THE WAY
Introduction:
1. We live in a time of indecision, anxieties, disbelief, etc.
2. Just look around us: shootings, riots, suicides, turmoil, etc.
3. It is comforting to know that there is actually a definite,
clear and dependable "WAY" of life available to man.
4. It is "THE WAY" of truth; "THE WAY" of Christ.
5. John 14:6 -- "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one
cometh unto the Father, but by me."
Body:
I. CHRISTIANITY IS OFTEN SPOKEN OF AS "THE WAY" in N.T.
1. Matt. 7:13-14 -- "There is a narrow way which leadeth unto
life, and few there be that go therein...."
NOTE: A RIGHT way and a WRONG way. We are interested in
finding out about the RIGHT way.
2. 1 Cor 12:31 --"And moreover a most excellent way show I
unto you." More excellent that the spiritual gifts
discussed in the first part of the chapter.
3. Heb. 10:20 -- "by the way which he dedicated for us: a new
and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his
flesh." Christ showed us the Way, left us an example to
follow (1 Pet. 2:21-24). Paul states we should imitate him
as he imitated Christ. 1 Cor. 11:1.
4. 2 Pet. 2:2 -- "And many shall follow their lascivious
doing by reason of whom the way of the truth shall be evil
spoken of."
5. John 14:6 -- "I am the way, the truth and the life."
6. NOTE: It is said to be a plain way -- Isa. 35:5-10(vs 8).
So plain, clear and understandable that all can know and
comprehend their responsibility to God.
Would be an unjust God to demand us to obey Him and enter
the way and then make it so that we could not
understand and learn of it.
7. The "way" of the Christian leads forward in service to God
Phil. 3:13, 14 -- "press on toward the goal...."
Paul was continually pressing onward in that service;
ever leading the way of service to God.
8. It is most unfortunate that men have too frequently
overlooked "THE WAY." Or, perhaps, they have neglected
"that way."
If one is not living according to the divine
instructions of the Christ (as the "way") the
results are the same -- a lost condition, no
divine hope; there is simply no other way. Concept
of so many is that there are many (various) ways
to Heaven. (Cf. Road map to Dallas.) But, this is
contrary to Divine Revelation.
II. But, naturally, the question is asked (since it is so
important that we be in the "way") "HOW DOES ONE ENTER THE
WAY?" Do we just wish ourself in; hope we are in; etc.
1. To be in THE WAY, is to be in Christ. But how does one
gain entrance into Christ? Only two verses that tells us
how one enters Christ. Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27.
(a) By hearing of Christ as taught in the gospel..
(b) By believing in Christ as God's Son, Heb. 11:6.
(c) By repenting of ones sins, Acts 2:38.
(d) By confessing the name of Christ, Rom. 10:10.
(e) By being immersed INTO Christ, into His body, for the
remission of sins, Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3,4
2. This places one in that way that leads to heaven.
3. One cannot live as a Christian unless and until he/she
becomes child of God by being added to the saved, Acts
2:47, born into the family of God; with God as the Father.
III. In mentioning Christianity as "THE WAY" Jesus enables us to
know that our service to him begins at a certain point and ends
at a certain point. Rev. 2:10.
1. Thus, we start our journey in "the way" when we are born
into His Family, Jn. 3:3,5; raised from the watery grave
to walk in newness of life. (Rom 6:4)
2. Furthermore, the idea of "THE WAY" rules out stumbling
accidently into service to God. It is not be accident that
one begins serving Jehovah. Neither does one wander about
in that service. Christians have a definite course to
follow; thus, Paul said, "Let us walk by the same rule."
(Phil. 3:16)
3. We shall not enter Heaven by accident, but because we have
put ourselves to the task of righteous living.
IV. To walk in "THE WAY" as Paul commands, we must:
1. Be faithful in well-doing -- Rom 2:7 "SEEK.." effort
2. Study God's Word -- 2 Tim. 2:15
3. Continue in prayer -- 1 Thess 5:17
4. Commune with the Lord -- Acts 20:7
5. Be busy in His work -- Rev. 20:13, "according to his works
6. Worship our God -- Heb. 10:25
Conclusion:
1. Thus we see the importance of being in "THE WAY."
2. Nothing can stand in our way until we are that Way.
3. Am I?? Are You??? walking (living) in THE WAY????
4. Luke 9:23 -- This is a DAILY task; 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week.
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