Sermon Notes
Matthew 7:13–23 NIV
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
15 Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
21 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ ”
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Introduction:
Fan vs. Follower
(Matthew 5:1, 9:35, 7:21)
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A follower of Jesus will choose the road less traveled.
(Matthew 7:13-14)
- The gate and road is a choice to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord.
(John 10:7, John 14:5–6) - A huge difference between a fan and a follower is commitment.
(Luke 14:25–33)
A follower of Jesus will be known by their fruit.
(Matthew 7:15-20)
- The fruit of the Spirit.
(Galatians 5:22–23) - The fruit of prayer and praise.
(John 15:7–8, Hebrews 13:15–16) - The fruit of good works.
(Colossians 1:9–10) - The fruit of reaching people for Jesus.
(Colossians 1:6)
— We only bear fruit as we remain connected to Jesus. (John 15:5)
A follower of Jesus knows and is known by Jesus.
(Matthew 7:21–23)
Good works without relationship is religion, but good works out of relationship is evidence of trust/faith in Jesus.
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Next Step:
How is your relationship with Jesus today?
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Series Resources
Go deeper with additional resources from our teaching team.
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Discussion Igniters
(1) What distinguishes being a fan of Jesus from being a follower of Jesus?
(2) Is there anything holding you back from being fully committed to Jesus?
(3) What is the narrow road that Jesus is asking you to walk right now?
(4) Read Matthew 7:15–20, Galatians 5:22–23, and John 15:5.
What fruit do you see in your own life?
(5) How is your relationship with Jesus today? How can you become less of a fan and more of a follower of Jesus?