Beyond the Weekend

August 4 | Traffic Patterns

August 4, 2021

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14

Read: Matthew 7:13-14
Listen: 
Matthew 7

TODAY’S MESSAGE

The Roman Empire was known for its highway system of roads in the first century. They were built to handle marching troops and multitudes of travelers. Many of those roads still exist today. There also were other, narrower, unpaved and tougher roads to travel on. It’s not hard to imagine which roads were preferred.

Jesus gives us the spiritual contrast of two roads. There’s a well-traveled road that’s easy to travel. It’s used by people who choose to get revenge on their enemies, only love on lovable people and willingly lust in their hearts. People on this road follow their own desires and do good works to earn God’s favor. This wide road gets a ton of traffic but leads away from God.

There’s a second, narrower road that’s harder to follow. Travelers on this road pray for their enemies, love unlovable people and trust in Jesus for their salvation. This road is more of a challenge as it can feel abnormal, strange and lonely. Staying on the narrow road requires commitment and trust in God. It isn’t well-traveled, but it leads to life.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Consider which road you’re on. The popular, well-traveled road, or the more challenging less-traveled road? Commit to staying obedient to the less-traveled road. Share your commitment with a trusted friend or small group leader for their encouragement and support.


NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN

Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.

Today’s reading is 2 Corinthians 4.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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