Sermon Recap
This week we introduced a 30-week series titled "The Narrow Way," focused on exploring what it truly means to follow Jesus. Pastor John emphasizes that, historically, some Christian teachings have reduced the gospel to a simple formula: acknowledging one's sin, accepting Jesus’ sacrifice, and securing a place in heaven. However, this version of the gospel overlooks a crucial aspect of Jesus’ message: the call to discipleship and apprenticeship. The sermon argues that salvation is just the beginning of the Christian journey, and that being a disciple of Jesus requires more than just a one-time prayer or superficial belief. It involves a life of transformation, actively following Jesus, and embracing the full meaning of His teachings.
Pastor John warns against the dangers of a "half-in, half-out" approach to Christianity, where believers try to follow Jesus while still clinging to worldly desires. He stresses that true discipleship means fully committing to Jesus, staying close to Him, and allowing His teachings to transform every aspect of life. Using examples from the Gospels, the sermon illustrates how Jesus continually calls His followers to deeper faith, offering forgiveness and guidance when they falter, as He did with Peter.
In this journey of discipleship, we will explore the importance of living according to "The Way"—a path that encompasses the entire way of life Jesus modeled. This is not just about intellectual belief or moral behavior, but about adopting Jesus’ way of life in its entirety. The pastor concludes by underscoring that following Jesus requires a 100% commitment, urging the congregation to fully embrace the Narrow Way as a lifelong path of transformation and apprenticeship to Jesus.
This journey we're starting isn’t just about understanding a set of ideas or following a list of rules. It’s about adopting Jesus' entire way of life—a way that transforms us from the inside out. Following Jesus is a full commitment, one that encompasses every aspect of our lives, every day of our lives. This is what it means to walk the Narrow Way, and I’m excited to take this journey with all of you.
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
What do you think it means to truly follow Jesus on the Narrow Way, beyond just believing in Him? How does this perspective challenge the way you've understood your faith journey?
The sermon mentioned that salvation is just the beginning of our journey with Christ. In what ways have you experienced or struggled with the call to discipleship and apprenticeship to Jesus?
How do you personally relate to the idea of being "half-in, half-out" in your faith? What steps can you take to fully commit to following Jesus in all areas of your life?
Jesus doesn’t expect perfection but calls us to stay close to Him. How can we practice staying close to Jesus daily, and how can we support one another in this journey of transformation?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for saving me through your love and grace, and calling me to follow Jesus. I recognize that following You is more than just a moment of belief—it’s a lifelong journey of transformation. Help me to fully commit my life to You, not just with my words, but with my actions, my choices, and my heart.
Lord, I don’t want to live with one foot in the world and one foot in Your kingdom. I want to walk the Narrow Way, following closely behind Jesus every day. When I stumble, give me the strength and humility to reach for You, knowing that You are always there to pick me up.
Teach me what it means to truly be Your disciple, to apprentice under Jesus, and to allow His way of life to shape my own. Fill me with Your Spirit, guide my steps, and draw me closer to You. May my life reflect Your love and truth, and may I become more like Jesus in all that I do.
In Jesus’ name, I pray,
Life Application
For these first 3 weeks let’s divide Matthew up and read through the entire book of Matthew over this course of the Introduction to The Narrow Way. This week, commit to reading Matthew chapters 1-9. Follow Jesus closely in all he says and does. Where you sense you are falling short, ask for Jesus to help you walk closely with Him on the narrow way.
Don’t Forget
Find a NEW Class or Group to go deeper with this fall
Starting Point & Rooted Class for newer attendees
Young Adults on Mondays
Youth Midweek every Wednesday
Additional Resources
Discussion Guide Index | Sermon Playback & Video | Spotify Playlist | Church Center App