THE PATHS OF LIFE A MATTER OF THE HEART

Psalm 127:4

TWO PATHS OF LIFE DIRECTED BY THE HEART

l  IN THE BEGINNING. l Genesis 4:16 – “Then Cain went out from the

presence of the Lord…” I Jn. 3:12 – “…Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother.”

l Genesis 4:26 – “And as for Seth…Then men began to call on the name of the Lord.” l “Enoch walked with God…” (5:24) l “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” (6:7)

TWO PATHS OF LIFE DIRECTED BY THE HEART

l AT THE TIME OF CHRIST l Matt. 7:13 – “…For wide is the gate and

broad is the way that leads to destruction and there are many who go in by it.”

l Matt. 7:14 – “because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

TWO PATHS OF LIFE DIRECTED BY THE HEART

l  IN THE CHURCH TODAY. l Gal. 5:19-21 – Now the works of the flesh are

evident, which are…those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

l Gal. 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is… Against such there is no law.”

TWO PATHS OF LIFE ILLUSTRATED – THE PRODIGAL SON (Lk. 15:11ff)

l  “OUT FROM THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD.” l Luke 15:11-16.

l Self-will (v. 12) l Selfishness (v. 12). l Separation (v. 13). l Sensual living (v. 13). l Slavery (v. 15) l Starvation/ Self-deprecation (v. 16). l Spiritual death

TWO PATHS OF LIFE ILLUSTRATED – THE PRODIGAL SON (Lk. 15:11ff)

l  “…BEGAN TO CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD. l Realization of need (v. 17). l Resolution (v. 18). l Repentance (v. 18). l Returned (v. 20). l Reconciled (v. 20). l Reclothed (v. 22). l Rejoicing (v. 24)

THE CHOICE OF PATHS IS ALWAYS OURS!