“ENTER YE IN BY THE NARROW GATE” (Matthew 7:13,14)

Matthew 7:13,14 “Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it.” Only two ways and only two eternal destinies Many more people are going to hell than are going to heaven.

O.T. Background Of Jesus’ Words Noah’s generation, (Gen. 6:1, 5-8) only 8-few saved(1 Pet. 3:20). Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:25) only 3-few Generation in the Wilderness (Num. 14:26-30) only Joshua and Caleb Elijah’s day (2 Sam. 24:9; 1 Kings 19:14,18) very few- numbering says 1.3 million soldiers and years later 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal Isaiah’s Day (Isa. 1:9)-small remnant- Judah was sinful

WHY WILL MANY BE LOST? Not because: God does not love all men (Jn. 3:16) God wills that some be lost (2 Pet. 3:9) Christ only died for some but not all (1 Jn. 2:2; Jn. 1:29). Lack of God’s power (Mk. 16:15; Rom. 1:16)

REASONS THAT MANY WILL BE LOST Rom. 3:23- all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Jn. 3: because men love darkness rather than light. The broad way is easier- no resistance on that path. Satan makes it seem smooth and easy Because the broad way allows one to be religious (Mt. 7:21-23; Eph. 4:4; 1:22,23).

The Narrow Gate In Context Jesus’ words in contrast to those of the OT or Scribes and Pharisees (5:21-48) Seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness first (Mt. 6:33) Mt. 7:12- Practice the “golden rule” 7:15- Beware of false prophets. 7:21- “not everyone who says, Lord, Lord will enter …”

How Much Effort Are we making to lead others off the broad way and onto the narrow way? (Acts 18:8; 1 Cor. 6:9-11) Are we making to keep ourselves on the narrow way? (Rev. 2:10- Be faithful unto death and receive the crown of life…”). Does it take to live for Jesus?

Ways To Keep Off The Broad Path Avoid the sins and pitfalls of the broad path Avoid the doubt of unbelievers Do not grow discouraged due to the many who are on the broad way (1 Kings 19:4). Elijah thought he was the only one. Contend with the unbelieving and ungodly Fight the good fight of faith and put on your armor (Eph. 6) Continue in God’s way (Heb. 11:7)

Attitudes Toward The Narrow Some are ashamed to admit that there is only one true church pleasing to God. They want to open doors of fellowship to those in error. Some are ashamed of the gospel. Witnessed by the social gospel movement and the desire to appeal to the worldly masses. Some think it legalistic to only do those things we have authority to do.

Some Things To Face To stay on the straight and narrow path, we will have to be willing to face persecution. To insist on God’s one plan of salvation for all men is considered by many “cultism.” The doctrine of the narrow path that leads to life and few find it is offensive to some. God’s Word is powerful enough to convict men of their sins (2 Tim. 3:16,17; Rom. 1:16).

WHICH PATH ARE YOU ON? Mt. 7:21ff- Says that many religious and devout people will not be pleased that the Lord never claimed them. Many religious people- even some “name-only” Christians will not make it to heaven. To be on the broad way- you can do everything your heart desires- or you can do nothing at all- your choice! To be on the narrow path- you must submit, humble yourself and be obedient and faithful.