Message Notes

 TWO GATES

1. The difficult way      (Matthew 7:13-14)

a) Narrow is the gate

b) Difficult is the way which leads to life

c) There are few who find it

2. The broad way         (Matthew 7:13)

a) It leads to destruction

b) Many go in by it

3. Warning about false prophets

a) It may also refer to false teachers

b) The word “prophet” may sometimes be used as a common symbol for false shepherds (Jeremiah 23).

4. How may we discern who these false shepherds are?

a) They are dangerous

b) Outwardly they appear as sheep             (Matthew 7:15)

c) Inwardly they are ravenous wolves         (Matthew 7:15)

d) How they may be detected

e) By their fruits                                               (Matthew 7:16)

f) Every good tree bears good fruit               (Matthew 7:17)

g) A bad tree bears bad fruits                         (Matthew 7:17)

h) A good tree cannot bear bad fruit             (Matthew 7:18)

i) A bad tree cannot bear good fruit              (Matthew 7:18)

5. Final outcome

a) Every tree that that does not bear good fruit is cut down             (Matthew 7:19)

b) It is then thrown into the fire                                                              (Matthew 7:19)

6. Conclusion

“Therefore by their fruits you shall know them.”    Matthew 7:20

 a) A call to be discerning

b) A call to be wise