LIFE Posts - The narrow gate and path
Over the past several weeks we’ve looked broadly at trusting God and then at surrendering everything in our lives – our things, our relationships, and ultimately ourselves – to Him. This week we look at application of our trust in and surrender to God through our ongoing sanctification.
Matthew 7:13–14 (NASB95) 7:13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 7:14 “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. [1]
Here in His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses word pictures to describe salvation and the life process of sanctification vs. the life apart from Him that leads to eternal destruction. We will in the future discuss in greater depth the fact that Jesus is the only way but will for now quickly look at John 14:6.
John 14:6 (NASB95) 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. [2]
In this verse, Jesus unambiguously tells us that He is the only way/path to the Father and the Kingdom of heaven. There aren’t any other or alternative paths to heaven. Circling back to Matthew 7:14 (NASB), Jesus says that the “gate” is small and the “way” is narrow that leads to life. In John 10:9, Jesus says, “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved…” letting us know that the gate is Jesus Himself. This indicates that salvation is only through Jesus, but once we enter the gate – that is, accepting Him as Lord – we then are on the narrow way/path that leads to life. The Greek word translated as “narrow” in the NASB is thlibō, which is a verb that “primarily functions in a metaphorical sense to denote being ‘hard pressed’ in the sense of distressed, harassed, or troubled.”[3] Other English Bible translations use the word difficult instead of narrow in this verse.
In the natural, the above doesn’t sound like an enticing or easy way to live, does it? Surrendering everything to a Lord who says that after we do so the way is full of distress, harassment, and trouble? That doesn’t sound like a good and enjoyable life! The truth is that we need an awareness of eternity, understanding of our Heavenly Father’s Love, and indwelling of His Holy Spirit in order to be able to discern both how wonderful this call truly is and how we’re enabled to live it out.
As we recall from last week’s message that Jesus told us to consider the cost, we realize that He didn’t promise a carefree life where we could live as we please or that there wouldn’t be any challenges in it. He’s called us to submit to Him – with the glorious promises and Love He has for us in return. The Sermon on the Mount, Matthew chapters 5 thru 7, gives us a tremendous amount of insight into the life that Jesus calls His followers to live. The Sermon on the Mount isn’t, however, the whole story – and we must know the whole gospel in order to live out His call. This is incredibly important, because the devil will use and take scripture out of full context to discourage us. If we do not know and understand that we have the Holy Spirit within us, and it is only through the Holy Spirit living in us (and by submission to Him) – we will read scripture like Matthew 5:48 and become tremendously discouraged!
Matthew 5:48 (NASB95) 5:48 “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. [4]
Perfect is a high bar, isn’t it? One doesn’t execute perfection haphazardly, it takes both ongoing effort and discipline – and even then, in this life, we may execute something perfectly occasionally – but not all the time. Jesus’ call is for us to be perfect – which from the future, middle, imperative Greek verb tense, indicates a unified whole of perfection, not an occasional quality. Since we all are clearly not perfect in our walk, nor perfected yet in our sanctification, let us look at another scripture where perfect is mentioned.
Philippians 3:12–15 (AMP2015) 3:12 Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. [1 Cor 9:24; 1 Tim 6:12] 3:13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 3:15 All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you. [5]
I love how the Amplified Version captures Paul’s description of this to the Philippians! Most scholars believe that Paul wrote the book of Philippians while in prison during his second missionary journey, roughly a decade after he’d founded the church in Philippi.[6] At this point in his life, Paul had traveled extensively and founded many churches – clearly the power of the Holy Spirit was greatly operating and displayed in Paul’s life. Yet the man whose letters comprise nearly two thirds of the New Testament makes it clear – he was not yet perfect but was actively pressing forward towards perfection! Note that Paul clearly says that he doesn’t dwell on (he “forgets”) what is in the past and instead presses forward.
We will explore this call to perfection – this striving for perfection – as we go forward. Living in the Freedom that Christ bought for us involves this active and consistent submission to Him. Jesus is the narrow or small gate, by which we enter into His Salvation. The pursuit after Him in this life is to remain on the narrow path – one that Jesus doesn’t sugar coat as easy. There will be trials and tribulations. The enemy will come against us. The fallen state of this world remains, so all the consequences of sin abound around us. Yet we are not alone – the Holy Spirit lives in us – and the eternal life we’ve been blessed with as part of our salvation began at that moment; it isn’t something that begins when we die.
We close this week with some scripture to instruct and encourage.
John 15:4–10 (AMP2015) 15:4 Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me. 15:5 I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. 15:6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown out like a [broken off] branch, and withers and dies; and they gather such branches and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 15:7 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you [that is, if we are vitally united and My message lives in your heart], ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. 15:8 My Father is glorified and honored by this, when you bear much fruit, and prove yourselves to be My [true] disciples. 15:9 I have loved you just as the Father has loved Me; remain in My love [and do not doubt My love for you]. 15:10 If you keep My commandments and obey My teaching, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. [7]
John 16:33 (AMP2015) 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] [8]
1 John 3:24 (AMP2015) 3:24 The one who habitually keeps His commandments [obeying His word and following His precepts, abides and] remains in Him, and He in him. By this we know and have the proof that He [really] abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us [as a gift]. [9]
Application/Questions/Journal your thoughts
- From the scripture we’ve looked at this week and in the previous ones, we can see that “counting the cost” of coming to Jesus and declaring Him as our Lord requires our submission to Him, the surrender of our complete lives to Him. Perfection is our goal, which requires our ongoing discipline and submission to Him, but perfection isn’t the requirement to remain in the Love of the Father. This is critical to understand, because the devil will absolutely try to utilize our failures to try to convince us that we’ve failed and are now rejected. Spend some time in prayer with the Holy Spirit – ask Him for revelation and understanding of the call He has for you along with the enablement, Grace, and Mercy for your ongoing walk. Search for scripture that describes the enduring Love of God for you and write it down alongside the scripture that calls for evidence of progress in your sanctification.
- Imagine a narrow pathway in a forest. Staying on the path is critical to not get lost, and doing so takes focused effort to ensure you remain on the path. This is a type and picture of our spiritual walk on the narrow path that leads to life. The sides of the path will try to draw us off of it, whether through thorns that try to attach on our clothing or through an “easier looking” path that diverges but leads only to a dead end. In prayer, ask the Holy Spirit for revelation about things in your life that are trying to keep you or draw you off the narrow path. Write what He reveals to you down and share with an accountability partner.
Scripture of the week
1 John 3:24 (AMP2015) 3:24 The one who habitually keeps His commandments [obeying His word and following His precepts, abides and] remains in Him, and He in him. By this we know and have the proof that He [really] abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us [as a gift]. [10]
1 John 2:6 (AMP2015) 2:6 whoever says he lives in Christ [that is, whoever says he has accepted Him as God and Savior] ought [as a moral obligation] to walk and conduct himself just as He walked and conducted Himself. [11]
Colossians 3:16 (AMP2015) 3:16 Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. [12]
Psalm 91:1 (AMP2015) 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand]. [13]
Philippians 2:13 (AMP2015) 2:13 For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure. [14]
Isaiah 30:21 (AMP2015) 30:21 Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left. [15]
Weekly prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who lives in me so that I may surrender and be made perfect according to Your Ways. I rededicate myself to You and ask You Holy Spirit to speak to me so that I hear Your prompting and remain on the narrow path. I thank You again that You trust me to obey You and Your call – and I thank You for Your Mercy and Grace that cleanses me of my failures and strength to do Your Will. Amen.
Freedom Facet
Putting our faith into practice requires conscious effort – this effort is the trusting and submission to God that our declaration of faith in Jesus means. Though the path is difficult, as Jesus described it, He didn’t give us an impossible task and is sitting in the stadium watching to see how we do. No – He’s given us the indwelling of His Holy Spirit – so we’re fully empowered to complete the call of our Lord and Master. God’s loving kindness calls us back to repentance when we stray, and His merciful covering draws us forward as we remain yoked to Jesus.
Jesus's Freedom is for those who call Him Lord - those who believe in Him. If you’ve not yet accepted Christ Jesus as Your Lord, and would like to, say the following prayer aloud.
Lord Jesus, I confess and realize that I am a sinner, and without You, I am lost and separated from God. Thank You for going to the cross and dying for my sins – I ask for Your forgiveness for my sins, and I thank you and receive the forgiveness of my sins Your Word says is now mine! Holy Spirit, I thank You that You now reside within me. I lay down my will for Yours and ask for Your daily guidance and direction to make me more and more like You. Amen!
The Bible tells us that if we confess Jesus as Lord with our mouth and believe in our hearts that God resurrected Jesus from the dead, we are saved for eternity. If you’ve just accepted Jesus as Lord, know that heaven is celebrating right now (Luke 15:10)! Rejoice because you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and now have begun the process of sanctification becoming like Him. Keep coming back, as we explore Freedom facets and what our Identity in Christ truly is. Share this joyous news with a brother or sister in Christ and get connected in your local church! LIFE is yours!
Small Group Invitations - Week of June 21, 2026
Below are invitations to just a couple of Men's Small Groups that are happening this week, both a part of Celebration Church, Georgetown, Texas. If these don't work for you, or if you're not a Celebration Church, TX attendee - regardless of the church you attend - being a part of small group is immensely important! If you're not involved in one, I pray that you find one that works for your schedule and you get plugged in. Being connected in the local church will bless you immeasurably!
Tuesday Morning Men's Fellowship Group: 6am - 7am at Rudy's BBQ in Round Rock, Texas. Join us for a time of fellowship where we'll discuss the message from the Pastors on Sunday, the newsletter contents, or whatever is going on in the lives of the brothers meeting.
Friday Morning Celebration Men: We're back on-campus! Join us at the Celebration Church, Georgetown, TX campus Annex Friday morning at 6:30 am for breakfast tacos, coffee, and a message from our pastors. We conclude at 8am so people can get to work.
[1] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[2] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[3] Hill, Craig Allen. 2014. “Suffering.” In Lexham Theological Wordbook, edited by Douglas Mangum, Derek R. Brown, Rachel Klippenstein, and Rebekah Hurst. Lexham Bible Reference Series. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[4] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[5] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[6] Dockery, David S., ed. 1992. Holman Bible Handbook. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[8] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[9] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[10] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[11] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[12] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[13] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[14] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[15] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.