Although I have changed it considerably the original thought for this sermon came from a sermon by Mike O'Neal at http://people.delphi.com/bobpicard/s041199m.html

Many Lanes on the Broad Road
Matt 7:13-14

Introduction
We have just returned from a trip. We traveled 2600 miles and use several highways and many lanes in those highways. Most of you have done the same thing.

In the text Jesus tells of two eternal roads. One leads to heaven (life) and the other to hell (destruction). On the broad road I want to point out many lanes that people travel on this road that leads to destruction.
 
 

A.    The attitude of this person is dependence on their Works.

Illustration
I have seen ministers glory in what they were calling their good works. They have thrilled at the garments they get to wear and the accolades they receive. One man I am thinking of seemed as though he was keeping score for God of all his good deeds.
 

Application

Listen to these verses from God's Word about the destination of the lane on the broad road called the works lane.
 

Rom 11:6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. (NAS)

2 Tim 1:9 who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,

If your in the Works Lane I urge you to get out of that lane and change to the Narrow Road.
 
 

I Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. (NAS)

A.    The attitude of this person is Pride in Self.

Illustration
Recently while waiting for an elevator at St. John's hospital I saw a man wearing a Christian Tee Shirt indicating he went to church in wilderness Missouri. Now he looked like a man of little means.    He seemed to be uncomfortable in the city setting and a very humble and shy man. I judged this by his actions, dress and lack of teeth. He seemed ashamed to smile.

Well I asked him where is the town of Wilderness. He share with me it is near the Irish Wilderness in Mark Twain State Park. Then I asked him "do you know the Lord"? He responded with a "yes; and I asked him "how long have you known the Lord"? He said "about 3 years." So my next question was what took you so long?" He surprised me with these words "I guess it was just my stubborn pride."

We think so often pride is reserved for the affluent and those of superior education and intellect; but many different men and women travel in the pride lane on their way to destruction.

Do you remember the popular song "MY WAY"? Many people because of their stubborn pride and arrogance are seeking to get into heaven on the Pride Lane. It just don't go to heaven.

Application

If your in the Pride Lane I urge you to get out of that lane and change to the Narrow Road.
 
 

A.    The attitude of this person is dependence on the Church.

Illustration
The Jewish people of the first century believed their religion was the way to heaven. Their are those today who believe there particular religion is the only way to heaven.

The are on the Broad Road and in the Church Lane without a willingness to recognition their road leads to destruction.

Application

If your in the Church Lane I urge you to get out of that lane and change to the Narrow Road.
 
 

Many who take the Baptism lane use this verse of scripture. They hinge their interpretation on the word "for" in this verse. Baptist say this word means "because of" and not "in order to". Read this verse both ways

        And Peter {said} to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ in
        order to receive for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

        And Peter {said} to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ
        because you have received the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy
        Spirit.

If you take every verse of scripture that mentions any form of the word baptism I believe you will make the proper interpretation about baptism not being essential for salvation.

A.    The attitude of this person is trust in their Baptism.

Illustration
On one occasion I had an opportunity to ask a rather prominent man in town "if you stood before God and He asked you why should I let you into My heaven what would you tell Him?" The man answered "I have been baptized." Their was no word about Jesus but a word about baptism.

Pilate tried to no avail to wash away his sins. It did not work for him and it won't work for anyone else either.

Application

The Baptism Lane leads to hell. If your in the Baptism Lane I urge you to get out of that lane and change to the Narrow Road.
 
 

A. The attitude of this person is focused on their wealth.
 

Illustration
On our vacation we visited some former church members. One family told us of a brother who has become very wealthy. He made his money by taking companies from near bankruptcy to making money and was very well rewarded for his work.

He now has a six million dollar home and a few years ago purchased a 1 ½ million dollar yacht. He took the yacht from Florida to Baltimore and it used 11,000 gallons of fuel.

For his niece's honeymoon he paid all the expenses and put them up in an $800.00 a night hotel bridal suite. Recently he purchased $7,500.00 of chocolates and sent them to his son's wife and his daughter's husband because they like chocolate.

He has a One Million dollar retirement every year. Do you realize that is $2,740 a day you have to spend just to use up your yearly retirement?

Our friend said " my brother never does any of this without calling attention to himself."

He has had two heart attacks and is not in good health. He donated One Million to a hospital and told them I want special treatment when I come in here. If I come in and need an oxygen tent and there all busy I want you to remember I gave you a Million Dollars and take one of those off somebody else and give it to me.

Application

Do you think that man is spiritual? Do you think he is on the Narrow Road or the Broad Road?

Notice these verses again. 20 "But God said to him, 'You fool! This {very} night your soul is required of you; and {now} who will own what you have prepared?' 21 "So is the man who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." (NAS)

If your in the Wealth Lane or the pursuit of wealth Lane I urge you to get out of that lane and change to the Narrow Road.
 
 

A. The attitude of this person is postpone Spiritual Matters.

Illustration
A hermit was guided by an angel into a wood, where he saw an old man cutting down boughs to make up a bundle. When it was large, he tied it up, and attempted to lift it on his shoulder, and carry it away; but, finding it very heavy, he laid it down again, cut more wood, and heaped it on; and then tried again to carry it off. This he repeated several times; always adding something to the load, after trying in vain to raise it from the ground. In the meantime, the hermit, astonished at the old man's folly, desired the angel to explain what this meant.

"You behold," he said, "in the foolish old man an exact representation of those, who, being made aware of the burden of their sins, resolve to do something about them but then decide to wait until tomorrow. Their delay, instead of lessening their burden, increase it every day. At each trial, they find the task heavier than before; and so put it off a little longer, in the vain hope that they will by and by find it easier.

Application

Tomorrow is the devils word. This is one of his favorite lane.

If your in the Tomorrow Lane I urge you to get out of that lane and change to the Narrow Road.
 

1.    The Good Works Lane.

2.    The Pride Lane.

3.    The Church Lane.

4.    The Baptism Lane.

5.    The Wealth Lane.

6.    The Tomorrow Lane.