CHOOSING THE NARROW WAY

CHOOSING THE NARROW WAY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 7:13-14

Supporting Texts: Luke 13:24, Proverbs 14:12, Deuteronomy 30:19, John 14:6, Psalm 1:6

INTRODUCTION:
Life offers us many paths, but only one leads to eternal life. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus spoke clearly about two ways—the broad way that leads to destruction, and the narrow way that leads to life. While the broad way is popular and easy, it ends in ruin. The narrow way is less travelled, but it brings true peace, joy, and eternal reward.

Choosing the narrow way requires a deliberate decision to follow Jesus and reject the ways of the world. It demands sacrifice, discipline, and faithfulness. It is not about religious appearances but genuine heart commitment to obey God’s Word even when it is inconvenient or unpopular.

This path often comes with challenges, but it also carries the beauty of divine fellowship, spiritual growth, and heavenly assurance. God is calling us to choose this way daily—to walk with Him and trust Him even when the road is rough and lonely.

1. THE NARROW WAY REQUIRES A CONSCIOUS CHOICE
The journey begins with a decision to follow Jesus no matter the cost.

a) Life is full of options—choose wisely (Deuteronomy 30:19)
God has given us the freedom to choose, but our choices determine our destination.

b) The narrow gate is entered by personal decision (Matthew 7:13–14)
No one stumbles into the narrow way—it must be chosen with intention.

c) The world offers many attractive alternatives (Proverbs 14:12)
The broad path seems right but leads to destruction.

d) The narrow way is God’s way and it leads to life (John 14:6)
Jesus is the gate and the guide on the narrow path.

Biblical Example: Joshua stood before Israel and challenged them to choose whom they would serve—he chose the narrow way for himself and his household (Joshua 24:15).

2. THE NARROW WAY DEMANDS SELF-DENIAL AND DISCIPLINE
Following Christ involves dying to self and embracing God's standards.

a) Deny yourself daily to follow Christ (Luke 9:23)
Discipleship means surrendering your own will.

b) Walk in obedience, not convenience (John 14:15)
Obeying God often means saying no to comfort and peer pressure.

c) Separate from worldly influences (2 Corinthians 6:17)
You cannot walk with God and run with the world.

d) Live by the Spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 5:16–17)
The narrow path is guided by the Spirit, not by our desires.

Biblical Example: Daniel chose the narrow path of consecration in Babylon, refusing to defile himself (Daniel 1:8).

3. THE NARROW WAY INVITES OPPOSITION AND SUFFERING
This path is not popular; it often involves rejection, persecution, and hardship.

a) Expect resistance for standing for righteousness (2 Timothy 3:12)
Living godly in an ungodly world attracts opposition.

b) Endure hardship with perseverance (James 1:12)
There is a crown for those who endure the narrow way.

c) Don’t be discouraged by the few who walk with you (Luke 13:24)
Only a few choose the narrow road, but you are not alone.

d) Take courage—Christ walked the narrow way first (Hebrews 12:2–3)
He endured the cross and showed us the path to victory.

Biblical Example: Stephen boldly followed the narrow way, even when it cost him his life (Acts 7:54–60).

4. THE NARROW WAY ENDS IN ETERNAL LIFE AND REWARD
This path may be hard, but it leads to the greatest reward—life everlasting with God.

a) The end is more glorious than the beginning (Romans 8:18)
Your present struggles cannot compare to your future glory.

b) God will reward those who endure to the end (Matthew 24:13)
Don’t give up—keep pressing on.

c) Eternal life awaits those who walk the narrow path (1 John 2:25)
The promise of heaven strengthens us to keep going.

d) The narrow way brings peace, purpose, and fulfilment (Psalm 16:11)
In God’s path is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore.

Biblical Example: Paul fought the good fight, finished the race, and looked forward to the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:7–8).

CONCLUSION:
Choosing the narrow way is not a one-time event but a daily commitment. It is a path of self-denial, spiritual discipline, and obedience to God's will. While the road may be tough and unpopular, it leads to everlasting life, eternal reward, and divine companionship.

Let us not be swayed by the glamour of the broad road. Let us embrace the narrow way, trusting in the grace of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit. For in walking this path, we walk with God and fulfil our divine purpose.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to choose the narrow way every day of my life.
2. Father, give me strength to deny myself and follow You faithfully.
3. Deliver me from the distractions of the broad path.
4. Teach me to walk in obedience even when it's hard.
5. Grant me grace to finish my race and enter eternal life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will walk on the path of life and not destruction.
2. Grace is released upon you to follow Jesus without turning back.
3. Every distraction from the narrow way is removed from your life.
4. You will not miss your eternal reward in Jesus’ name.
5. The Lord will strengthen you daily to walk in righteousness and truth.