The Narrow Way of Life vs. The Philadelphia Way (God’s Ordained Way)

 

The Narrow Way of Life vs. The Philadelphia Way (God’s Ordained Way)

Matthew 7:13–14 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Revelation 3:7–13 (Philatephi) …I know your deeds, that you have a little strength and keep my word and have not denied my name… I will make the one who overcomes a pillar in the temple of my God…

Revelation 3:12 (The name of the pillar) …I will write on him the name of my God and the name of my city (the New Jerusalem) and my new name. 

Aspect	The Way of Life  (Narrow Way)	The Way of Philadelphia  (God’s Ordained Way)
Meaning	The way ordained by the Lord that leads to life and reward (Matt. 7:13–14). “The Way”: the way of truth, righteousness, peace, salvation, God’s way.	A qualitative recovery of the church back to God’s intrinsic essence—love—and the original condition (Rev. 3:7–13).
Difference	Walks according to the Spirit, life, God’s principles; emphasizes inner reality.	Emphasizes brotherly love, the genuine ground of oneness, not denying the Lord’s name, keeping His word.
Reason	God wants to bring His people into life and complete His economy through the narrow way.	God desires a recovery that produces the overcomers as pillars and as constituents of the New Jerusalem.
Result	Brings life, maturity, building of the Body of Christ.	Becoming pillars, bearing God’s name, the New Jerusalem, and the Lord’s new name; becoming the new Christ in meaning.
Examples	Walking in spirit, rejecting worldly ways, refusing natural ambition.	Loving the brothers, keeping the Lord’s word, calling on the Lord’s name, treasuring Christ.
Application	Be restricted, walk in spirit, act according to God’s measure, emphasize life over work.	Pray-read the Word, muse on the Word, treasure the Word, stand on the ground of oneness.
Burden	God wants His people to take the way of life unto maturity and building.	God wants overcomers who “have a little strength,” keep His word, deny not His name.
Prophesying Guide	Speak life, encourage saints to walk the narrow way, emphasize inner transformation.	Declare Christ, treasure His person, stand in oneness, encourage saints toward New Jerusalem.
Direction	Walk in spirit, be limited by life, value quality over quantity, follow divine regulation.	Love the brothers, keep His word, call on His name, let the Lord open our inner being.
Scripture References	Acts 9:2 ...If you find someone of this way... 2 Peter 2:2, 15, 21 (The way of truth, the right way, the way of righteousness) Romans 8:4–6 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk according to the Spirit, not according to the flesh... John 1:51; Genesis 28:12 The ladder to heaven and the Spirit of life can overcome the impossible. 2 Corinthians 11:2–3 A simple love for the Lord. 1 Corinthians 3:12 Gold, silver, and precious stones (quality over quantity). Mark 14:8 She did all she could, and all she could manage. Romans 10:9–13 All who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.

 

Conclusion: 

The way of life is narrow and restricting but leads to maturity and building the Body.

The Philadelphia way is the narrow way of life—God’s ordained way for His recovery.

 

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training, General Topic: Matthew Chapters 5-7, The Most Important Aspects, Week 7: Entering Through the Narrow Gate and Walking Through the Narrow Path That Leads to Life, the Blessed Glory of the Kingdom Forever.