Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 2:9–17

Introduction

A. When Christianity was born, it was known to many people simply as “that way” (Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14).

B. “That way” is “the way of salvation” (Acts 16:17), “the way of holiness” (Isaiah 35:8), the narrow way (Matthew 7:14), “the way of peace” (Romans 3:17), “the way of truth” (2 Peter 2:2), and “the way of righteousness” (v 21).

Discussion

I. The right way is not the easy way.

A. The right way is difficult (Matthew 7:13–14).

B. The way is marked with tribulation (John 16:33; Acts 14:22).

C. There is a battle that we must fight along the way (2 Corinthians 10:1–6; 1 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 2:3–4).

II. The right way is not the way of the majority.

A. There are only a few who are willing to travel this way (Matthew 7:13–14; 1 Corinthians 1:26; 1 Peter 3:20).

B. The right way is not popular (Acts 28:22; 24:14).

III. The right way is not a way you will find on your own.

A. The prophets recognized this fact (Isaiah 35:8–9; Jeremiah 10:23).

B. The wisest man of all time also learned and taught this principle (Proverbs 3:5–6; 4:11–15; 10:17; 14:12; 16:25; 20:24; 21:2).

Conclusion

A. Because we could never find the way on our own, God has given us the way (John 14:6), the light (Psalms 119:105), a guide (Psalms 17:4–5).

B. If you have not seen these markers along the path you are walking, perhaps you are going the wrong way.

C. If you find that you are going the wrong way, don’t take another step without consulting God’s roadmap.