Bible Lesson: Matthew 7:13
"Enter ye in at the strait gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
Golden Text: 2nd Timothy 3:12
"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
This is the narrow path that leads to life eternal. It means living in harmony with God's will; and imitating Our Lord Jesus Christ by refraining from all sins.
Now if you refrain from fornication, your boyfriends and girlfriends must certainly desert you. If you stop taking drugs and injections the worldly people will deny you; and if you stop drinking, attending disco dances, drinking parlors, people will start to fear you and envy you. It is true. Any person who wants to be righteous must pass through the narrow path. You will experience false accusations, scandal, you will be the object of gossip and jealousy. Divers problems will creep in from everywhere, so that you will start to doubt whether you are actually in the path of God. Several types of temptations will come to you.
Read: 2nd Corinthians 4:8-11
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
In the time of Our Lord Jesus Christ, there were these pleasures of life, but Christ knew that the narrow path led to everlasting life and he stuck to it. Avoid the broadway that leads to destruction. In order to keep on the narrow path, you must count all things to be lost for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord. See Philippians 3:8. This path requires, self control, self-denial, self-discipline, long-suffering and all godly virtues.
The teachings that you receive here do not only satisfy your material needs but also lead you on the narrow path to life. You should regard the Word of God as your parents, your life-wire. Arm yourself with the Word of God in order to be able to overcome temptation. Do not resist an evil doer, bless them which persecute you, bless and curse not. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Read Romans 12:14-21.
"Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one towards another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thy enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shall heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Our Lord Jesus is our model.
1st Peter 2:21-23.
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not, but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.
Therefore the instruction is, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go thereat." (Matt 7:13)
There is no institution, government, school that can prevent fornication. To them it is a pleasure trip. The world will cherish the broad way which leads to condemnation. The teaching of Our Lord Jesus Christ is the narrow path. Let us look intently on Our Lord Jesus Christ and follow his steps closely. Temptations must surely come to try your faith but remember, Read: 2nd Timothy 3:12."Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." Yes, "no cross - no crown."
You will be called names. Stumbling blocks will be placed on your way, but with faith in God, pass through without complaining; for as the right soldier of Christ, you must suffer evil. People will come to your house to insult you. Accept all persecution with courage. Rejoice for being persecuted for righteousness sake. Do not seek the praise of men. Do not seek to be loved by people. If you want the praises of people and their love, it means that your work is sinful.
"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice in as much as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye, for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified." (1 Pet 4:12-14)
In the narrow path, yes on the highway there, it is a way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it, fornicators, adulterers, drunkards, liars, thieves, polygamists and those who practise vile things. As a good soldier of Christ, do not fear persecution. Read Revelation 2 : 10.:-Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold the devil shall cast some of you into prison that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
May My Peace and Blessing be upon all of you now and forever more. A-men!
THANK YOU FATHER.
REFERENCE:- Bible Class Lecture by The Supernatural Teacher,
Leader Olumba Olumba Obu on:-"NO CROSS - NO CROWN"