Main Scripture Reference - Matthew 7:13-16
Other Scripture References: Proverbs 14:12; Matthew 13:44; Matthew 7:21-23; John 8:31; Acts 1:8; John 12:42-43

INTRO–‘Are You on the Right Road?’Read Matthew 7:13-14 & Proverbs 14:12

Just as a GPS is indispensable in finding your way when lost in a large and confusing city, so recalculating your life’s path during this Lenten season can get you back on the right path in your walk with Christ. It is relatively easy to take a wrong turn or get off that narrow road especially if you aren’t closely paying attention to your life. The key is to make corrections and get back on track.

• When you get lost how do you typically figure out what you need to do to get where you are going?


• Have you been recalculating your life this Lenten season? What have you discovered?

ISSUE 1–‘Confusion’Read Matthew 7:15-16

In doing a U-turn in your life the first thing you need to correct is the confusion between belief and faith. Belief is merely to perceive a certain truth to be real. But believing something doesn’t mean you will act on it. For instance just because you believe exercise is good for your health doesn’t mean you will actually exercise. Faith on the other hand is the active pursuit of that belief. For example, you believe that debt is not desirable and therefore don’t use credit cards or spend beyond what income you have. Jesus makes it clear that you are not saved by belief but by your faith.

• Name something you really believe but don’t practice. Why?


• What is one belief you need to begin putting into practice? What will you commit to do?

ISSUE 2–‘The Cost’Read Matthew 13:44

The second issue in making a real change in your path is to understand that true faith is costly. In fact true faith in Jesus will cost you everything you have. Just as the man was willing to sell everything he had in order to buy the field with the treasure, you need to be willing to give everything you have to gain this everlasting treasure of the kingdom of God. And no sacrifice or labor is too great because what you receive in return is truly out of this world.

• What has your faith in Jesus cost you in your life? What are you willing to give up even now for Jesus?


• How much do you treasure your faith in Christ? Name the ways you are living out its value.

STEP 1–‘Commit to the Highlighted Route’Read Matthew 7:21-23 & John 8:31

In order to really stay on this road less traveled with Jesus you must commit to walking the highlighted route he sets out for you. But in order to walk this route you must realize that you will be out of step with the systems and values of the world. You might even be called a fool or Jesus freak, but God’s ways are the right ways and following Jesus will bring about great fruit in your life if you stay committed.

• What fruit is showing up because of your life and faith? Do you think there should be more?


• How is God highlighting your path right now? How will you keep to this road you are called to walk?

STEP 2–‘Commit to the Highlighted Lifestyle’Read Acts 1:8 & John 12:42-43

Finally to stay on this narrow road you must commit to the highlighted lifestyle that Jesus wants you to live. On the road with Jesus means that you must reprioritize your time and treasure to match what Jesus treasures which is building the real and eternal kingdom of God instead of a kingdom that is temporary and artificial.

• Is the time you spend each day measuring up to the faith you want to live out? Explain.


• Name some of your priorities. Are you priorities matching up with God’s calling on your life?


• In order to continue walking on the narrow road what alignments do you need to make?