Matthew 7:13-14

Today we enter into the conclusion of Jesus’s sermon on the mount.

The essentials are so simple in Jesus’s sermon, in 6:24 we are to serve God, v33 we’re to seek God first and His righteousness.

Second, when those commands seem daunting, we’re to ask God for help!

When we seek His grace, He will grant it (7:7-11).

Third, the path of discipleship is harder, but better, than drifting along with the world.

We’re to choose the harder but better road (vv13-14).

That’s Jesus’s first conclusion, but Jesus is a really good preacher because

He has four endings.

There are also two trees (7:15–20). Good trees bear good fruit, and bad trees bear bad fruit.

What fruit do you bear? What do your words and deeds reveal about your nature?

There are two ways to call upon Jesus (7:21–23). Some call upon his name and even prophesy and perform wonders in that name.

But they do not know him and are not saved.

Others call upon him as their true Lord and are saved.

On the last day, when all stand before Jesus, the Judge, there will be one question.

Do you know Jesus as Savior or not?

Two builders construct houses on two foundations (7:24–27).

In dry weather, both look sound.

But when the rain comes, the rivers rise, and the wind blows, all is revealed.

A house built on sand will collapse, but a house built on rock will stand.

Upon what foundation do you build?

These are the four images that Jesus gives to describe their choice.

For this morning, Jesus issues a challenge to His hearers to respond right to His teaching.

"“...For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it."

‘Enter through the narrow gate,’ is an immensely serious demand.

Jesus sets before them two gates, two roads, two destinies and, therefore, two classes of hearer.

The gate and the road, or way, seem to represent a decisive act followed by a lifelong walk.

The end of the walk is either destruction, the hell of 5:30, or

eternal life, the equivalent of entering the kingdom of heaven (5:20; 7:21).

The true disciple embarks on the journey, ‘the road that leads to life’ (7:14), by entering through the narrow gate.

In the words,

‘For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction’ (7:13), he is focusing on the present situation.

If they turn down his offers of mercy, reject his demand for repentance and

for works suited to righteousness, then they will end up in hell.

All his hearers are confronted with a choice, a decision that has to be made.

Decisive action is required, not admiration.

Today’s message will be seen in two main points.

The WRONG path and the RIGHT path.

Let’s break down the wrong path first.

The WRONG path

v13 "“...For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it."

First, the Condemnation of the path. “destruction”

This is eternal destruction, as Paul calls it. "since it is just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you "and to give relief to you who are afflicted, along with us. This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels, "when he takes vengeance with flaming fire on those who don’t know God and on those who don’t obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. "They will pay the penalty of eternal destruction from the Lord’s presence and from his glorious strength” ()

By “destruction” we are to understand a cursed state of man, in which

he is without all fellowship with God in respect to His

If there are any on this road, you must flee from it today!

“destruction” we are to understand a cursed state of man, in which he is without all fellowship with God in respect of His favor, mercy, and love, and yet in body, soul, and conscience does apprehend the bitterness of God’s wrath and fury forevermore, having no fellowship save only with the devil and his angels, and damned souls. This is no life but eternal death

favor,

mercy, and

love, and

yet in body, soul, and conscience he does apprehend the

bitterness of God’s wrath and fury forever!

Having no other fellowship except with the devil and his angels, and damned souls.

This is no life but eternal death!

The “happy” one in doesn’t “stand in the pathway with sinners”.

"...but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.” ()

If there are any on this road, you must flee from it today!

If there are any on this road, you must flee from it today!

This wide path can be traveled upon on the highway of a foul contaminating life

or it can be traveled upon the back way of hypocrisy!

Which ever way you do your sinning it will be to your eventual ruin and destruction if you don’t repent!

"For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight you. "Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you. "It will rescue you from the way of evil— ...” ()

Second, the Character of the path. “wide…broad...”

Brothers and sisters, for those on this broad path, every step taken, no matter how easy it is for them now,

Brothers and sisters, for those on this broad path, every step taken, no matter how easy it is for them now,

each step taken is a step towards eternal ruin!

No matter how inviting the progress these folks make, the end of where they’re heading is frightful!

Second, the Character of the path. “wide…broad...”

Oh wow, complete independence, no restraint in traveling down this path!

This gate is wide it stands wide open to tempt those that are traveling upon the RIGHT path.

You may enter in at this gate with all your evil desires, thoughts, and deeds

It’s a broad way, there’s nothing to hedge in those that walk in it but they wander endlessly.

There’s nothing to hedge in.

Third, the Crowd on the path. “many who go through it.”

We find this path to be crowded. You’ll have an abundance of company with you on this path!

Many pass through this gath and travel this path.

But be assured, if we follow the multitude, it will be to do evil.

If we go with the crowd it will be the wrong way!

Sadly it’s natural for us to incline to go down the stream, to do what everyone else does!

This teaches us to so cautious! Many go to hell!

Fourth, the Consequences of the path. “...leads to destruction...”

We’ve touched on this already, but this is the end. This is where that path leads at the end.

The consequence is eternity in hell!

So the question as to what path you’re on, is of utmost importance!

the RIGHT path.

"“Enter through the narrow gate. … “How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.” ()

First, the Command about the path. “Enter through the narrow gate.”

The call issued by Jesus here, “Enter through the narrow gate.” is a command.

As in speaking of matters that pertain to salvation,

it’s seen as a command to be obey rather than an offer to just make a decision on.

This is command is a command to enter into eternal life.

Jesus says, "I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved ...” () "Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” () The writer of Hebrews says this, "For we also have received the good news just as they did. But the message they heard did not benefit them, since they were not united with those who heard it in faith. "For we who have believed enter the rest ...” ()

Second, the Character of the path. “…narrow is the gate and difficult the road...”

The writer of Hebrews says this, "For we also have received the good news just as they did. But the message they heard did not benefit them, since they were not united with those who heard it in faith. "For we who have believed enter the rest ...” ()

We’re talking about conversion to God by faith in Jesus Christ!

Listen to the Apostle’s testimony! "After they arrived and gathered the church together, they reported everything God had done with them and that he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.” () This door of faith is described a few verses later like this: "When they had been sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and they brought great joy to all the brothers and sisters.” ()

The door of faith is connected to conversion and the joy that follows salvation!

1st. Once you’ve come in through the gate or door of Jesus, you’re in!

You’ll not fail to be on the narrow road and end in life eternal! "I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” ()

No converts nor true believers can perish more than one can pluck out of Christ’s hand what he minds to hold; .

2nd. This is the gate that men and women and boys and girls are set on the path to heaven.

They that have passed through this gate are travellers to Immanuel’s land.

Second, the Character of the path. “…narrow is the gate and difficult the road...”

They are come out of Egypt,

they have passed through the Red sea, and

they are now in the wilderness,

on the path to the promised land.

3rd. This is the gate that looks directly to the door of heaven, and leads its travelers there.

Just as the wide gate looks directly at hell, and leads its travelers there.

4th. This is the gate by which God’s people turn their backs on the wide gate and the broad road because it’s contrary to them now.

"For the person who has entered his rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from his.” ()

Second, the Character of the path. “…narrow is the gate and difficult the road...”

You can go a lot of different courses in this life and shift around from one thing to another,

they’re still on the road that lead to destruction.

Jesus said, "“Truly I tell you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” ()

Once you enter, you become separated from this ol world and its ways,

"Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord; do not touch any unclean thing, and I will welcome you. "And I will be a Father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” ()

And once they come in, they come under the protection of their Father in heaven.

"You, Lord, will guard us; you will protect us from this generation forever.” ()

Second, the Character of the path. “…narrow is the gate and difficult the road...”

Being narrow, it makes it hard to see the gate.

Most of the world walks right past the gate and never sees it or finds it.

It’s difficult too.

Some insincere followers of Christ who followed Jesus for what they could get said this about the teaching ministry of Jesus: "...This teaching is hard. Who can accept it?”” () Then we read just a few verses later, "From that moment many of his disciples turned back and no longer accompanied him.” ()

There are several reasons why this entrance is narrow and difficult.

1st. We have the mighty opposition of our nature, which is described like this:

Third, the Crowd on the path. “…few find it.”

"The mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so.” ()

The mindset of fallen man is hatred of God but it’s such a futile war!

He doesn’t submit to God’s Word nor is man even capable!

It’s impossible apart from the power of God’s Spirit to obey God’s commands from the heart!

2nd. There are a variety of lively sins that are about the natural man

There’s room enough to receive the man but it’s narrow and constricting to him when he comes to the gate with all his sins upon him.

Imagine trying to enter with all that’s described in , foolishness, disobedience, deception, enslaved to sin and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hatred, and detesting others.

3rd. You have the very keen opposition made by satan to the soul’s entry.

When our souls begin to entertain thoughts of turning to God, hell is alarmed,

and our ancient foe comes to oppose with all his might!

Listen to ,"...Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you with great fury, because he knows his time is short.”

The serpent is crafty! He knows how to pile on top those seeking entrance.

(1.) Think of the force (or power) of a multitude upon an individual.

Listen to what the Jews in Rome tell the Apostle Paul. "But we want to hear what your views are, since we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect.”” ()

People everywhere where speaking against Christ and His followers.

“Hey!!” satan says, “You go on this path, you too will be spoken against! You’d not be spoken ill of if you’re in with the crowd!”

He’s such a liar!

(2.) Satan applies the temptation of getting others to believe that they have more than enough time.

Young people shrug off hell assuming that they have many years to come!

I’ve seen people who’ve put off come unto Christ and their sickness takes an awful turn

which rendered their senses incapable and when their time came,

the wind from heaven didn’t rise and so they sink in the harbor, never got to the gate!

And if that doesn’t work

(3.) satan will seek to drive a man into despair!

Those that have been awakened but are not yet converted, he dashes to accuse them!

He preaches to them the severity of the justice of God.

He will pile up all their sins in their faces so that they become hopeless!

(4.) Lastly, satan will dog them with a multitude of temptations to sin more than ordinary.

And the sinner seeing his corruption more prevalent than before,

they are brought to a place where they quite and lost all hope of obtaining the victory!

This is the character of the path.

Third, the Crowd on the path. “…few find it.”

Go all the way back in your mind to the flood in .

Thinking of through the grid of many are lost and few are saved.

"Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with wickedness. "God saw how corrupt the earth was, for every creature had corrupted its way on the earth.” ()

Fourth, the Consequences of the path. “...that leads to life...”.

That’s the many! Listen about the few in the next chapter: "Then the Lord said to Noah, “Enter the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you alone are righteous before me in this generation.” ()

Or dear interceding Abraham, pleading with the Lord to spare Sodom if as few as 10 righteous people where there.

Jesus said that He’s in our midst when as few as two or three gather together! BUT

"Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom.” ()

Fourth, the Consequences of the path. “...that leads to life...”.

It is the way of self-denial that “leads to life” in its full, eschatological sense:

a. fellowship with God in Christ, first in heaven, subsequently in the new heaven and earth; plus

Fourth, the Consequences of the path. “...that leads to life...”.

b. all the blessings resulting from such fellowship.

"For this reason they are before the throne of God, and they serve him day and night in his temple. The one seated on the throne will shelter them: "They will no longer hunger; they will no longer thirst; the sun will no longer strike them, nor will any scorching heat. "For the Lamb who is at the center of the throne will shepherd them; he will guide them to springs of the waters of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” () "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. "I also saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. "Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away. "Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new.” He also said, “Write, because these words are faithful and true.” "Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will freely give to the thirsty from the spring of the water of life. "The one who conquers will inherit these things, and I will be his God, and he will be my son.” ()

Do you bear the marks of being a follower of Christ?

Do you have faith?

The prophet Habakkuk asked God about why Israel was being treated so severely.

God responded by revealing that everyone was going to suffer at the hands of Babylon and that

God was actually moving in judgment towards His people that had sinned against Him!

Then God’s makes this statement: “…But the righteous one will live by his faith.” ().

With this coming affliction Israel might ask, “Who shall we run to? Where shall we brace ourselves?”

But the righteous one will live by his faith.” ().

He answers, “by faith!”

There’s coming judgment against all sin beloved, flee to Christ by faith!

Why should you enter in?

ONE. Because the thing for which you are exhorted to enter is worth entering.

It’s none less than the whole of heaven with Christ for eternity!

What, other than Christ, and eternal life enjoyed with Him, other then that, what in heaven or on earth would be your motivation to enter in?

TWO. Enter in because otherwise the devil and hell will certainly have you.

These fallen angels, that are always

watchful and diligent,

unwearied,

and also stealthy,

subtle, and

malicious,

seeking nothing more than the damnation of your soul!

THREE. Enter in because every evil desire and lust strives and wars against your soul!

Remember, “For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit...” ().

“Dear friends” Peter says, “I urge you as strangers and exiles to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul.” ().

FOUR. Enter in because the whole world is against you. The world hates you if you’re a Christian.

The world will seek to keep you out of seeing Christ’s eternal glory in heaven by their:

Mocking, taunting, threatenings, imprisonments, burnings, and a 1,000 deaths, so enter in!

And if it can’t over come you with those frightful things, it will also

seek to overcome your soul with

flattery,

promises,

allurements,

enticements, and

use a 1,000 tricks on either hand to destroy you!

So, for the unsaved.

Come to God by Christ!

Christ is the way, the truth, and the life and you cannot get to God the Father except through Christ.

"Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them.” ()

"For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. ...” ()

Nothing is gained by idleness in Christianity.

Come to Christ in the free offer of the gospel, by faith.

"I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved ...” ()

Come to Christ and bear your cross."Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” ()

Oh may Christ bring the conviction of your own sin upon you!

May Christ pierce your heart through with repentance and bring you down to the dust in contrition and humility!

May He do it until He overturns the decaying foundations you’ve been building your life upon!

If you truly (by God’s grace) come to Christ by faith in Him alone, He will justify, sanctify, and ultimately glorify you!