City Group Guide: The Kingdom Week 11 – “The Narrow Path & Wise Living”
1. Setting the Kingdom Vision (10 min)
In Matthew 7:13–29, Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with a call to discernment, obedience, and wise living:
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Kingdom life requires intentional choices, rooted in obedience to God’s Word. It contrasts temporary, easy paths with the lasting, often challenging, way of Christ. True discipleship is seen in living on the foundation of His teaching rather than merely hearing it.
Discussion:
What does the “narrow gate” mean for your life right now?
Where do you find it easy to follow the broad, popular path instead of the narrow one?
How can building life on Jesus’ teaching influence daily choices and relationships?
(Leader note: highlight that wisdom is cultivated through obedience, not just knowledge.)
2. Guide Overview: Obedience & Discernment (2 min)
Jesus emphasizes the difference between hearing and doing. Kingdom living is not passive—it’s active obedience and careful discernment. Tonight, we’ll reflect on practical ways to follow the narrow path and build a life anchored on Christ’s teaching.
3. Kingdom Practice: Reflection and Prayer (30 min)
Step 1: Read the Passage (5 min)
Read Matthew 7:13–29 aloud. Pause and ask: “Which warning or promise speaks most to your current life season?”
Step 2: Reflect (5 min)
In quiet prayer, consider:
“Where am I tempted to follow the broad road instead of the narrow path?”
“Which areas of my life need to be rebuilt on the foundation of Jesus’ teaching?”
Step 3: Share and Pray (15 min)
Invite each person to share one area where they want to live with greater obedience or discernment. Pray together:
“Father, guide [name] in choosing the narrow path. Give them wisdom, courage, and obedience to build their life on Your Word, so that it stands firm in every season.”
(Leader tip: model vulnerability by sharing your own challenges with obedience or discernment.)
Step 4: Group Reflection (5 min)
Discuss together:
How does obedience to God’s Word shape decisions, relationships, and priorities?
How can living wisely impact those around us in our families, workplaces, and communities?
4. Reflection: Kingdom Foundation (5 min)
Re-read Matthew 7:24–25:
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
Reflect: Obedience and discernment are the foundation of lasting life. Where might God be calling you to strengthen your foundation this week?
5. Exercise for the Week Ahead (3 min)
Practice: Building on the Rock
Identify one area of life (decision, habit, relationship) to align more closely with Jesus’ teaching.
Pray daily for wisdom and courage to follow the narrow path.
Observe how choices anchored in obedience and discernment affect your attitudes, words, and actions.
Closing Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, You call us to follow the narrow path and build our lives on Your teaching. Teach us obedience, discernment, and courage. May our choices reflect Your Kingdom and our lives stand firm on the foundation of Your Word. Amen.”