HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class
Two Paths, One Choice (Matthew 7:13-21, 24-27)

1) First Thoughts
a. While the reality of choices is a fact of life, some choices matter greatly.
b. Jesus set forth several serious choices:
i. Two roads with different entrances and destinations.
ii. Two kinds of fruit that indicate the quality of the trees that produce them.
iii. Two foundations on which to build a house.
2) Understand the Context
a. The Sermon on the Mount as a whole is about how those who have entered God’s kingdom should live as kingdom citizens. In this passage Jesus speaks about entering the kingdom in terms of its gate, its way, its population, and its destination.
3) Explore the Text
a. Narrow Versus Wide (7:13-14)
i. “destruction” – suffering loss, i.e., For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? ~ Matthew 16:26
ii. “narrow” – experiencing trouble, the way of a disciple is demanding, not easy, i.e., And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. ~ Luke 9:23
b. Good Versus Bad (7:15-21)
i. Jesus warns about fakes. …, in perils among false brethren; ~ II Cor. 11:26
ii. Make a careful inspection of the fruit of the prophet’s life, message, and motives. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. ~ Romans 16:17
c. Rock Versus Sand (7:24-27)
i. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. ~ I Corinthians 3:11
ii. The crucial test for kingdom citizens is the doing of the Lord’s will, i.e., But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. ~James 1:22
4) Memory Verse: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. ~ John 14:6