AM Scripture Reading: Luke 13.22-27

This Morning’s Sermon:

Brent T. Willey

THE NARROW WORDS OF JESUS

Luke 13.22-27

Introduction:

1. Jesus called people to discipleship, but His call was always a call to action, for immediate and continued obedience, for total commitment & consecration.
2. Jesus responded to the question, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” by saying, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able ” (Luke 13.23-24).
3. The restrictive response has nothing to do with “limited atonement,” but it has to do with the unwillingness of many to come to Christ on the Lord’s terms, as indicated in vs. 25-27.
4. There are three significant points we need to consider:
   1. The epistles carry the same weight as the Gospels.
   2. The words of Jesus are extremely “narrow.”
   3. “Seeking” Jesus requires real effort on our part!

I. THE WEIGHT OF THE EPISTLES

1. They are the words of the Spirit – John 16.12-13
2. The epistles are the Lord’s words – John 16.14-15
3. They are inspired & all sufficient – 2 Tim. 3.16-17

II. THE NARROW WORDS OF JESUS

1. The Road Less Traveled – Matt. 7.13-14, 21-23
2. The Proper Foundation – Luke 6.46-49
3. The Exclusive Confession – John 8.24
4. The Ultimate Judge – John 12.48
5. The Only Way – John 14.6

III. WHAT IT TAKES TO SEEK JESUS

1. Seek Him primarily – Matt. 6.33
2. Seek Him diligently – Luke 13.23-24
3. Seek Him wholeheartedly – Matt. 22.37-40
4. Seek Him sacrificially – Mark 8.34-38

Conclusion: Those who wish to seek the Lord casually, and not diligently, will be left standing outside the gate!