Matthew 7:14

¹⁴ Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

I. THE CALL TO ENTER THE NARROW GATE

A. The gate is narrow because truth is exclusive

• Jesus does not offer one way—He is the only way (John 14:6).
• The narrow gate is entered by faith and repentance, not by works.

B. The narrow gate confronts human pride

• It requires humbling oneself like a child.
• It denies the idea that “all paths lead to God.”

C. The narrow gate is open to all—but accepted by few

• God desires all to be saved, yet few surrender.
• Many admire Jesus but refuse His Lordship.

II. THE DIFFICULT WAY OF DISCIPLESHIP

A. The way is difficult—not because God is harsh

• It is difficult because:
  • The world opposes righteousness
  • The flesh resists holiness
  • The devil works to distract and deceive

B. The difficult way involves transformation

• A life shaped by Scripture, not culture
• Daily taking up the cross
• Growing in holiness and obedience

C. The difficulty is not without help

• Jesus walks the road with us
• The Spirit empowers, comforts, warns, and strengthens
• Grace sustains every step of the journey

III. THE DESTINATION: LIFE

A. The narrow way leads to eternal life

• Not temporary comfort, but everlasting joy
• Not earthly rewards, but the presence of God

B. The narrow way leads to abundant life now

• Peace that surpasses understanding
• Purpose that the world cannot give
• Freedom from the bondage of sin

C. The narrow destination is worth everything

• The reward far outweighs the difficulty
• Every sacrifice is temporary; the glory is eternal
• The narrow way may be hard—but it is good

IV. THE SOBERING REALITY: FEW FIND IT

A. Many choose the broad road

• The path of ease
• The path of self
• The path of religious appearance without true surrender

B. Few find the narrow way—not because God hides it

• People are unwilling to repent
• People want salvation without obedience
• People look for the approval of the crowd

C. The question: Have you entered the narrow gate?

• Not “Are you religious?”
• Not “Do you believe in God?”
• But Has your life been surrendered to Jesus Christ?

V. THE INVITATION

A. Enter the narrow gate today

• Christ calls you now
• The opportunity is today, not tomorrow

B. Walk the narrow way with confidence

• You do not walk alone
• God provides the grace for every step

C. Fix your eyes on the destination

Life, joy, glory, and the presence of God forever.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,
We thank You for speaking to our hearts through Your Word today. We thank You for showing us the narrow gate and the difficult way that leads to life. Lord, we confess that without Your grace, we cannot walk this path. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to live lives of true surrender, obedience, and holiness.

Help us to resist the broad road of the world and to follow Jesus with wholehearted devotion. Keep our eyes fixed on the eternal life You have promised. When the way feels difficult, remind us that You walk with us, empower us, and will never leave us nor forsake us.

Lord, let this message bear fruit in our lives. Help us not only to hear the Word, but to do it. Lead us daily by Your truth, guard our steps, and keep us faithful until the day we see You face to face.

We ask all this in the mighty and precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Maranatha!
Our Lord, come.