This study was first taught on June 28, 2011

Topic: Strive to Enter in at the Strait/Narrow Gate

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Background
Last week, we noted that the phrase, “… few there be that find it” in reference to the strait/narrow gate, would suggest that the strait/narrow gate is hidden, and that only few people can find it. But then, we saw that the strait/narrow gate is not hidden, to the extent that it cannot be found; for Jesus is the Gate! Rather, we saw that men do not find Him because they really are not looking for Him! We also noted that even though many people want eternal life, they are not interested in Jesus as the means to eternal life, neither are they interested in being holy and humble (attributes which are needed to enter into eternal life); so, they conveniently do not find Jesus. And even where Jesus is made plain to man, many people still do not find Him, because:
(a) Their eyes have been blinded by the god of this world, so they get into arguments about religion and why it is that we are saying that Jesus is the only way;
(b) They love darkness and the evil works thereof, rather than the light that Christ brings;
(c) They are ignorant of the word of God, and the revelation of Jesus;
(d) They are arrogant concerning the word of God, and are unable to submit to the simplicity of the gospel;
(e) Jesus is not attractive to them in comparison to the riches of this world; besides, “How can a Saviour die?” they argue;
(f) What is needed to have a relationship with Jesus is unpleasant to the flesh;
(g) They lack understanding of spiritual things;
(h) Their desire is for the things of the 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 to gain access to Jesus by what they possess and can give, rather than by grace;
(k) Their minds have not been renewed by the word of God;
(l) They want to follow Jesus on their own terms; and,
(m) The things of the kingdom of God are difficult to appreciate and accept.

However, when a man’s understanding/eyes have been opened by the Lord, he is able to perceive and receive spiritual things. He then needs to literally ‘sit down’ and count the cost of following Jesus. Such earnest personal evaluation and a willingness to submit to Jesus enable us to know more of Him! But not many people ‘sit down’ to count the cost of following Jesus, nor are willing to submit to Him; therefore, only a few eventually decide to pursue the right way to eternal life, and ultimately, these ‘find’ Jesus!

Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 7:13-14; Luke 13:24
In our second scripture text, we are counselled to ‘strive’ to enter in at the strait/narrow gate. That is, strive to follow Jesus into eternal life! Why use the word ‘strive’? May the Holy Spirit grant us understanding, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
The word ‘strive’ indicates having to contend or compete to obtain something. It also indicates effort, hard work, or doing all it takes to obtain a thing. What the Lord is saying is that we should contend with things that are competing to take us away from Him, just as we would in a contest. That is, those things that are opposed to our entering into eternal life through Jesus. We are to do our very best to ensure that we remain with Him. This is the way to enter into eternal life.
2 Timothy 2:3-5; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:4; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Timothy 6:12; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Ephesians 6:10-13; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6;1 Corinthians 2:9-14; Galatians 5: 17, 24; Colossians 3:4-5; Matthew 5:29-30; 1 John 2:15-16; James 4:4; Hebrews 11:24-27; 1 Corinthians 10:13-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 John 5:4; Matthew 11:12; Philippians 3:12-14; 2 Peter 1:3-11; Romans 8:35-39.

Conclusion
First, we were told that if we are to enter into eternal life, it must be through Jesus, the strait/narrow gate. Then, we were told that we have to find Him; and now, we are being told that we have to put all our energies into entering into eternal life through Jesus. Why? First, entering in by any other means is impossible. Secondly, Jesus Christ is really not as popular as some of us may think, thus, we may find that we are alone when following Him; and this can be discouraging, which may make us want to stop following Him. Thirdly, in following Jesus, there are some well founded restrictions; hence, people who don’t like restrictions may have to make tough decisions. Fourthly, walking with Jesus kills the flesh; which means that we have to put our oldest and closest ‘friend’ before salvation, to death; which is a very painful thing to do! Fifthly, Jesus’ requirement for entering into eternal life may be unacceptable to many people, even including some church leaders who are teaching error. Sixthly, not all who find Jesus are able to enter into eternal life because there are forces that pull them away from continuing with Him. Seventhly, the value of eternal life makes it imperative that we fight the good fight of faith and overcome in the end.

It is not that following Jesus is difficult; it is just that the carnal man cannot imagine giving up things, which he believes cannot hinder his walk with God. For example, some people ask, “Are you saying that to have wealth or to enjoy some of the pleasures of this world can stop me from entering the kingdom of God?” In our bid to enter into eternal life through Jesus, we need to sit down and count the cost of following Jesus. We must also contend with forces that seek to oppose our faith in Jesus. Therefore, we must resist the devil, mortify the flesh, and overcome the world and temptation. In addition, we must submit totally to God, do His will and obey His word at all times, and keep growing in our knowledge of God and Jesus Christ. For instance, you must let go of that person you want to marry if God says so; you must be willing to take a lesser paying job for the sake of the kingdom of God; you must be prepared to give all to God in spite of your personal needs, if He says to give them up; and, if God asks you to come into full-time ministry, go into it, even when you know that a salary may not be forthcoming. Nothing should stop you from entering into eternal life through Jesus Christ!

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