Thesis: Salvation; To point out the different persons or things that are of assistance in keeping one from eternal destruction. To encourage the hearer to recognize what has been done for him and encouraging him to respond in a favorable way.
Introduction:
1. Read Matthew 7:13-14.
2. Regarding the text:
(1) There are either of two roads on which all are traveling.
(2) One road leads to God, the other to torment.
(3) It is the desire of God that all travel the road which leads to eternal life.
3. The road to hell is divided.
(1) On one side are the malicious, murderers, rapists, liars, homosexuals and sodomites.
(2) On the other side are those who are good, honest and morally pure, and yet, they never have done anything to be saved.
4. Because God wants all men to be saved, He has established detours to keep man out of hell.
5. In this lesson we shall identify some of those detours.
Body:
I. The Bible, 2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:21.
A. This is the book that tells of God’s plan for redeeming man (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 1:16).
B. This is the book that creates the faith that saves (Romans 10:17).
C. It tells of Heaven and how to get there, as well as Hell and how to escape going there.
D. When men shun the Bible, they close their eyes and ears to one of the detours on the road to Hell.
1. How many have been taught but have not obeyed?
2. How many children of God have been brought face to face with error in their lives but have not repented?
II. Christian Parents.
A. The importance of godly parents is made plain in the Word of God (Isaac, Samuel, Timothy).
B. How many of us are Christians because we had parents who taught us to be honest and accept truth?
C. Parents, think of yourself as the only detour on the road to Hell your child may see.
D. Children, are you following the example of godly parents?
III. Christian Friends.
A. How many in this audience were brought to a knowledge of the truth by a friend?
B. Jesus taught that one is to love his neighbor; this involves teaching.
C. Think of the friends who have prayed for you, showed interest in you or pleaded with you.
D. Don’t close your eyes to this detour to keep you out of Hell.
IV. Sermons.
A. 1 Corinthians 1:21, “It pleased God by the foolishness of the message preached to save them that believe” (NKJV).
B. Many despise preaching, especially if the sermon applies to them.
C. Yet, many people have been convicted of their sins and obeyed the Gospel because of Gospel preaching.
D. I have observed as people cry, hold to the pew, then sit down after the invitation song when they knew they should respond.
E. This sermon, and all others are a barricade, a detour – don’t let it pass!
V. Bible School Teachers.
A. One place where enormous good is done, and that gets little attention, is the Bible classroom.
B. What would this church be and what would our children be without dedicated Bible teachers in the classroom?
C. I have observed, as some young person responds, the tears of joy in the eyes of the teacher. Why?
D. Teachers need to be extremely careful of their lives because of the influence they exert.
E. Elders need to make sure of the stability of each teacher for this same reason.
F. Students, are you going to ignore all the good that has been done by your teacher and be lost in spite of it?
VI. Christian Mates.
A. Some non-Christian mates have been converted to Christ because of the godly example of their companions.
B. If your companion is not a Christian, you will never lead him or her to the Master if you are unfaithful or compromise your faith.
C. For those of you who have faithful Christian companions, you ought to be thankful for them. It is they who have exerted the correct spiritual influence upon your children.
D. Will you ignore this wonderful detour that God has provided you?
VII. The Cross.
A. Stationed in the middle of the road to keep you from being lost is the cross – with the Savior hanging upon it, pouring out His blood that you might be saved.
B. John 3:14; John 12:32; John 15:13; Hebrews 5:8-9.
C. This day, will you look at the dying Savior and walk around him on the cross, when you know that he died for you?
Conclusion:
1. God has done His part.
2. The blockades or detours have been placed to prevent you from being lost.
3. Will you ignore these things and be lost, or
4. Will you obey today and be saved?
