Application of the Fighter Verse for November 6/7

Posted by: fighterversesongs | November 1, 2010

Application of the Fighter Verse for November 6/7

Track 28 in Songs Set E –Matthew 7:13,14 Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

In what areas of your life are you following God? In what areas are you taking the easy path to destruction?

There are many metaphors that Jesus uses to describe following him to eternity. Rather than giving us a checklist, Jesus gives us a picture. A hard path and an easy path is something we can relate to.

How then shall we live?

The way is hard that leads to life. The whole way is as difficult as the first step through the narrow gate. God must change our hearts. Our natural inclination is toward destruction.

This picture applies to many areas in our lives as we walk on our way.

The way of sin – It is easy to gratify the desires of our flesh. It is hard to put to death the sin that is in us.

The way of suffering – It is easy to try to avoid suffering and to seek comfort. But, this ultimately fails. It is hard to bear suffering. But, it is worth it for the future glory to come! (Romans 8:18)

The way of time – It is easy to waste time on ourselves, our comfort. But, God provides the most satisfaction. Use your time wisely. (Eph 5:15-16)

In whose way will you walk today?

Practical suggestions this week:

– How is God calling you? Have you entered the narrow gate, or are you on a path to destruction?

– What habits do you have that are destructive? Pray through this verse and identify areas in your life where you are taking the easy path. Measure this against what the Bible says.

– Create inevitability to avoid destruction and gain life! If you stumble on your way each day, remove the stumbling block. (e.g. If you are looking at pornography on the internet, remove your ability to see it.) Ensure that you take the way to life. (e.g. Read your Bible and pray first thing in the morning, or at key times in your day.)

How will you use this bible verse in your life this week? with your spouse? your children? your family? your neighbors?

Track 27 in Songs Set E –Matthew 7:9-12 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

The Golden Rule. Love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus is pointing out here that all of the Bible points toward loving God and loving others. (Matthew 22:37-40)

He even points out that even in fallen, sinful people, the conscience that is imparted to us by God knows how to give good gifts.

However, what is a good gift from God is one that is perfect for us. (James 1:1) God gives us His holy spirit to help us. (Luke 11:13)

So…there is that transition word again…So, Jesus sums up the Law and the Prophets by pointing us to love our neighbors. As you wish others would do to you, do also to them.

It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we will truly love others.

How will you love others today?

Practical suggestions this week:

– Pray through this verse reflecting on God’s kindness to you, ask Him for help in loving others and seeing what they would wish you would do to them.

– Reflect upon your heart’s feelings for those you encounter. Is it loving? Confess to the Lord where you fall short and ask Him to give you the Holy Spirit to love like Him.

– Plan ahead to “give good gifts” today. Give as the Lord gives to us. Plan to speak a word of encouragement, or show a kindness to someone today that reflects the love of God.

How will you use this bible memory verse in your life this week? with your spouse? your children? your family? your neighbors?