The Narrow Gate

Matthew 7:13-29, NKJV

Purpose: To call the congregation to self-examination, obedience, and genuine faith in Christ by contrasting true and false discipleship. In this sermon Jesus compares two paths, two trees and two foundations, each time He makes it clear to us that we choose through how we live our lives, let that sink in and think about it as we study these three comparisons today in the final section of the Sermon on the Mount.

I. Two Paths: The Narrow Gate vs. the Wide Gate (vv. 13-14)

"Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it."

A. The Wide Gate – The Path of Destruction

Characteristics: Spacious and easy. Many follow it. Leads to eternal destruction.

Implication: This is the path of sin, self-indulgence, and worldly compromise. Many people choose it because it requires no sacrifice.

B. The Narrow Gate – The Path of Life

Characteristics: Small and difficult. Few find it. Leads to eternal life.

Implication: The narrow gate represents salvation through Christ alone (John 14:6).

Walking the narrow road requires repentance, submission, perseverance and intentionality. You have to make the effort to abide in Christ. It is a road that is hard to walk, uphill, and often alone or secluded from the rest of the world. When you follow the path God has for you it takes you closer to Him and farther from the world.

Supporting Scriptures:

John 10:9 – “Jesus is the gate; whoever enters through Him will be saved.”

Luke 13:24 – “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door.”

✅ Application: The narrow road demands genuine discipleship, not mere association with Christianity. It requires faith that is actionable, and intentional for Christ. Are you on the path of life or destruction? You cant have one foot on the narrow road and one on the wide road; they are headed to opposite places.

II. Two Trees: The Fruit of True and False Prophets (vv. 15-20)

“Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles?”

A. False Prophets – Bad Trees with Rotten Fruit

Appearance: They look like sheep (outwardly pious), but are inwardly wolves (destructive). Deceptive in doctrine and practice.

Fruit: Teach false doctrine. Promote self-centered living. Lead others away from the truth.

B. True Prophets – Good Trees with Healthy Fruit

Appearance: Faithful to God’s Word. Humble and God-glorifying.

Fruit: Teach sound doctrine. Exhibit love, holiness, and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Supporting Scriptures:

1 John 4:1 – “Test the spirits to see if they are from God.”

Jeremiah 23:16 – Warning against false prophets who speak deceit.

✅ Application: Spiritual discernment is essential. Don’t be deceived by outward appearances—test all teaching against Scripture.

III. Two Foundations: The Wise and the Foolish Builders (vv. 21-29)

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”

A. False Disciples – The Foolish Builder (vv. 21-23)

Outward Profession: They call Jesus “Lord” but lack genuine faith. Religious activity does not guarantee salvation.

Final Judgment: Jesus will declare, “I never knew you.” They are cast away from His presence.

B. True Disciples – The Wise Builder (vv. 24-29)

Obedient Action: They hear and apply Christ’s teaching. Their faith is demonstrated by obedience.

Firm Foundation: Built on the solid rock of Christ. Withstands the storms of life and final judgment.

Supporting Scriptures:

James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word and not hearers only.”

Luke 6:47-48 – The wise builder digs deep and lays a solid foundation.

✅ Application: Genuine faith is evidenced by obedience to Christ. Examine whether your life displays the fruit of true discipleship.

Three Applications:

Examine your path. Are you on the narrow road of discipleship or the broad road of destruction? True salvation requires repentance, trust in Christ, and a willingness to walk in obedience, even when it’s difficult.

2. Test the fruit of spiritual leaders. Do not follow teachers based on charisma or popularity. Test their doctrine and lives against Scripture.

3. Build your life on the rock of Christ. Do not merely profess faith with words—demonstrate it through obedience. A life founded on Christ will endure trials and stand firm on the Day of Judgment.

Conclusion:

Jesus’ closing words in the Sermon on the Mount call for self-examination and commitment. The narrow gate, the good tree, and the firm foundation all symbolize genuine discipleship—a life transformed by God’s grace and characterized by obedience. Superficial faith will not stand in the Day of Judgment.

What are the main differences between the narrow gate and the wide gate as described in Matthew 7:13-14?

What theological implications does the choice of the narrow gate have for one's faith and salvation?

What does it mean to 'enter through the narrow gate' in practical terms?

In your own life, how can you ensure you are following the narrow path as described in the sermon?

What are some personal challenges you face in walking the narrow road of obedience to Christ?

What are the characteristics of the false prophets mentioned in the sermon?

What disciplines can you adopt to ensure you are producing good fruit in your life?

In what ways can you assess your own spiritual fruitfulness based on the sermon’s teachings?

How can you practically build your life on the foundation of Christ to withstand life's challenges?

What steps can you take to evaluate the teachings of spiritual leaders against Scripture?

How does the sermon reflect the nature of true discipleship according to Christian theology?

What is the significance of the declaration 'I never knew you' in relation to authentic faith?

How does the passage illustrate the relationship between faith and works in a believer's life?

What disciplines can you adopt to ensure you are producing good fruit in your life?

How does Jesus' teaching on the two foundations relate to the concept of stability in Christian faith?

In what ways can you assess your own spiritual fruitfulness based on the sermon’s teachings?