Striving for Salvation: The Narrow Path to God

 

Summary

In our journey through Luke's Gospel, we find ourselves in the 13th chapter, where Jesus is asked a profound question: "Lord, are there few who are saved?" This question, though simple, delves into the heart of human destiny and divine judgment. Jesus responds with a call to strive to enter through the narrow gate, emphasizing the urgency and effort required to secure one's place in the kingdom of God. The imagery of the narrow gate contrasts sharply with the broad path that leads to destruction, a path many choose due to its ease and popularity.

Jesus warns of a time when the door to salvation will be shut, leaving many outside, knocking and pleading, only to hear the chilling words, "I do not know you." This passage challenges the assumption that God's mercy will automatically extend to all, urging us to examine our own spiritual state and the authenticity of our relationship with Christ. The sobering reality is that many who assume they are secure in their faith may find themselves excluded from the kingdom.

The narrative takes a poignant turn as Jesus laments over Jerusalem, expressing a deep, personal sorrow for the city's unwillingness to accept His offer of salvation. This lament highlights the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God desires to gather His people, their unwillingness and inability to come to Him without divine intervention underscore the complexity of free will and divine grace.

In this discourse, Jesus also addresses the Pharisees' warning about Herod's threat, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His mission, even in the face of danger. His response to Herod, calling him a "fox," reveals Jesus' awareness of the political and spiritual dynamics at play, yet His focus remains on fulfilling His prophetic destiny in Jerusalem.

This passage challenges us to reflect on our own spiritual journey, urging us to strive with all our might to enter through the narrow gate, to heed the warnings of Scripture, and to embrace the grace offered through Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- The narrow gate represents the challenging path to salvation, requiring intentional effort and commitment. It is not enough to have a casual interest in faith; we must strive with all our strength to enter the kingdom of God. This striving is not about earning salvation but about earnestly seeking a genuine relationship with Christ. [10:05]

- Jesus' warning about the door being shut serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of salvation. There will come a time when the opportunity to enter the kingdom will no longer be available, and those who assumed they were secure may find themselves outside. This calls for a sincere examination of our faith and relationship with God. [15:26]

- The lament over Jerusalem reveals the heart of God, who desires to gather His people under His protection. Yet, the people's unwillingness to come to Him highlights the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. It is a call to respond to God's invitation with a willing heart. [24:26]

- The concept of free will is explored through the inability of people to come to Christ without divine intervention. Our choices are bound by our desires, and without God's enabling grace, we cannot choose Him. This underscores the necessity of divine grace in our salvation. [26:42]

- Jesus' response to Herod's threat demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His mission. Despite the danger, He remains focused on fulfilling His prophetic destiny, reminding us of the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in our own spiritual journey. [23:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Reading from Luke 13
- [00:48] - The Narrow Gate
- [01:21] - The Door is Shut
- [02:04] - Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem
- [03:11] - Hard Sayings of Jesus
- [04:38] - Journey to Jerusalem
- [05:11] - Few Who Are Saved?
- [06:22] - The Reality of Hell
- [07:34] - The World's Hatred of Christianity
- [08:42] - God's Judgment and Mercy
- [09:47] - Striving for Salvation
- [11:09] - The Broad and Narrow Paths
- [12:58] - The Danger of Broad-Mindedness
- [14:54] - The Finality of the Closed Door
- [21:07] - Pharisees' Warning About Herod
- [23:27] - Jesus' Commitment to His Mission

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 13:22-35
- Matthew 7:13-14

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Observation Questions:

1. What question does someone ask Jesus in Luke 13:23, and how does Jesus respond? [00:31]
2. In the passage, what imagery does Jesus use to describe the path to salvation, and what does it signify? [00:48]
3. How does Jesus describe the reaction of those who find themselves outside the closed door in Luke 13:25-28? [01:05]
4. What is Jesus' response to the Pharisees' warning about Herod, and what does this reveal about His mission? [02:04]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does Jesus mean by "strive to enter through the narrow gate," and how does this relate to the concept of salvation? [10:05]
2. How does the imagery of the narrow gate and the broad path challenge common assumptions about salvation and God's mercy? [06:22]
3. In what ways does Jesus' lament over Jerusalem reflect the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility? [24:26]
4. How does Jesus' unwavering commitment to His mission, despite Herod's threat, serve as a model for perseverance in our spiritual journey? [23:11]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are there areas where you feel you are taking the "broad path" instead of striving for the "narrow gate"? What changes can you make to align more closely with Jesus' teachings? [12:58]
2. Jesus warns of a time when the door to salvation will be shut. How does this urgency affect your approach to your faith and relationship with God? [15:26]
3. Consider the ways in which you might be assuming security in your faith. How can you sincerely examine the authenticity of your relationship with Christ? [16:32]
4. Jesus expresses sorrow over Jerusalem's unwillingness to accept salvation. How can you respond to God's invitation with a willing heart in your daily life? [24:26]
5. The sermon discusses the necessity of divine grace in our salvation. How can you cultivate a deeper reliance on God's grace in your spiritual practices? [26:42]
6. Jesus remained focused on His mission despite external threats. What are some distractions or threats in your life that you need to overcome to stay committed to your spiritual goals? [23:11]
7. How can you actively strive to enter the narrow gate in your community, and what steps can you take to encourage others to do the same? [10:05]

Devotional

Day 1: Striving for the Narrow Gate
The narrow gate represents the challenging path to salvation, requiring intentional effort and commitment. It is not enough to have a casual interest in faith; we must strive with all our strength to enter the kingdom of God. This striving is not about earning salvation but about earnestly seeking a genuine relationship with Christ. The imagery of the narrow gate contrasts sharply with the broad path that leads to destruction, a path many choose due to its ease and popularity. Jesus emphasizes the urgency and effort required to secure one's place in the kingdom of God, urging us to examine our own spiritual state and the authenticity of our relationship with Him. [10:05]

"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." (Matthew 7:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with Christ and ensure you are on the path through the narrow gate?


Day 2: The Urgency of Salvation
Jesus' warning about the door being shut serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of salvation. There will come a time when the opportunity to enter the kingdom will no longer be available, and those who assumed they were secure may find themselves outside. This calls for a sincere examination of our faith and relationship with God. The sobering reality is that many who assume they are secure in their faith may find themselves excluded from the kingdom. It is a call to not take God's grace for granted and to live with a sense of urgency in our spiritual journey. [15:26]

"Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you have been procrastinating in your spiritual growth? How can you address this today with a sense of urgency?


Day 3: God's Heart for His People
The lament over Jerusalem reveals the heart of God, who desires to gather His people under His protection. Yet, the people's unwillingness to come to Him highlights the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. It is a call to respond to God's invitation with a willing heart. Jesus expresses a deep, personal sorrow for the city's unwillingness to accept His offer of salvation, underscoring the complexity of free will and divine grace. This passage challenges us to reflect on our own openness to God's call and our willingness to be gathered under His care. [24:26]

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!" (Matthew 23:37, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you resisted God's invitation to draw closer to Him? How can you open your heart to His call today?


Day 4: The Necessity of Divine Grace
The concept of free will is explored through the inability of people to come to Christ without divine intervention. Our choices are bound by our desires, and without God's enabling grace, we cannot choose Him. This underscores the necessity of divine grace in our salvation. It is a reminder that while we are called to strive for the narrow gate, it is ultimately God's grace that empowers us to do so. We are dependent on His grace to transform our hearts and align our desires with His will. [26:42]

"For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you acknowledge and rely on God's grace in your daily walk with Him? What specific area of your life needs His transformative power today?


Day 5: Perseverance in the Face of Opposition
Jesus' response to Herod's threat demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His mission. Despite the danger, He remains focused on fulfilling His prophetic destiny, reminding us of the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in our own spiritual journey. His response to Herod, calling him a "fox," reveals Jesus' awareness of the political and spiritual dynamics at play, yet His focus remains on fulfilling His mission in Jerusalem. This passage encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when faced with challenges and opposition. [23:11]

"Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." (Hebrews 12:3, ESV)

Reflection: What challenges or opposition are you currently facing in your spiritual journey? How can you remain steadfast and focused on your mission in Christ today?

Quotes


Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many I say to you will seek to enter and will not be able. And when Once the Master of the House has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door saying, Lord Lord open to us, he will answer and say to you I do not know you where you are from. [00:48:12]

There will be weeping, a gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and yourselves thrust out they will come from the East and the west from the North and the South and sit down in the kingdom of God and indeed there are last who will be first and there are first it will be last. [01:32:82]

Oh Jerusalem Jerusalem the one who kills the prophets and Stones those who were sent to her how often I wanted to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings but you were not willing. See your house is Left To You desolate and assuredly I say to you you shall not see me until the time comes when you say blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. [02:44:18]

The word that is translated here Strife is the Greek word from which we get the English word agony, that is he's not saying have a casual interest of entering in through the narrow gate, but if necessary pommel yourself until you're bleeding, exert yourself with the full measure of whatever strength you have to make sure that you get through the narrow gate, whatever Agony it takes, be willing to go through it. [10:03:54]

Enter by the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and Broad is the way that leads to destruction and there are many who go in by it because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life and there are a few who find it there in The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus contrasts two things, the size of the gates and the number of those who enter. [11:15:79]

Bad enough that Jesus teaches us that the gate is narrow and that there are a few who find it, but it gets worse, you might want to leave I mean you've heard some bad news so far it's going to get worse because now he talks about what happens when the door is shut, at least that narrow gate allows access into the kingdom of God, there is a door to heaven. [14:49:32]

Jesus said when Once the Master of the House has risen up and shut the door and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door saying Lord Lord open for us, he will answer and say to you I don't know you, where are you from, doesn't this remind you of the final words of Jesus on The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew many will come to me on that day saying Lord Lord didn't we do this in your name. [15:41:76]

Jesus is weeping over the city, how often I would have hugged you to myself brought you safely Under My Wings, but you wouldn't, you weren't willing, you say See Jesus isn't a calvinist, Jesus believed that the reason why these people wouldn't come to him is because they weren't willing to, they exercised their free will to say no to Jesus invitation. [24:35:34]

No man can come to me unless it's given to him, God has to enable you to come to Christ because you can't come to Christ without divine intervention, so they would not because they could not, but why is it that they could not, well they could not because they would not, Now isn't that a Vicious Circle I only travel in the best circles, they would not because they could not. [25:30:84]

Free Will is the ability to choose what you want without coercion, and I've said it to you many times not only you are free to choose what you want not only may you choose what you want you must choose what you want because the very essence of free choice is choosing what you want most at a given moment, and the problem with the people of Jerusalem is not that they. [26:13:46]

God cannot save somebody that doesn't want to be saved, God's a gentleman he can't impose his will on an unwilling Center and intervene and change the disposition of that Sinner's heart what Cosmic law is it that forbids the Creator from recreating the creature for the creatures Eternal salvation kind of a doctrine of God is that, no beloved, God can save all. [28:20:68]

He has decided from all eternity to save but a few, which is his Sovereign right, and it is for His glory, my only question for you this morning is this, are you numbered among that few. [28:21:70]

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Transcript
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