunities to help others walk the narrow way of Jesus today!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know many people who are walking on the broad highway that is leading to hell. I pray that You will draw them to Yourself. I pray that You will use me to help them find Your narrow path. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
13“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. NLT
What do you see through reading Jesus’ words in the NLT that you didn’t see in the MOT (Monday’s reading)? Does it change the meaning for you? If so, how?
What is one thing you will do today to apply this verse in your life?
Today’s Challenge: I will let Jesus lead me today so that I will stay on the narrow road!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for providing the narrow gateway to life! As a result of the sin of all humanity, everyone deserved to be sent on the broad road that leads to hell! Thank You for sending Jesus to provide the way out! This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
14But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. NLT
What is the significance of the word “few” in today’s reading? How do you interpret it?
Think of three people you know who don’t currently know Jesus as their Savior and Lord, and take time to pray for them to come to know Him.
Today’s Challenge: I will pray for three people I know who need Jesus to put them on the narrow way!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for another week of loving and serving You! Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may think, speak and act in ways that honor You. Prepare me and all the folks of New Life for our time of worshiping You together tomorrow. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
14But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. NLT
To go with Jesus’ image, what “baggage” do you need to leave behind in your life right now, so you will “fit” through the “narrow gateway”?
What is the most important application of this week’s scriptures in your life right now?
Today’s Challenge: I will follow wherever Jesus leads me today, leaving behind any “baggage” that weighs me down!