3 Dangers to Be Aware of in the Journey of Faith
1. Taking the comfortable and well-traveled route that leads to the wrong
Matthew 7:13-14
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that appears to be right,
but in the end it leads to death.
John 15:18
If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.
2. Listening to teachers that
Matthew 7:15-20
Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
3. Thinking that you’re secure with God based on what you’ve
Matthew 7:21-23
21 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Romans 10:9
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Discussion Questions:
1. What is one challenge you have faced in following Jesus that you did not anticipate before you became a believer (or when you were younger in your faith)? How have you moved forward in the midst of this?
2. Read Matthew 7:13-14. Based on Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, what do you think it means to follow Him through the “small gate” and “narrow road?” What is most difficult for you about this?
3. Read Matthew 7:15-20. Can you think of any examples that you have seen or experienced that highlight the danger Jesus warns of here? Does this teaching influence the voices you allow to speak into your life in any way?
4. Read Matthew 7:21-23. What is most difficult for you about this passage? What other Bible passages or truths come to mind for you that provide direction for a person who is wondering if they are truly saved? (Need help? See Romans 10:9, John 10:27-29, Philippians 1:6.)
5. What is one specific way we can support you or pray for you right now, in your relationship with God or a circumstance in your life?