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Heaven Is Easy to Miss

IN ORDER TO FIND HEAVEN:

I HAVE TO KNOW THE WAY

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. MATTHEW 7:13-14 NLT

I can follow my own feelings.

There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. PROVERBS 14:12 NLT

I can follow what’s trending.

…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. MATTHEW 7:13 NLT

In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. JUDGES 21:25 NLT

I can choose to follow Jesus.

But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. MATTHEW 7:14 NLT

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. JOHN 14:6 NLT

I CAN’T GET DISILLUSIONED BECAUSE OF FALSE TEACHERS

“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. MATTHEW 7:15-20 NLT

False teachers are more interested in using you than serving you.

I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. ACTS 20:29 NLT

False teachers’ lack of faith does not give you permission to lose yours.

These false teachers are like unthinking animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed. They scoff at things they do not understand, and like animals, they will be destroyed. 2 PETER 2:12 NLT

I HAVE TO REALLY KNOW JESUS

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ MATTHEW 7:21-23 NLT

You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. JAMES 2:19 NLT

And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. JOHN 17:3 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place where you can slow down and be honest with God. Ask Him to help you notice what path you're on, not just with your words, but with your choices, habits, and priorities. Are there any ways you’ve begun to drift toward what feels easier or more popular instead of what’s true and faithful Invite God to reveal anything that’s quietly pulling you away from Him. Ask God to help you recognize the voices you’re listening to. Are they producing the kind of fruit that looks like Jesus, such as humility, peace, and love? Or are they stirring up confusion, fear, or pride? Ask God for discernment and courage to follow His voice, even when it’s hard. Jesus says eternal life is found in knowing Him; not in what we do for Him, but in being in relationship with Him. What does that look like for you right now? Has your faith become more about activity than intimacy? Ask Jesus to draw you closer. Invite Him to keep your heart soft, your ears open, and your steps aligned with His. Thank Him for His love and for never giving up on you, no matter where you’ve been or how far you’ve wandered.

Discussion Questions

For our Matthew series, we’re offering two options for discussing the sermon and Scripture. Choose option A or B to guide your group’s discussion time.

(A) The R.E.A.L. Bible Study Method:

1. Read the Passage. Start by reading Matthew 7:13-23 (NLT) out loud.

2. Explore the Theme. What are the main points or theme of the passage? What does this passage reveal about God and/or humanity? Consider the other passages referenced in the sermon notes in your discussion.

3. Apply the Lesson. How do we apply these passages to our lives today? What stands out from the passage—that God might be encouraging or challenging you in?

4. Live It Out. What prayerful and specific action will you take based on what you learned?

(B) Choose a couple of questions from each section below to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: What’s something popular or trending that you don’t really get the hype about?
  2. START HERE: What’s one belief or value you hold that feels “narrow” or out of step with the culture around you?
  3. START HERE: What is a question you really want to ask God?
  4. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT). What doesn’t Jesus want us to miss from these verses?
  5. KEEP GOING: What keeps people from entering through the narrow gate?
  6. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 7:15-20 (NLT). Think about someone whose life produces good fruit. What about them reflects Jesus? What good habits or patterns do you see in their life?
  7. KEEP GOING: Read Proverbs 14:12 (NLT). How can we tell when we’re being guided by our feelings or culture more than by truth?
  8. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 7:21-23 (NLT). What’s the difference between knowing (about) Jesus and knowing Jesus (relationally)?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: What's one step you can take this week to follow Jesus with more than just words – maybe through obedience, confession, or re-aligning your priorities.
  10. LIVE IT OUT: Who is someone that you could invite to a new way of life with Jesus?