This study was first taught on June 21, 2011

Topic: There Are Two Gates: Finding the Strait/Narrow Gate

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Background
Last week, we sought to identify the strait/narrow gate, and take a look at how to enter therein. We saw that the strait/narrow gate is none other than the Person of Jesus Christ. Jesus is The Door; He is The Gate; and, He is The Way to eternal life, and to the Father.

We saw that having identified the strait/narrow gate; there was also the need to have the access code to gain entry through Jesus Christ to the Father, and to eternal life. We noted that it was Jesus’ finished work on the cross at Calvary (His atoning sacrifice, His shed blood on the cross, and His redemptive work, etc.) that made it possible for mankind to be reconciled to the Father, as well as to have everlasting life. Hence, when a person comes to the realization of what Christ did for mankind, and believes in his heart and confesses his belief with his mouth, that person becomes born again by the Spirit of God and saved from sin. This then gives him access into all that God has kept for him and all others who choose the path of Christ. But this access must be through personal repentance, based on a firm assurance of faith, and a conviction from a humble heart. We also noted that there are the very vital keys of obedience to the word of God; adherence to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles/prophets; and, an ongoing vital relationship with God through the Holy Spirit, to gain access to the way that leads to life.

Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 7:13-14
Tonight, we shall be addressing the issue of having to find the strait/narrow gate. May the Holy Spirit help us to not just find the way, but to enter through this gate, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
The Lord tells us that few people find the way to life, which is through the strait/narrow gate. The issue then is, “Knowing that Jesus is the Way, which is apparently obvious; why is finding Him (the Doorway) an issue?”
Matthew 13:44, 45-46; Proverbs 2:1-5; Deuteronomy 30:10-14; Romans 10:6-10, 13-21; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4; John 3:18-20; 9:39-41; 3:1-15; Isaiah 53:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:12; 4:3-4; John 6:60-66; 8:43-47; Galatians 3:3; 5:17, 19-21; 1 Corinthians 2:12-14; 1 Corinthians 1:17-18; 2 Kings 5:1-14; Romans 12:2; Matthew 19:3-12, 16-23; Luke 24:1-11, 45; 14:25-33.

Conclusion
The phrase, “… few there be that find it” in our scripture text, would suggest that the strait/narrow gate is hidden, and that only few people can find it. It is not that the strait/narrow gate is hidden, for the gate is clear for all to see and find.

We have seen tonight that, the strait/narrow gate is not hidden to the extent that it cannot be found; rather, men do not find it because they really are not looking for it! In fact, many people are not interested in what is on offer in addition to eternal life; so, they conveniently do not find the strait/narrow gate. And even where the strait/narrow gate is apparent to all, many people still do not find it, because:
(a) Their eyes have been blinded by the god of this world, so they get into arguments about religion and why there should only be one way;
(b) They love darkness and the evil works thereof, rather than light;
(c) They are ignorant of the word of God;
(d) They are arrogant concerning the word of God, and are unable to submit to the simplicity of the gospel;
(e) The strait/narrow gate is not attractive;
(f) The entry requirements are unpleasant to the sinful nature of man (the flesh);
(g) They lack understanding of spiritual things;
(h) Their desire is for the things of flesh, rather than the things of the Spirit;
(i) They are carnally minded, and so, cannot receive the things of the Spirit;
(j) They expect the strait/narrow gate to be accessed by the qualities which they possess, rather than by grace;
(k) Their minds have not been renewed by the word of God;
(l) They want to enter the strait/narrow gate on their own terms (with the things that they are not supposed to bring in); and,
(m) The things of the kingdom are difficult to appreciate and accept.

When, however, a man’s understanding/eyes have been opened, he is able to perceive/see spiritual things for what they truly are; and, he can literally ‘sit down’ and count the cost of going through the strait/narrow gate; and then make up his mind to enter life thereat. It is as a result of such an earnest personal evaluation; and, the willingness to submit to the entry requirements thereof; that the strait/narrow gate is discovered! But not many people ‘sit down’ to count the cost, nor are they willing to submit to God’s entry requirements. Therefore, only a few eventually decide to pursue the right way to life, and ultimately ‘find’ the strait/narrow gate!

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