Two Gates Series

Sermon on the Mount (Two Gates)

Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)

There have always been two systems of religion in the world. One is God's system of divine accomplishment, and the other is man's system of human achievement. One is the religion of God's grace; the other is of men's works. One is the religion of faith, the other the religion of the flesh. One is the religion of the sincere heart and the internal, the other the religion of hypocrisy and the external. Within man's system are thousands of religious forms and names, but they are all built on man’s achievements and the inspiration of Satan. On the other hand, Christianity is the religion of divine accomplishment, and it stands alone.

In this study, we will consider these two opposing pathways to decide wisely which path we are on; the one that ends in destruction or the one that leads to life -

13“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

There have always been two systems of religion in the world. One is God's system of divine accomplishment, and the other is man's system of human achievement. One is the religion of God's grace, and the other is of men's works. One is the religion of faith, the other the religion of the flesh. One is the religion of the sincere heart and the internal, the other the religion of hypocrisy and the external. Thousands of religious forms and names are within man's system, but they are all built on man's achievements and Satan's inspiration. On the other hand, Christianity is the religion of divine accomplishment, and it stands alone.

In this study, we will consider these two opposing pathways, so we can decide wisely which we are on.

“Enter through the narrow gate.

"Enter through the narrow gate…Nevertheless, the gate is narrow, and the way is difficult, leading to life, and few find it.

"Enter through the narrow gate because it is vast, and the way is spacious, leading to destruction, and many enter through it. However, the gate is narrow, and the way is difficult, leading to life, and few find it.

The Wide Pathway

"Enter through the narrow gate because the gate is wide and the way is spacious that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

The wide pathway is popular.

Christ says only a few find the narrow path, so the broad way is popular and tempting. Since crowds are on it, it is very alluring. Those who don't follow it are looked down upon, considered strange, and often persecuted.

This pathway is inclusive, as it includes the world's various views, religions, and lifestyles. It is the pathway of self-achievement and works

that leads to destruction,

Destruction does not mean those on this pathway cease to exist. They do not. All will live eternally, either in damnation or blessing. Destruction refers to eternal ruin (cf. Matt 8:12, Rev 14:11, 20:10). However, this ruin does not just happen at the end of the pathway; it happens throughout. The world's views on marriage, parenting, education, success, etc., all lead to constant ruin. God made this world based on spiritual principles. When denied, these causes hurt, pain, depression, and even death (Rom 8:6). The wide pathway leads to earthly and eternal ruin.

Observation Question: What are the characteristics of the wide pathway?

The Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible said:

The broad and easy way can be followed without thought. There is plenty of space to walk in; there is plenty of space for the beautiful things of the world to grow and allure; there is plenty of space for a person to wander about. It is not easy to wander off its path. The broad way is the way of the unthoughtful, the undisciplined, the lazy, the worldly, the ungodly, the materialistic, and the carnal.

The wide pathway leads to destruction. (Matthew 7:13-14)

The narrow pathway refers to the need for conversion and the continuing process of sanctification.

Application Question: Which aspects of the wide pathway stood out to you most and why?

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life,

Because straight (wide) is the gate, and narrow is the road,... And so, difficult to enter in at; and when entered, the way is unpleasant to the flesh to walk in, being enclosed on each side with afflictions and tribulations; moreover, is like the "narrow place," or "the strait place," as the Septuagint in Numbers 22:26 render it; in which the angel that met Balaam stood; and in which there was no turning to the right hand or the left; and such is the way to eternal happiness. The great encouragement to walk on in it is because it is that way which leadeth unto life: unto eternal life: it indeed leads there; it never fails to bring persons to it; believers in Christ, all that walk in Christ the way, though they are said to be "scarcely" saved, because of their afflictions and trials, they meet with in their way to the kingdom; yet they are, and shall be certainly saved: they shall be safely brought to glory; which will be generous compensation for all the troubles and sorrows that have joined them in their journey.