AM Scripture Reading: Matthew 7.7-14

This Morning’s Sermon:

Brent T. Willey

CAN THE NARROW BECOME WIDE?

Matthew 7.13-14

Introduction:

1. Jesus emphatically stated, “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 which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt. 7.13-14, nkjv).
2. Luke records a question asked of Jesus, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” Jesus responds, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many will seek to enter and will not be able” (Luke 13.23-24).
3. A couple of important questions are in order…

WHY IS THE “NARROW” SO RARELY CHOSEN?

1. False teaching influences many people. (Matt. 7.15-20)
   1. They are disguised! (V. 15; cf., 2 Pet. 2.1-3)
   2. “By their fruits you will know them” (vs. 16-20).
2. Unauthorized practices are rationalized. (Matt. 7.21-23)
   1. Seemingly good works… (V. 22)
   2. “Lawlessness” [Anomia: “illegality – violation of law.”]
3. A refusal to do what Jesus said! (Matt. 7.24-28; Luke 6.46)
   1. Remember: Doing “what” God says, the “way” God says, and all “because” God says is being wise!
   2. To do otherwise leads to a great fall!
4. The “wide” is the majority choice! (Matt. 7.13, nlt)

EXCHANGING THE “NARROW” WITH THE “WIDE”

1. When we change God’s will by either adding to it, or by subtracting from it. (Rev. 22.18-19; cf., Deut. 4.2; Prov. 30.6)
2. The “narrow” being exchanged with the “wide.”
   1. Moral issues- (1 Tim. 1.5-11; Rom. 1.18-32; 1 Cor. 6.9-11) [E.g., sexuality, marriage, ethics, alcohol & drugs etc.]
   2. Doctrinal issues- (Matt. 15.8-9; 2 John 9-11; 2 Tim. 4.2-4) [E.g., baptism, Lord’s Supper, local church, elders, etc.]
3. We must not go “beyond what is written” (1 Cor. 4.6)!

Conclusion: Which gate do you use? What path are you pursuing?