i. to describe the difficult nature of the pathway to eternal life,
ii. to discover what can help Christians to successfully navigate the difficult way to eternal life and
iii. to expose the eternal benefits of walking on the narrow and uneasy way that leads to eternal life.
Salvation is free, but not cheap. Therefore, one can say that the Christian race is not as easy as it seems. The songwriter that wrote, "it's not an easy road, we're travelling to heaven, and many are the thorns on the way..." is right. Today, we read of Paul's afflictions from wicked and hostile persecutors on his evangelical journeys, yet he never derailed. Our study guides shall open our eyes more to how uneasy it is and how we can successfully navigate our way through difficulties of being believers, and how to reap the benefits of walking on the narrow and uneasy way.
1. From Paul's experience in our Bible Passage today, how can you describe the uneasy way to salvation? Compare with Matt 24:9-11.
2. In view of the uneasy nature of the road, how can we successfully navigate the pathway to eternal life as Christians? 1Tim. 6:12-14; Phil. 4:8-9.
3. In line with Luke 18:22-26, discuss why it is difficult for Christians to tread on the narrow way to salvation. Compare with Acts 5:1-4.
4. What can we learn from Jesus' experience on the uneasy way? Phil 2:8-11; compare with Matt 10:21-22.
If all were easy, if all were bright, where would the fight be? By divine prerogative and design, the way to eternal life is not easy, and only the wise and those who have truly made up their minds for Christ and His kingdom can painstakingly stay the full course and berth safely. Make sure your decision is real and authentic.
Nothing good comes easy.
Matt 10:22 "And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved".