Better + Brighter: BE IN THE FEW

Written By Josh Finklea
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Better + Brighter: week 12: BE in the Few

Jesus presents a sobering choice: the wide road or the narrow road. One is easy and popular but empty. The other is costly but leads to life. Real faith is revealed not by words but by fruit. To live better and brighter, we must choose the narrow path and be among the few who truly follow Jesus.

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  • Week 12 - Be In The Few

    Matthew 7:13–14, 21–23

    Jesus doesn’t leave much room for neutrality in Matthew 7. He presents two roads, two gates, and two destinations. One is wide and crowded. The other is narrow and costly. And every person is walking one of them.

    The wide road is appealing because it requires little resistance. It blends in with culture and prioritizes comfort over conviction. It allows spiritual interest without real surrender. But Jesus is clear—it ultimately leads to destruction.

    The narrow road, however, is different. It requires intentionality. Following Jesus means saying no to self and yes to obedience. It’s not narrow because God is harsh—it’s narrow because truth is precise. Just like a compass has one true north, real life is found in alignment with Jesus.

    But how do we know which road we’re on? Jesus answers: look at the fruit. Fruit reveals reality. Titles, appearances, and words can mislead, but fruit never lies. The Spirit produces transformation—character, humility, faithfulness, and love that shows up in everyday life.

    This teaching is both sobering and hopeful. Sobering because it reminds us eternity is real. Hopeful because Jesus invites us to choose life.

    A better and brighter life isn’t found on the popular path—it’s found on the narrow one. And while few choose it, those who do discover life the way it was meant to be.

  • Small Group Curriculum – Better & Brighter

    Download Week 12 Guide Here

     Small Group Curriculum - Week 12: Be in the Few 

    Main Scripture - Matthew 7:13–14; 21–23 

    Big Idea 

    Following Jesus means choosing the narrow road of obedience and surrender. 

    1. Connect (Ice Breaker) 

    Why do people prefer easy paths over costly ones? 

    2. Discover (Discussion & Questions) 

    Jesus contrasts superficial faith with wholehearted discipleship. 

    Discussion 

    • What road are your choices revealing? 

    • Where is surrender needed? 

    • Which weekday reading challenged you most? 

    3. Respond 

    Personal Application 

    What step of obedience is God asking of you? 

    Group Prayer Prompt 

    Pray for courage to follow Jesus fully. 

    Memory Verse 

    Matthew 7:14 

    Challenge — Choose the Narrow Way 

    Next Steps 

    • Identify one obedience step. 

    • Remove one distraction. 

    • Pray for boldness. 

    • Share in the next group. 

  • CONWAY

    AYNOR

    SOUTH STRAND

Josh Finklea
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Better + Brighter: Be Discerning