2. Don’t Get Shut Out Luke 13:22-30

3. 1. We must ask the right question “Lord, are there few who are saved?” (v23) Jew’s exclusivist view The few saved were going to be the Jews. Their nationality would save them. Jesus did not answer the wrong question Jesus answered the right question - “What must I do to be saved?”

4. 2. We must strive to get in the narrow gate We must strive - vs 24-25 Strive (def) “to fight, labor fervently, to struggle, to strain every nerve, the extreme effort of an athlete to win” How many are that serious? Jesus’words are difficult in an era of easy believism

5. 2. We must strive to get in the narrow gate We must strive - vs 24-25 The New Testament teaches: “labor for…the food which endures to everlasting life” John 6:27 “run in such a way that you may obtain it” 1 Cor 9:24 “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest…” Heb 4:11 “be even more diligent to make your call and election sure…” 2 Pet 1:10 “Fight the good fight of faith” 1Tim 6:12 “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” Phil 2:12

6. 2. We must strive to get in the narrow gate We must strive - vs 24-25 Passive - no. Fully engaged - yes Works will never save. The saved are working, active, obedient servants to His commands By their fruits you shall know – Matt 7:20 Faith without works is dead – Jas 2:17

7. 2. We must strive to get in the narrow gate The gate is narrow - vs 24 Mirrors Matt 7:13-14 Doesn't a narrow gate keep people out? - - - Yes “... not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Pet 3:9 God wants repentance and obedience first.

8. 2. We must strive to get in the narrow gate The gate is narrow - vs 24 Why a narrow gate? Screens out those who really don’t want to find Him and be with Him – Jn. 14:6 Causes people to make a decision about what is important – Mk. 10:25 Prevents someone dragging you in against your will – Rom. 10:9-10 He doesn't want anyone who doesn't want Him. It’s that simple. Rev. 22:14-15

9. 3. We must realize the value of the Kingdom before it’s too late A time is coming when no pleading will make a difference – vs 25 At this moment, the name of Jesus is common in our nation. Is He truly valued? A day is approaching…all access will be denied to those who are not part of Him. “I do not know you...depart from Me...” – vs 27

10. Closing What must I do to be saved? Strive to enter by the narrow gate. Realize the value of God’s kingdom before it is too late.

11. “He was having the time of his life... completely unaware that he was lost.” We must choose one “chair.”