WHY FEW ENTER THE NARROW WAY (III)

Matthew 7:13-14. Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straightened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it.

Two paths: One leading to life, the other to destruction. One is a strait and narrow way, the other is wide or broad. Jesus states that only a few chose to enter the narrow way; while many chose to go in the broad way. Compare the main opening of the walls through which the principal part of the traffic flowed and the crevices, small tunnels that provided passage for only one person at a time, and that in a very limited and restricted way. Not straight spelled, s-t-r-a-i-g-h-t meaning uniformly the same, without curve or bend. It is the word, s-t-r-a-i-t, meaning small, restricted, tight and difficult of entering. Some of the reasons why few chose to enter the narrow way...

I.    Because the way is strict, rigorous and difficult.

       A.   Our Lord's use of the word "strait" shows that the way to life is hard, rigorous and difficult.

       B.   Many people do not enter the narrow way because of the difficulty involved. It takes one's whole being (Matt. 22:37). Most people shun a difficult task. We need to determine that though living the Christian life may be often difficult, we will be up to the task (Luke 9:23).

       C.   Examples in the Scriptures of those who courageously accepted difficult challenges

II.   Another reason many do not find the narrow way is because of peer pressure.

       A.   Many succumb to the pressures of family, friends, associates, religious leaders (John 9:18-22; 12:42-43; 5:39-44).

       B.   For one to be of the narrow way, he cannot allow anyone to discourage, pressure, or submit to wishes of anyone but God (Matt. 10:37; Luke 14:25-26).

III. Some fail to enter the narrow way because they desire to follow the majority.

       A.   Some never seem to be satisfied unless they are popular. But, did you notice that the majority of people are in the broad path which leads to destruction.

       B.   God warned Israel (Exodus 23:2).

       C.   Note the world during the days of Noah (Genesis 6; 1 Peter 3:19-21).

       D.   Look at the large group who left the bondage of Egypt (600,000 men, not counting the women) and then see how many of them actually entered the promised land, only 2.

       E.   Only a very few followed Jesus when He was upon this earth in the flesh. I am not saying that many cannot serve the Lord, but that historically it has always been the few. No doubt this is why Jesus said, "Few there be that find it."

IV. Others fail to enter the strait and narrow way because of procrastination.

       A.   They simply put off doing what they know to be the right thing to do. They meant to enter, but sought a more opportune, a more convenient time (Acts 24:25; 26:28, KJ; Mark 12:34).

       B.   Someone has said, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." Some keep saying: "I'm gonna, I'm a gonna" until they can only say: "I'm a goner".

CONCLUSION: Paul states, "Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor 6:2). May I encourage each one; learn what the will of the Lord is, and then move to obey it. Why take a chance with eternity? The only time we have is NOW, the present. Jesus Christ is the only way (John 14:6). God will not force you to become His child. He invites, He pleads, yea, He died for you. But, it is your choice.