WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.300 Good evening, everybody. 00:00:06.839 --> 00:00:08.859 My name is Peter Almo. 00:00:09.779 --> 00:00:12.500 I'm very happy to be here tonight with you. 00:00:14.480 --> 00:00:15.500 Let's start by praying. 00:00:18.280 --> 00:00:21.039 Lord, thank you for this opportunity that we have here tonight, 00:00:21.420 --> 00:00:23.519 the freedom that we have in this country, Lord, 00:00:23.559 --> 00:00:26.120 to come and to worship you and to praise you 00:00:26.120 --> 00:00:27.460 and to hear your word preached. 00:00:28.140 --> 00:00:30.539 Please be with me tonight, Father, as we look at your word. 00:00:31.320 --> 00:00:34.799 Let it be mightily applied to the hearts that are here, 00:00:35.120 --> 00:00:39.939 that it would enliven them and encourage them to live a life 00:00:39.939 --> 00:00:42.260 devoted to you, Lord, in service of you. 00:00:43.120 --> 00:00:45.400 And I'd like to echo the prayer we heard earlier 00:00:45.400 --> 00:00:47.420 of those horrific events that happened last night. 00:00:47.480 --> 00:00:49.980 Lord, please be with the people, victims, their families. 00:00:51.359 --> 00:00:53.020 I pray these things in Jesus' name. 00:00:53.020 --> 00:01:00.760 So the other day, I was walking through part of the Yale campus, 00:01:01.180 --> 00:01:05.400 and I was really struck by the sheer beauty of the university. 00:01:05.620 --> 00:01:07.620 McNosey, we were talking about, we were near there together. 00:01:09.000 --> 00:01:13.219 And I must admit, as an adolescent, I used to imagine that, you know, 00:01:13.219 --> 00:01:15.879 perhaps I would end up at a place like that, 00:01:15.959 --> 00:01:21.840 walking those hallowed ivy halls of one of those great bastions of thinking 00:01:21.840 --> 00:01:23.959 as a future master of the universe. 00:01:24.959 --> 00:01:28.200 I know that Greg can relate to that and Matt. 00:01:28.200 --> 00:01:34.500 But alas, as youthful exuberance and passion for recreation 00:01:34.500 --> 00:01:39.219 left little of the sober discipline required to ascend the ivory tower, 00:01:40.879 --> 00:01:44.420 perhaps I saved myself from a string of demoralizing defeats. 00:01:45.780 --> 00:01:49.359 It is common knowledge that Yale, like other Ivy League schools, 00:01:49.600 --> 00:01:52.040 has an incredibly selective process, 00:01:52.600 --> 00:01:55.460 resulting in a staggeringly low acceptance rate. 00:01:55.459 --> 00:01:59.579 In 2014, hovering just above 6%. 00:01:59.579 --> 00:02:03.519 For you English majors like me, not very good at math, 00:02:03.799 --> 00:02:07.979 that means Yale rejected roughly 94% of their applicant pool. 00:02:09.139 --> 00:02:14.699 The interesting facts among that statistic lie not in the 6% accepted. 00:02:14.959 --> 00:02:17.039 Now, there is a story to tell there, 00:02:17.439 --> 00:02:19.859 but rather in the 94% rejected, 00:02:19.860 --> 00:02:22.100 and more specifically, the quality, 00:02:23.180 --> 00:02:26.380 the staggering quality of that 94% rejected. 00:02:27.740 --> 00:02:31.700 And by the way, that year, Yale had 31,000 applicants. 00:02:32.320 --> 00:02:37.300 So that 94% represents roughly 29,000 people. 00:02:37.860 --> 00:02:41.220 Half of those people had near or perfect GPAs, 00:02:41.420 --> 00:02:44.980 standardized test scores, recommendations, extracurriculars, you name it. 00:02:45.200 --> 00:02:46.240 And it still wasn't enough. 00:02:46.240 --> 00:02:50.740 In fact, one former Yale admissions officer wrote, 00:02:51.820 --> 00:02:53.600 In the last 15 to 20 years, 00:02:53.980 --> 00:02:56.740 Yale's applicant pool has gone from hyper-competitive 00:02:56.740 --> 00:02:59.240 to a Darwinian dystopia so cutthroat, 00:03:00.260 --> 00:03:02.800 you'd feel guilty even simulating it on a computer, 00:03:03.280 --> 00:03:05.439 just in case the simulations had emotions. 00:03:05.439 --> 00:03:09.300 For the 6% accepted, 00:03:10.599 --> 00:03:13.780 their stories are too varied and impressive to fully enumerate here. 00:03:14.439 --> 00:03:17.879 17-year-old published poets, bassoon prodigies, 00:03:18.579 --> 00:03:21.800 young Latina from the South Bronx who founded her own nonprofit, 00:03:22.060 --> 00:03:23.939 bringing minorities together. 00:03:25.419 --> 00:03:27.759 Indeed, it was one admissions counselor who mused 00:03:27.759 --> 00:03:29.479 that the Yale acceptance letter 00:03:29.479 --> 00:03:32.460 was far more impressive than the diploma. 00:03:32.460 --> 00:03:35.980 A curious proposition to consider 00:03:35.980 --> 00:03:39.240 as I approached the destination on my walk that day, 00:03:39.719 --> 00:03:41.960 our very own Trinity Baptist Church. 00:03:42.960 --> 00:03:46.840 I couldn't escape the irony of a church like ours 00:03:46.840 --> 00:03:50.040 lying on the doorstep of an institution like that. 00:03:51.460 --> 00:03:55.060 I imagine our Yale members suffer from some sort of whiplash 00:03:55.060 --> 00:03:57.460 when you consider the stark contrast 00:03:57.460 --> 00:04:00.439 between Yale's acceptance rate and our own. 00:04:00.439 --> 00:04:05.620 Just consider the invitation of the evangelical church today. 00:04:06.960 --> 00:04:10.000 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, 00:04:10.159 --> 00:04:11.500 and I will give you rest. 00:04:12.020 --> 00:04:14.460 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, 00:04:14.780 --> 00:04:16.779 for I am gentle and lowly in heart, 00:04:17.279 --> 00:04:18.860 and you will find rest for your souls. 00:04:18.959 --> 00:04:21.560 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. 00:04:22.420 --> 00:04:23.220 Matthew 11. 00:04:23.860 --> 00:04:26.899 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, 00:04:26.899 --> 00:04:30.339 that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 00:04:31.039 --> 00:04:31.620 John 3. 00:04:33.620 --> 00:04:36.599 Even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ 00:04:36.599 --> 00:04:37.899 for all those who believe, 00:04:38.539 --> 00:04:39.979 for there is no distinction. 00:04:40.859 --> 00:04:41.539 Romans 3. 00:04:42.339 --> 00:04:44.259 For by grace you have been saved through faith, 00:04:44.519 --> 00:04:45.539 and that not of yourselves, 00:04:45.679 --> 00:04:47.039 it is the gift of God. 00:04:47.659 --> 00:04:48.459 Ephesians 2. 00:04:48.459 --> 00:04:53.620 The greatest acceptance letter in the history of the universe 00:04:53.620 --> 00:04:55.819 is acceptance into the kingdom of heaven, 00:04:56.759 --> 00:04:58.979 an acceptance purchased with a simple, 00:04:59.659 --> 00:05:01.839 childlike faith in Jesus the Messiah, 00:05:02.379 --> 00:05:05.659 that we should stand here in this place, 00:05:06.859 --> 00:05:09.439 children of an adoption into God's own family, 00:05:09.819 --> 00:05:11.839 co-heirs and co-rulers with Christ, 00:05:11.839 --> 00:05:13.359 while mere steps away, 00:05:13.479 --> 00:05:16.239 men and women toil for an acceptance 00:05:16.239 --> 00:05:18.560 they may well have rightly earned, 00:05:18.919 --> 00:05:20.079 but will never receive, 00:05:20.359 --> 00:05:22.239 is an irony worthy of Aristotle. 00:05:23.419 --> 00:05:25.500 And it is that stark dichotomy 00:05:25.500 --> 00:05:28.000 that brings us square with our sermon text this evening, 00:05:29.179 --> 00:05:30.659 which is Luke chapter 13, 00:05:31.019 --> 00:05:32.819 verses 22 to 35. 00:05:33.219 --> 00:05:34.559 You can read along with me. 00:05:37.379 --> 00:05:39.799 Luke chapter 13, starting in verse 22. 00:05:39.800 --> 00:05:43.220 And he went through the cities and villages, 00:05:43.620 --> 00:05:45.500 teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. 00:05:46.600 --> 00:05:47.939 Then one said to him, 00:05:48.420 --> 00:05:50.520 Lord, are there few who are saved? 00:05:51.340 --> 00:05:52.580 And he said to them, 00:05:53.000 --> 00:05:54.900 Strive to enter through the narrow door, 00:05:55.240 --> 00:05:56.360 for many, I say to you, 00:05:56.420 --> 00:05:58.199 will seek to enter and will not be able. 00:05:59.019 --> 00:06:00.699 When once the master of the house 00:06:00.699 --> 00:06:02.180 has risen up and shut the door, 00:06:02.600 --> 00:06:04.120 and you begin to stand outside 00:06:04.120 --> 00:06:05.560 and knock at the door, saying, 00:06:06.100 --> 00:06:07.759 Lord, Lord, open for us. 00:06:07.759 --> 00:06:10.079 And he will answer and say to you, 00:06:10.219 --> 00:06:11.740 I do not know you, 00:06:12.159 --> 00:06:13.099 where you are from. 00:06:13.539 --> 00:06:14.899 Then you will begin to say, 00:06:15.120 --> 00:06:17.000 We ate and drank in your presence, 00:06:17.219 --> 00:06:18.680 and you taught in our streets. 00:06:19.560 --> 00:06:20.579 But he will say, 00:06:20.740 --> 00:06:22.279 I tell you, I do not know you, 00:06:22.740 --> 00:06:23.659 where you are from. 00:06:24.199 --> 00:06:24.899 Depart from me, 00:06:25.019 --> 00:06:26.420 all you workers of iniquity. 00:06:27.240 --> 00:06:28.180 There will be weeping 00:06:28.180 --> 00:06:29.560 and gnashing of teeth 00:06:29.560 --> 00:06:32.360 when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob 00:06:32.360 --> 00:06:34.420 and all the prophets in the kingdom of God 00:06:34.420 --> 00:06:36.019 and yourselves thrust out. 00:06:36.019 --> 00:06:39.439 They will come from the east and the west, 00:06:39.439 --> 00:06:41.060 from the north and the south, 00:06:41.459 --> 00:06:43.599 and sit down in the kingdom of God. 00:06:44.379 --> 00:06:44.959 And indeed, 00:06:45.560 --> 00:06:47.180 there are last who will be first, 00:06:47.519 --> 00:06:49.219 and there are first who will be last. 00:06:50.120 --> 00:06:51.339 On that very day, 00:06:51.839 --> 00:06:53.000 some Pharisees came, 00:06:53.359 --> 00:06:53.839 saying to him, 00:06:53.919 --> 00:06:55.039 Get out and depart from here, 00:06:55.120 --> 00:06:56.399 for Herod wants to kill you. 00:06:57.479 --> 00:06:58.439 And he said to them, 00:06:59.060 --> 00:07:00.379 Go tell that fox, 00:07:00.799 --> 00:07:02.379 Behold, I cast out demons 00:07:02.379 --> 00:07:04.359 and perform cures today and tomorrow, 00:07:04.360 --> 00:07:06.800 and the third day I shall be perfected. 00:07:07.600 --> 00:07:07.920 Nevertheless, 00:07:08.300 --> 00:07:09.360 I must journey today, 00:07:09.600 --> 00:07:09.980 tomorrow, 00:07:10.199 --> 00:07:11.160 and the day following, 00:07:11.480 --> 00:07:13.020 for it cannot be that a prophet 00:07:13.020 --> 00:07:14.600 should perish outside of Jerusalem. 00:07:15.620 --> 00:07:16.500 Oh, Jerusalem, 00:07:16.780 --> 00:07:17.240 Jerusalem, 00:07:17.780 --> 00:07:19.280 the one who kills the prophets 00:07:19.280 --> 00:07:21.759 and stones those who are sent to her. 00:07:22.259 --> 00:07:23.780 How often I wanted to gather 00:07:23.780 --> 00:07:24.740 your children together 00:07:24.740 --> 00:07:27.280 as a hen gathers her brood under her wings. 00:07:27.639 --> 00:07:28.780 But you were not willing. 00:07:29.280 --> 00:07:29.600 See, 00:07:30.259 --> 00:07:32.540 your house is left to you desolate. 00:07:32.540 --> 00:07:33.960 And assuredly, 00:07:34.020 --> 00:07:34.780 I say to you, 00:07:35.000 --> 00:07:36.040 you shall not see me 00:07:36.040 --> 00:07:37.160 until the time comes 00:07:37.160 --> 00:07:37.800 when you say, 00:07:38.420 --> 00:07:39.640 Blessed is he who comes 00:07:39.640 --> 00:07:40.620 in the name of the Lord. 00:07:42.600 --> 00:07:43.700 My sermon tonight 00:07:43.700 --> 00:07:45.200 is going to explore three points. 00:07:46.500 --> 00:07:47.020 First, 00:07:47.760 --> 00:07:49.280 is the gate narrow? 00:07:50.000 --> 00:07:51.920 And how hard do we need to strive? 00:07:53.600 --> 00:07:54.120 Second, 00:07:54.520 --> 00:07:56.180 what are the consequences 00:07:56.180 --> 00:07:57.660 for not striving 00:07:57.660 --> 00:07:58.840 for the narrow door? 00:07:58.839 --> 00:08:00.459 And third, 00:08:01.060 --> 00:08:02.139 what is promised 00:08:02.139 --> 00:08:03.279 to those who persevere? 00:08:04.679 --> 00:08:06.299 Let's start by looking again 00:08:06.299 --> 00:08:07.779 at the beginning of verse 23. 00:08:09.779 --> 00:08:10.179 Lord, 00:08:10.619 --> 00:08:12.879 are there few who are saved? 00:08:13.699 --> 00:08:14.739 It almost sounds like 00:08:14.739 --> 00:08:15.779 a weary Yale applicant 00:08:15.779 --> 00:08:16.299 pleading 00:08:16.299 --> 00:08:17.919 with her admissions based better. 00:08:19.439 --> 00:08:20.579 How should one answer 00:08:20.579 --> 00:08:21.139 such a question? 00:08:21.259 --> 00:08:22.379 How could I answer 00:08:22.379 --> 00:08:23.399 that question tonight? 00:08:23.759 --> 00:08:24.500 Should I say, 00:08:24.659 --> 00:08:25.500 yes, of course, 00:08:26.299 --> 00:08:27.279 most will be saved. 00:08:27.279 --> 00:08:28.639 God is love after all. 00:08:29.099 --> 00:08:30.379 Just look at John 3.16 00:08:30.379 --> 00:08:32.959 or consider 2 Peter 3.9. 00:08:33.500 --> 00:08:34.620 The Lord is not slow 00:08:34.620 --> 00:08:35.839 to fulfill his promise 00:08:35.839 --> 00:08:37.159 as some count slowness, 00:08:37.559 --> 00:08:38.639 but is patient toward you, 00:08:39.039 --> 00:08:40.339 not wishing that any should perish, 00:08:40.620 --> 00:08:42.079 but that all should reach repentance. 00:08:43.500 --> 00:08:45.079 That sounds pretty darn good. 00:08:46.120 --> 00:08:47.000 I'd probably get 00:08:47.000 --> 00:08:48.419 great focus group feedback 00:08:48.419 --> 00:08:49.339 on that approach. 00:08:50.720 --> 00:08:51.240 Or, 00:08:51.459 --> 00:08:52.919 I could give the good 00:08:52.919 --> 00:08:53.919 reformed answer. 00:08:55.000 --> 00:08:55.659 God's elect 00:08:55.659 --> 00:08:56.379 was established 00:08:56.379 --> 00:08:57.360 before creation 00:08:57.360 --> 00:08:58.240 through the grace 00:08:58.240 --> 00:08:58.860 of the Father. 00:08:59.399 --> 00:09:00.039 Are there few 00:09:00.039 --> 00:09:00.659 who are saved? 00:09:00.740 --> 00:09:01.639 Well, that's a silly question. 00:09:02.179 --> 00:09:03.399 The exact perfect number 00:09:03.399 --> 00:09:04.419 of people will be saved. 00:09:05.259 --> 00:09:06.379 God's foreknown elect. 00:09:07.839 --> 00:09:08.279 You should know 00:09:08.279 --> 00:09:08.819 that that's secretly 00:09:08.819 --> 00:09:09.819 the answer that I like, 00:09:09.939 --> 00:09:11.120 but it tends to rub people 00:09:11.120 --> 00:09:11.639 the wrong way. 00:09:12.799 --> 00:09:13.259 So no, 00:09:13.600 --> 00:09:14.740 I think for tonight 00:09:14.740 --> 00:09:15.679 and for every night, 00:09:15.980 --> 00:09:17.759 we should let Jesus himself 00:09:17.759 --> 00:09:18.899 answer the question 00:09:18.899 --> 00:09:20.639 by looking at his response 00:09:20.639 --> 00:09:21.339 in the next verse 00:09:21.339 --> 00:09:22.179 of our sermon text, 00:09:22.720 --> 00:09:23.419 verse 24. 00:09:23.419 --> 00:09:26.199 Strive to enter 00:09:26.199 --> 00:09:27.360 through the narrow door. 00:09:27.939 --> 00:09:28.459 For many, 00:09:28.639 --> 00:09:29.399 I say to you, 00:09:29.459 --> 00:09:30.379 will seek to enter 00:09:30.379 --> 00:09:32.199 and will not be able. 00:09:33.539 --> 00:09:35.019 Those are sobering words. 00:09:36.039 --> 00:09:37.519 But what do we make of it? 00:09:37.959 --> 00:09:39.899 It just seems incongruous 00:09:39.899 --> 00:09:41.620 with our current strand 00:09:41.620 --> 00:09:43.539 and brand of evangelicalism, 00:09:43.620 --> 00:09:44.039 doesn't it? 00:09:44.819 --> 00:09:46.019 It kind of makes heaven 00:09:46.019 --> 00:09:46.899 seem like Yale, 00:09:47.819 --> 00:09:49.059 making God, I guess, 00:09:49.139 --> 00:09:50.319 the Yale admissions board, 00:09:50.320 --> 00:09:51.620 which is just 00:09:51.620 --> 00:09:52.720 a terrifying thought. 00:09:54.720 --> 00:09:55.379 Especially because 00:09:55.379 --> 00:09:56.100 I think we've all 00:09:56.100 --> 00:09:56.920 grown comfortable 00:09:56.920 --> 00:09:58.460 with that tried and true 00:09:58.460 --> 00:09:59.360 Southern Baptist 00:09:59.360 --> 00:10:00.640 altar call model. 00:10:01.379 --> 00:10:02.180 Now, I know that we would 00:10:02.180 --> 00:10:03.300 never perform such a thing 00:10:03.300 --> 00:10:03.980 here at Trinity, 00:10:04.740 --> 00:10:05.720 but all the same, 00:10:05.780 --> 00:10:06.680 there is something comforting 00:10:06.680 --> 00:10:07.700 about the thought of Michelle 00:10:07.700 --> 00:10:09.100 firing up the electric organ 00:10:09.100 --> 00:10:10.740 while Nick soothingly 00:10:10.740 --> 00:10:11.820 invites any and all 00:10:11.820 --> 00:10:12.620 to come and make 00:10:12.620 --> 00:10:14.000 a simple profession of faith 00:10:14.000 --> 00:10:15.880 and enter the glorious ranks 00:10:15.880 --> 00:10:17.040 of God's redeemed. 00:10:18.520 --> 00:10:19.320 Well, which is it? 00:10:19.320 --> 00:10:22.040 Is salvation as hard 00:10:22.040 --> 00:10:23.220 as getting accepted to Yale 00:10:23.220 --> 00:10:24.280 with few making it 00:10:24.280 --> 00:10:26.720 or as easy as walking the aisle 00:10:26.720 --> 00:10:27.640 and praying the prayer 00:10:27.640 --> 00:10:28.780 with multitudes 00:10:28.780 --> 00:10:30.100 joining the heavenly throng? 00:10:31.320 --> 00:10:32.800 I think one simple truth 00:10:32.800 --> 00:10:33.520 that I can bumble 00:10:33.520 --> 00:10:34.440 my way through tonight 00:10:34.440 --> 00:10:35.820 is that salvation 00:10:35.820 --> 00:10:36.660 is as simple 00:10:36.660 --> 00:10:37.600 as walking the aisle 00:10:37.600 --> 00:10:38.540 and professing faith 00:10:38.540 --> 00:10:40.120 in Jesus as Lord and Savior. 00:10:40.940 --> 00:10:41.780 And in that sense, 00:10:42.120 --> 00:10:44.040 certainly many could receive it. 00:10:44.039 --> 00:10:47.039 But God's word 00:10:47.039 --> 00:10:49.480 seems to undeniably suggest 00:10:49.480 --> 00:10:51.519 that we would do well 00:10:51.519 --> 00:10:52.719 to strive to enter 00:10:52.719 --> 00:10:54.299 as if we were trying 00:10:54.299 --> 00:10:55.199 to get into Yale. 00:10:56.059 --> 00:10:57.099 And in that sense, 00:10:57.839 --> 00:10:58.939 less than we would hope 00:10:58.939 --> 00:10:59.939 will be truly called 00:10:59.939 --> 00:11:00.899 to the heavenly path. 00:11:02.159 --> 00:11:02.980 Why do I claim 00:11:02.980 --> 00:11:04.179 that scripture seems clear 00:11:04.179 --> 00:11:04.740 about that? 00:11:05.699 --> 00:11:06.159 Well, look again 00:11:06.159 --> 00:11:07.779 at Jesus' admonishment 00:11:07.779 --> 00:11:08.639 in verse 24. 00:11:09.639 --> 00:11:11.139 Strive for the narrowed door. 00:11:11.139 --> 00:11:13.399 That word strive, 00:11:14.819 --> 00:11:17.059 when translated from the Greek, 00:11:17.139 --> 00:11:17.980 the Greek word being 00:11:17.980 --> 00:11:19.120 agonizeste, 00:11:19.840 --> 00:11:21.080 which means to engage 00:11:21.080 --> 00:11:22.519 in athletic contest 00:11:22.519 --> 00:11:24.059 or martial combat, 00:11:24.240 --> 00:11:26.159 literally hand-to-hand 00:11:26.159 --> 00:11:27.639 deadly combat. 00:11:28.340 --> 00:11:29.299 Jesus doesn't simply 00:11:29.299 --> 00:11:30.620 implore his listeners 00:11:30.620 --> 00:11:32.960 to try a little bit harder. 00:11:33.500 --> 00:11:34.480 Give it a real go. 00:11:35.899 --> 00:11:37.580 The gravity of his word choice 00:11:37.580 --> 00:11:38.740 is severe. 00:11:38.740 --> 00:11:41.600 Strive with all your might. 00:11:43.139 --> 00:11:44.100 Let's consider a few 00:11:44.100 --> 00:11:44.960 other encouragements 00:11:44.960 --> 00:11:46.159 found throughout scripture, 00:11:46.259 --> 00:11:47.340 not here in verse 23. 00:11:48.100 --> 00:11:49.279 They all reinforce that point. 00:11:49.360 --> 00:11:50.299 You don't have to turn to these. 00:11:50.500 --> 00:11:50.940 Just listen. 00:11:51.120 --> 00:11:52.700 I'll read through them myself. 00:11:53.379 --> 00:11:55.700 James 2, 17. 00:11:56.039 --> 00:11:57.720 So also by faith itself, 00:11:58.039 --> 00:11:59.220 if it does not have works, 00:11:59.259 --> 00:11:59.759 it is dead. 00:12:01.200 --> 00:12:03.100 1 Peter 1, 6 and 7. 00:12:03.659 --> 00:12:04.980 In this you rejoice, 00:12:05.320 --> 00:12:06.600 though now for a little while, 00:12:06.639 --> 00:12:07.299 if necessary, 00:12:07.299 --> 00:12:08.679 you have been grieved 00:12:08.679 --> 00:12:10.099 by various trials 00:12:10.099 --> 00:12:11.859 so that the tested 00:12:11.859 --> 00:12:13.519 genuineness of your faith, 00:12:13.579 --> 00:12:14.359 which is more precious 00:12:14.359 --> 00:12:14.959 than gold, 00:12:15.039 --> 00:12:15.819 though it perishes 00:12:15.819 --> 00:12:17.500 if tested by fire, 00:12:17.859 --> 00:12:18.959 may be found to result 00:12:18.959 --> 00:12:20.099 in praise and glory 00:12:20.099 --> 00:12:20.620 and honor 00:12:20.620 --> 00:12:21.299 at the revelation 00:12:21.299 --> 00:12:22.279 of Jesus Christ. 00:12:23.620 --> 00:12:24.719 Matthew 5, 48. 00:12:25.199 --> 00:12:26.359 Not difficult to follow. 00:12:26.919 --> 00:12:27.439 You, therefore, 00:12:27.559 --> 00:12:28.299 must be perfect 00:12:28.299 --> 00:12:29.199 as your heavenly father 00:12:29.199 --> 00:12:29.799 is perfect. 00:12:30.339 --> 00:12:31.599 Seems straightforward to me. 00:12:31.659 --> 00:12:32.240 It's pretty simple. 00:12:33.439 --> 00:12:35.399 Colossians 3, 23 and 24. 00:12:35.399 --> 00:12:36.459 Whatever you do, 00:12:36.559 --> 00:12:38.059 work heartily as for the Lord 00:12:38.059 --> 00:12:38.879 and not for men, 00:12:39.399 --> 00:12:40.519 knowing that from the Lord 00:12:40.519 --> 00:12:41.779 you will receive the inheritance 00:12:41.779 --> 00:12:43.360 as your reward. 00:12:43.759 --> 00:12:45.399 You are serving the Lord Christ. 00:12:46.179 --> 00:12:47.419 Titus 2, 14. 00:12:48.579 --> 00:12:49.579 Who gave himself for us 00:12:49.579 --> 00:12:51.039 to redeem us from all lawlessness 00:12:51.039 --> 00:12:52.459 and to purify for himself 00:12:52.459 --> 00:12:54.279 a people for his own possession 00:12:54.279 --> 00:12:57.319 who are zealous for good works. 00:12:58.459 --> 00:13:00.899 Philippians 1, 27 and 28. 00:13:01.019 --> 00:13:02.480 Only let your manner of life 00:13:02.480 --> 00:13:04.440 be worthy of the gospel of Christ 00:13:04.440 --> 00:13:05.800 so that whether I come 00:13:05.800 --> 00:13:07.080 and see you or am absent, 00:13:07.460 --> 00:13:08.399 I may hear of you 00:13:08.399 --> 00:13:09.680 that you are standing firm 00:13:09.680 --> 00:13:10.460 in one spirit, 00:13:10.779 --> 00:13:11.539 with one mind, 00:13:12.180 --> 00:13:13.779 striving side by side 00:13:13.779 --> 00:13:14.920 for the faith of the gospel 00:13:14.920 --> 00:13:16.000 and not frightened 00:13:16.000 --> 00:13:17.300 in anything by your opponents. 00:13:18.060 --> 00:13:19.180 This is a clear sign 00:13:19.180 --> 00:13:20.399 to them of their destruction 00:13:20.399 --> 00:13:21.460 but of your salvation 00:13:21.460 --> 00:13:22.920 and that from God. 00:13:23.740 --> 00:13:24.680 Need I go on? 00:13:26.320 --> 00:13:28.159 Strive for the narrow door. 00:13:28.840 --> 00:13:29.639 Work heartily. 00:13:29.639 --> 00:13:31.080 Your faith, 00:13:31.220 --> 00:13:32.679 which is more precious than gold, 00:13:32.759 --> 00:13:33.860 is tested with fire. 00:13:34.159 --> 00:13:35.419 Be zealous for good works. 00:13:35.580 --> 00:13:36.659 Be perfect, 00:13:37.620 --> 00:13:39.220 proclaims the gospel of Matthew. 00:13:40.159 --> 00:13:40.740 Be perfect. 00:13:41.899 --> 00:13:43.080 I hear Yale calling. 00:13:44.500 --> 00:13:45.939 So is the gate narrow? 00:13:46.759 --> 00:13:47.840 Yes, it is. 00:13:48.100 --> 00:13:48.960 Or the door, rather. 00:13:49.759 --> 00:13:51.419 Must you strive to enter 00:13:51.419 --> 00:13:52.559 through the narrow door? 00:13:52.899 --> 00:13:54.539 Yes, you have to, 00:13:54.720 --> 00:13:56.740 with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind 00:13:56.740 --> 00:13:58.259 if you were to follow Jesus tonight. 00:13:58.259 --> 00:14:00.379 And striving for the narrow door 00:14:00.379 --> 00:14:01.340 is part of that. 00:14:02.879 --> 00:14:04.600 And now it's time to ask ourselves, 00:14:05.319 --> 00:14:06.860 well, what does that look like today? 00:14:07.559 --> 00:14:09.059 How are we to strive? 00:14:10.259 --> 00:14:11.759 And I think that this is practical. 00:14:12.220 --> 00:14:13.460 And the really good thing is, 00:14:14.019 --> 00:14:15.620 is that we all are really bad 00:14:15.620 --> 00:14:16.360 at these things. 00:14:16.899 --> 00:14:18.939 So you only can go up from here. 00:14:22.019 --> 00:14:22.819 Pray more. 00:14:22.820 --> 00:14:25.640 How's everyone's prayer life tonight? 00:14:27.740 --> 00:14:30.320 Seek quiet time with the Lord regularly. 00:14:30.840 --> 00:14:32.260 Just commit to daily prayer. 00:14:32.680 --> 00:14:34.379 Even if it's only five minutes a day. 00:14:35.020 --> 00:14:35.720 Read your Bible. 00:14:37.340 --> 00:14:38.560 How about your devotions? 00:14:39.500 --> 00:14:41.060 You want to draw nearer to God? 00:14:41.460 --> 00:14:43.200 Pray to Him and be in His word regularly. 00:14:44.620 --> 00:14:45.900 Commit to a personal devotion. 00:14:46.400 --> 00:14:48.160 And strive to commit to a second devotion. 00:14:48.480 --> 00:14:49.400 With a loved one, 00:14:49.440 --> 00:14:49.960 or with a friend, 00:14:50.020 --> 00:14:50.580 a co-worker. 00:14:51.260 --> 00:14:52.180 Be in God's word. 00:14:52.820 --> 00:14:54.540 You could start tithing. 00:14:55.260 --> 00:14:56.520 It's a touchy subject, I know. 00:14:57.600 --> 00:14:59.379 Don't concern yourself with percentages, 00:14:59.560 --> 00:15:00.800 10%, 20%. 00:15:00.800 --> 00:15:02.120 At its heart, 00:15:02.320 --> 00:15:03.140 tithing is simply 00:15:03.140 --> 00:15:05.200 giving back to the Lord sacrificially. 00:15:05.780 --> 00:15:07.800 If you're only giving the comfortable amount, 00:15:07.900 --> 00:15:08.760 or nothing at all, 00:15:09.480 --> 00:15:11.040 commit to giving just a little more. 00:15:11.780 --> 00:15:14.120 Strive to sacrifice for the Lord 00:15:14.120 --> 00:15:14.760 in your giving. 00:15:15.920 --> 00:15:17.160 You could join a small group 00:15:17.160 --> 00:15:18.060 if you haven't already. 00:15:18.400 --> 00:15:20.140 Start fellowshipping with brothers and sisters, 00:15:20.480 --> 00:15:21.400 edifying the body. 00:15:21.399 --> 00:15:23.659 The beautiful thing about a small group 00:15:23.659 --> 00:15:25.799 is that it kills lots of birds with one stone. 00:15:26.299 --> 00:15:28.379 You'll regularly have time of looking at the word. 00:15:28.699 --> 00:15:29.740 You'll have a time of prayer, 00:15:30.059 --> 00:15:31.720 and a time of encouragement and fellowship. 00:15:33.279 --> 00:15:34.740 Give of your time. 00:15:35.379 --> 00:15:36.340 Become a servant. 00:15:37.779 --> 00:15:40.139 New Haven is ripe with opportunity to serve others. 00:15:40.299 --> 00:15:42.740 There are myriad outreach and charitable organizations. 00:15:43.559 --> 00:15:44.639 Start right here, even. 00:15:44.779 --> 00:15:45.600 Get with one of the elders. 00:15:46.379 --> 00:15:48.319 Ask where you can be involved and be of service. 00:15:48.320 --> 00:15:50.680 Jesus came to be a servant. 00:15:51.080 --> 00:15:52.660 If we are to follow and love him, 00:15:52.940 --> 00:15:54.940 we must strive to be servants as well. 00:15:56.300 --> 00:15:56.740 Finally, 00:15:57.879 --> 00:15:58.879 confess your sins. 00:16:00.379 --> 00:16:02.540 This is something too few of us are comfortable with. 00:16:02.640 --> 00:16:03.900 I'm not comfortable with this. 00:16:04.480 --> 00:16:05.720 Perhaps it's too Catholic, 00:16:05.840 --> 00:16:06.780 or it's too Puritan. 00:16:08.500 --> 00:16:09.879 Maybe it's just too biblical 00:16:09.879 --> 00:16:11.420 for us to be comfortable with it. 00:16:12.460 --> 00:16:14.800 Confess your sins to God first and foremost, 00:16:14.799 --> 00:16:17.179 but don't hesitate to confess them to one another, 00:16:17.719 --> 00:16:19.099 whether it be a loved one, 00:16:19.179 --> 00:16:19.579 a parent, 00:16:19.740 --> 00:16:20.819 an accountability partner, 00:16:21.159 --> 00:16:21.859 one of the elders. 00:16:23.679 --> 00:16:24.939 Striving for the narrow door 00:16:24.939 --> 00:16:27.919 must include confronting our own sin, 00:16:28.419 --> 00:16:29.740 seeking forgiveness for it, 00:16:29.779 --> 00:16:30.219 and growing. 00:16:31.000 --> 00:16:31.319 Friends, 00:16:32.319 --> 00:16:34.479 when Jesus tells us to strive for the narrow door, 00:16:34.579 --> 00:16:35.819 this is what that looks like. 00:16:36.779 --> 00:16:37.879 Is the door narrow? 00:16:38.120 --> 00:16:38.879 Yes, it is. 00:16:38.879 --> 00:16:42.659 Because the maw of sin is eternally wide. 00:16:43.860 --> 00:16:44.919 Must we strive? 00:16:45.419 --> 00:16:46.159 We must. 00:16:48.720 --> 00:16:50.980 And now let's consider our second point. 00:16:52.000 --> 00:16:55.080 What happens when we don't strive for the narrow door? 00:16:55.600 --> 00:16:56.559 Now the answer is simple. 00:16:57.139 --> 00:16:57.480 Hell. 00:16:58.460 --> 00:16:59.259 Dun, dun, dun. 00:16:59.899 --> 00:17:00.559 End of point. 00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:01.080 Moving on. 00:17:01.120 --> 00:17:01.919 I know we hate this. 00:17:03.399 --> 00:17:05.599 The politically correct phrase, of course, 00:17:05.599 --> 00:17:07.539 is eternal separation from God. 00:17:07.539 --> 00:17:11.559 Now I can assure you that that is no less harrowing than just hell. 00:17:13.899 --> 00:17:15.700 Look back at our sermon text, if you will, 00:17:15.980 --> 00:17:18.879 directly after Jesus' exhortation in verse 23 00:17:18.879 --> 00:17:20.319 to strive for the narrow door. 00:17:20.440 --> 00:17:21.639 This is verse 24. 00:17:23.200 --> 00:17:24.960 Strive to enter through the narrow door. 00:17:25.579 --> 00:17:28.220 For many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 00:17:29.200 --> 00:17:31.899 When once the master of the house has risen up and shut the door, 00:17:32.139 --> 00:17:34.579 and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, 00:17:35.000 --> 00:17:36.299 Lord, Lord, open for us, 00:17:36.299 --> 00:17:37.539 and he will answer and say to you, 00:17:37.819 --> 00:17:39.440 I do not know where you are from. 00:17:40.379 --> 00:17:41.460 Then you will begin to say, 00:17:41.559 --> 00:17:42.839 We ate and drank in your presence, 00:17:42.940 --> 00:17:44.000 and you taught in our streets. 00:17:44.419 --> 00:17:45.119 But he will say, 00:17:45.180 --> 00:17:46.680 I tell you, I do not know you, 00:17:46.940 --> 00:17:47.799 where you are from. 00:17:48.220 --> 00:17:50.299 Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity. 00:17:51.539 --> 00:17:54.240 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth 00:17:54.240 --> 00:17:57.079 when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob 00:17:57.079 --> 00:17:59.480 and all the prophets in the kingdom of God 00:17:59.480 --> 00:18:02.000 and yourselves thrust out. 00:18:03.539 --> 00:18:07.259 Now one of the harder aspects of interpreting Jesus' words, 00:18:07.779 --> 00:18:09.079 specifically in the Gospels, 00:18:09.220 --> 00:18:10.359 is trying to figure out, 00:18:10.359 --> 00:18:14.539 is he speaking to the time and people immediately surrounding him? 00:18:14.539 --> 00:18:23.119 Or does his prophetic sayings take on what we call an eschatological dynamic, 00:18:23.279 --> 00:18:27.559 which simply means a looking forward to future end events? 00:18:28.500 --> 00:18:30.359 Is it to the people that he's talking to right then and there? 00:18:30.420 --> 00:18:31.259 Is it about the future? 00:18:32.119 --> 00:18:34.299 It's a very hard thing to figure out. 00:18:34.619 --> 00:18:36.920 But it's almost always safe to assume 00:18:36.920 --> 00:18:39.240 that both things are happening simultaneously. 00:18:39.599 --> 00:18:42.180 And I don't think our sermon text tonight is an exception. 00:18:43.519 --> 00:18:45.480 Remember that part of Jesus' audience 00:18:45.480 --> 00:18:47.759 in our sermon text are Pharisees. 00:18:48.160 --> 00:18:51.379 In fact, according to all four canonical Gospels, 00:18:52.099 --> 00:18:55.759 the Pharisees appear to be Jesus' most regular audience, 00:18:56.160 --> 00:18:58.420 apart from his followers, of course. 00:18:58.420 --> 00:19:03.019 When once the master of the house has risen up and shut the door, 00:19:03.360 --> 00:19:04.259 well, who is the master? 00:19:04.460 --> 00:19:05.500 Certainly God is. 00:19:06.060 --> 00:19:07.000 What is the house? 00:19:07.900 --> 00:19:10.279 Well, the house is Israel. 00:19:10.580 --> 00:19:12.920 In the immediate first century context, 00:19:13.460 --> 00:19:16.000 the Israel to which Jesus is now come and is ministering to. 00:19:16.800 --> 00:19:19.700 But the warning can be applied to all people for all time. 00:19:20.759 --> 00:19:23.539 Who are these previous members of the house now found on the outside? 00:19:24.500 --> 00:19:26.259 Well, certainly the Pharisees, for one. 00:19:26.259 --> 00:19:30.940 They saw themselves as the truest devotees to Yahweh and to the Torah. 00:19:31.920 --> 00:19:34.259 The people of the land, which are your average Israelite, 00:19:35.099 --> 00:19:37.539 saw them as the pulse of Israelite religious life. 00:19:38.559 --> 00:19:42.259 But don't be deceived into assuming that we cannot play the part of the Pharisee. 00:19:43.519 --> 00:19:45.900 For that is the very real threat we face today. 00:19:46.960 --> 00:19:50.079 People who speak the right words and attend the right gatherings, 00:19:50.460 --> 00:19:54.079 but who are, as Jesus proclaimed, whitewashed tombs. 00:19:54.079 --> 00:19:58.279 Guard yourselves tonight from hypocrisy. 00:19:58.659 --> 00:20:00.240 Guard yourselves from hardness of heart. 00:20:01.159 --> 00:20:02.379 Strive for the narrow door. 00:20:03.720 --> 00:20:04.720 Look at verse 27. 00:20:05.859 --> 00:20:07.720 All you workers of iniquity. 00:20:08.799 --> 00:20:14.259 This begins that eschatological, the clearly eschatological part of this text. 00:20:14.259 --> 00:20:24.980 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and yourselves thrust out. 00:20:26.859 --> 00:20:31.819 Now, lots of preachers consider it a minefield speaking about hell. 00:20:31.819 --> 00:20:37.359 But Jesus is certainly invoking hell when he references weeping and gnashing of teeth. 00:20:38.500 --> 00:20:45.179 And the saddest part of this apprehension that I think we have sometimes is that Jesus, more than anyone, spoke of hell. 00:20:45.299 --> 00:20:46.579 Of the realities of hell. 00:20:47.220 --> 00:20:49.619 The reality of eternal separation from the Lord. 00:20:50.720 --> 00:20:52.919 Now, if we aren't striving to emulate Jesus, 00:20:53.159 --> 00:20:56.679 if I don't come over here tonight and strive to emulate Jesus, well then who am I emulating? 00:20:56.680 --> 00:21:01.240 Salvation comes through faith and faith alone. 00:21:01.920 --> 00:21:03.960 But the only response to salvation, 00:21:04.640 --> 00:21:07.039 to putting off the old man and putting on the new, 00:21:07.560 --> 00:21:10.380 to discarding old wineskins for clean new ones, 00:21:10.640 --> 00:21:13.759 according to Paul, John, Peter, and Jesus, 00:21:14.940 --> 00:21:19.820 our response to that salvation is an earnest and persevering, 00:21:20.460 --> 00:21:21.880 striving for the narrow door, 00:21:22.519 --> 00:21:25.279 striving to increase in both faith and works. 00:21:25.279 --> 00:21:29.539 And it is wholly appropriate for me and for you, 00:21:30.399 --> 00:21:31.960 within self-examination, 00:21:32.500 --> 00:21:34.879 when faced with a self that has professed faith, 00:21:35.420 --> 00:21:36.879 but has not put off the old man, 00:21:37.579 --> 00:21:38.539 is hardened of heart, 00:21:38.920 --> 00:21:41.759 and will not, cannot strive for the narrow door, 00:21:42.319 --> 00:21:45.500 to question that faith that we thought we had in the first place. 00:21:46.099 --> 00:21:49.599 Because the consequence is not a slap on the wrist. 00:21:49.680 --> 00:21:51.019 The consequence is darkness, 00:21:51.240 --> 00:21:52.980 and it's a darkness without end. 00:21:52.980 --> 00:21:55.079 Be convicted about that. 00:21:55.420 --> 00:21:57.480 Be convicted about your lack of faith tonight. 00:21:57.799 --> 00:21:59.640 Be convicted about your hardness of heart. 00:22:00.900 --> 00:22:03.519 Be convicted about your abysmal prayer life, 00:22:04.000 --> 00:22:05.480 your abysmal devotional life. 00:22:06.039 --> 00:22:08.299 Be sorrowful about your lack of good works, 00:22:08.940 --> 00:22:11.640 of your apprehension at giving more during the offering, 00:22:12.180 --> 00:22:13.980 at your stamina and resoluteness 00:22:13.980 --> 00:22:18.240 for concocting reason after reason for not serving. 00:22:19.360 --> 00:22:24.779 Weep and cry out for your inability to strive for the narrow door. 00:22:24.779 --> 00:22:30.039 If the consequence for not striving for the narrow door isn't hell, 00:22:30.619 --> 00:22:32.379 well, what in the world are we striving against? 00:22:33.619 --> 00:22:35.079 You know, Paul famously said, 00:22:35.399 --> 00:22:35.960 1 Corinthians, 00:22:36.339 --> 00:22:38.279 if Jesus has not been resurrected, 00:22:38.420 --> 00:22:39.279 then our faith is in vain, 00:22:39.339 --> 00:22:40.619 and we are of all men most pitied. 00:22:41.879 --> 00:22:43.200 Well, I say to you tonight, 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:45.379 if there is no weeping and gnashing of teeth, 00:22:45.480 --> 00:22:47.240 then your striving is also in vain. 00:22:47.240 --> 00:22:51.740 What is the consequence tonight for not striving for the narrow door? 00:22:52.339 --> 00:22:53.980 Eternal separation from the Father. 00:22:54.259 --> 00:22:54.519 Hell. 00:22:55.680 --> 00:22:57.059 Strive for that narrow door. 00:22:59.359 --> 00:23:03.700 And now that we've delved deeply into that unsavory subject, 00:23:04.259 --> 00:23:05.519 I think that it's appropriate 00:23:05.519 --> 00:23:08.220 that we look upward and enthusiastically 00:23:08.220 --> 00:23:10.420 toward that third and final point. 00:23:11.779 --> 00:23:14.319 What is promised to those who persevere? 00:23:14.440 --> 00:23:17.220 What is promised to those who strive for the narrow door? 00:23:18.000 --> 00:23:19.599 Start in verse 29, please. 00:23:21.140 --> 00:23:23.640 They will come from the east and the west, 00:23:24.099 --> 00:23:25.500 from the north and the south, 00:23:25.640 --> 00:23:27.740 and sit down in the kingdom of God. 00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:30.440 And indeed, there are last who will be first, 00:23:30.559 --> 00:23:32.180 and there are first who will be last. 00:23:33.599 --> 00:23:35.779 On that very day, some Pharisees came, 00:23:35.900 --> 00:23:36.440 saying to him, 00:23:36.539 --> 00:23:37.720 Get out and depart from here, 00:23:37.779 --> 00:23:39.200 for Herod wants to kill you. 00:23:39.880 --> 00:23:40.759 And he said to them, 00:23:40.759 --> 00:23:42.019 Go tell that fox, 00:23:42.200 --> 00:23:46.039 Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, 00:23:46.039 --> 00:23:48.180 and the third day I shall be perfected. 00:23:48.180 --> 00:23:51.080 By verse 29, 00:23:51.880 --> 00:23:55.039 Jesus is purely speaking now to what is going to happen. 00:23:55.440 --> 00:23:56.680 He's looking to the future. 00:23:56.680 --> 00:24:01.660 That they will come from all corners of the earth 00:24:01.660 --> 00:24:04.140 to sit and eat in the kingdom of God. 00:24:05.080 --> 00:24:06.060 That's the church. 00:24:06.779 --> 00:24:07.720 That's all of us. 00:24:08.100 --> 00:24:09.640 We're made up from all nations. 00:24:10.080 --> 00:24:13.420 And we're going to recline at the feast of the Lamb, 00:24:13.500 --> 00:24:15.340 at the consummation of Jesus' return. 00:24:15.460 --> 00:24:17.220 We're looking forward to when Jesus' return. 00:24:17.220 --> 00:24:19.759 And Jesus is talking about that here. 00:24:20.920 --> 00:24:23.700 It's a fully forward-looking prophecy. 00:24:24.200 --> 00:24:27.920 And it's a prophecy buttressed by both ends of redemptive history. 00:24:28.900 --> 00:24:31.519 First, Abraham has promised that through his seed, Jesus, 00:24:32.019 --> 00:24:33.759 all the nations of the earth will be blessed. 00:24:34.319 --> 00:24:36.640 That's the east, the west, the north, and the south. 00:24:38.839 --> 00:24:43.539 Now, I will ask you to turn one time to a different verse here. 00:24:43.539 --> 00:24:46.659 This is Revelation chapter 19. 00:24:47.859 --> 00:24:50.339 This is the other end of that redemptive history. 00:24:53.399 --> 00:24:56.299 Revelation chapter 19, verses 6 through 9. 00:24:57.200 --> 00:25:01.099 When I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:03.799 like the roar of many waters, 00:25:04.159 --> 00:25:06.240 and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, 00:25:06.359 --> 00:25:07.000 crying out, 00:25:07.259 --> 00:25:07.680 Hallelujah! 00:25:08.639 --> 00:25:11.259 For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns. 00:25:11.259 --> 00:25:14.400 Let us rejoice and exalt and give Him the glory. 00:25:14.940 --> 00:25:17.160 For the marriage of the Lamb has come, 00:25:17.319 --> 00:25:19.339 and His bride has made herself ready. 00:25:20.079 --> 00:25:21.140 It was granted her, 00:25:21.359 --> 00:25:24.900 and this is where we should be focusing, 00:25:25.420 --> 00:25:29.460 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure. 00:25:30.099 --> 00:25:31.900 For the fine linen is what? 00:25:32.039 --> 00:25:34.379 It's the righteous deeds of the saints. 00:25:35.440 --> 00:25:37.079 And the angel said to me, 00:25:37.180 --> 00:25:37.799 Write this, 00:25:37.799 --> 00:25:41.319 Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. 00:25:41.879 --> 00:25:42.759 And He said to me, 00:25:43.180 --> 00:25:44.720 These are the true words of God, 00:25:45.299 --> 00:25:46.859 The righteous deeds of the saints. 00:25:48.099 --> 00:25:49.899 The righteous deeds of the saints, 00:25:50.059 --> 00:25:52.619 the striving for the narrow door of the saints, 00:25:53.119 --> 00:25:55.740 is the garment adorning the bride of Christ. 00:25:56.299 --> 00:25:58.500 Well, that's who we are, friends. 00:25:58.819 --> 00:26:00.379 We are the bride of Christ. 00:26:00.380 --> 00:26:03.620 What is promised to those who persevere? 00:26:04.580 --> 00:26:07.700 It's to sit at the marriage supper of the Lamb, 00:26:08.060 --> 00:26:10.000 in the new heavens and the new earth, 00:26:10.560 --> 00:26:12.760 adorned with fine linen, 00:26:13.300 --> 00:26:16.240 adorned with our striving for the narrow door, 00:26:16.600 --> 00:26:17.740 as the bride of Christ, 00:26:18.100 --> 00:26:20.120 to be made one with Christ forever. 00:26:21.360 --> 00:26:23.020 Can there be anything more glorious? 00:26:23.019 --> 00:26:26.279 And this feast will represent, 00:26:26.579 --> 00:26:28.000 no, it will be, 00:26:28.200 --> 00:26:29.259 not just represent, 00:26:29.359 --> 00:26:32.639 a radical unbraiding of the earthly norms, 00:26:33.579 --> 00:26:35.859 which are the shackles of sin. 00:26:37.359 --> 00:26:38.660 Look at Jesus' words. 00:26:38.779 --> 00:26:41.180 This is back in Luke 13, our sermon text. 00:26:41.319 --> 00:26:41.980 Verse 30. 00:26:42.779 --> 00:26:45.720 Indeed, the last will be first, 00:26:46.160 --> 00:26:47.639 and the first will be last. 00:26:47.640 --> 00:26:52.640 You know, we're told all the time 00:26:52.640 --> 00:26:53.800 to strive for things, 00:26:54.360 --> 00:26:55.880 and it's not the narrow door. 00:26:56.320 --> 00:26:59.100 We're told to strive for an end to war, 00:27:00.100 --> 00:27:01.740 an end to hunger, 00:27:02.700 --> 00:27:03.980 an end to suffering, 00:27:05.259 --> 00:27:07.060 strive to overcome racism, 00:27:07.600 --> 00:27:09.140 strive for social justice, 00:27:09.700 --> 00:27:11.800 strive to make the world a better place. 00:27:13.440 --> 00:27:15.440 In fact, it's Yale and similar institutions 00:27:15.440 --> 00:27:17.100 who are leading the call for these things. 00:27:18.220 --> 00:27:19.060 But friends, 00:27:19.140 --> 00:27:21.340 can we not see the truth together tonight? 00:27:22.280 --> 00:27:23.640 Strive for the narrow door, 00:27:24.440 --> 00:27:25.560 strive for the righteousness 00:27:25.560 --> 00:27:27.480 we will wear like fine linen, 00:27:28.540 --> 00:27:29.980 because by doing so, 00:27:30.320 --> 00:27:32.420 we will be present at the end of war, 00:27:32.759 --> 00:27:33.759 the end of hunger, 00:27:34.140 --> 00:27:35.220 the end of suffering, 00:27:35.380 --> 00:27:36.420 the end of racism, 00:27:37.000 --> 00:27:38.180 perfect justice, 00:27:39.120 --> 00:27:40.460 where the last will be first, 00:27:40.520 --> 00:27:41.700 and the first will be last. 00:27:42.520 --> 00:27:43.980 The new heavens and the new earth, 00:27:44.840 --> 00:27:46.200 the marriage supper of the Lamb, 00:27:46.200 --> 00:27:47.700 why do we persevere? 00:27:48.660 --> 00:27:50.660 Why do we strive for the narrow door 00:27:50.660 --> 00:27:52.340 for these things? 00:27:54.120 --> 00:27:56.259 And if you still are holding out doubt, 00:27:56.799 --> 00:27:57.660 if you still feel like, 00:27:57.740 --> 00:27:58.360 well, you know, maybe, 00:27:58.359 --> 00:28:01.779 I just don't want to strive for that narrow door. 00:28:01.859 --> 00:28:03.439 I'm comfortable with where I'm at. 00:28:05.379 --> 00:28:07.599 Look with me at Jesus' words in verse 32. 00:28:07.599 --> 00:28:12.039 When told Herod is seeking to kill him, 00:28:12.759 --> 00:28:13.299 he said to them, 00:28:13.379 --> 00:28:14.339 Go tell that fox, 00:28:14.659 --> 00:28:16.259 Behold, I cast out demons 00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:18.539 and perform cures today and tomorrow, 00:28:18.699 --> 00:28:20.759 and the third day I shall be perfected. 00:28:21.959 --> 00:28:24.000 None of Jesus' words are by accident. 00:28:24.919 --> 00:28:26.099 Our section starts with somebody saying, 00:28:26.179 --> 00:28:26.980 Will many be saved? 00:28:27.519 --> 00:28:28.859 It ends with Jesus, 00:28:29.039 --> 00:28:29.740 excuse me, 00:28:29.939 --> 00:28:31.399 Jesus making this reference. 00:28:31.400 --> 00:28:35.820 He doesn't just answer the original question, 00:28:36.460 --> 00:28:38.080 Will many be saved? 00:28:38.519 --> 00:28:40.140 He doesn't answer it like a stoic 00:28:40.140 --> 00:28:42.080 with a philosophical exhortation, 00:28:42.320 --> 00:28:42.980 Work hard, 00:28:43.080 --> 00:28:44.320 try to be a good person. 00:28:45.180 --> 00:28:45.540 No. 00:28:46.740 --> 00:28:49.580 He implores you to strive for the narrow door. 00:28:50.040 --> 00:28:53.019 He explains to you what's at stake when you don't. 00:28:53.340 --> 00:28:54.740 He paints for you a picture 00:28:54.740 --> 00:28:56.900 of what it will be like when you do. 00:28:57.700 --> 00:28:59.180 And finally, in verse 32, 00:28:59.180 --> 00:29:01.920 he guarantees that promise 00:29:01.920 --> 00:29:03.620 with the seal of his own blood. 00:29:05.100 --> 00:29:06.740 Behold, I cast out demons, 00:29:06.920 --> 00:29:08.019 I perform cures. 00:29:08.360 --> 00:29:09.900 He certainly could have added to that, 00:29:09.980 --> 00:29:12.560 I tame creation and feed the hungry. 00:29:13.060 --> 00:29:14.920 I perform wonders to show you 00:29:14.920 --> 00:29:16.660 what sin has done to my creation 00:29:16.660 --> 00:29:18.860 and what I plan to do about it. 00:29:19.180 --> 00:29:21.420 I show you how things are supposed to be, 00:29:22.299 --> 00:29:24.920 and on the third day I shall be perfected. 00:29:26.299 --> 00:29:28.279 Like all biblical truths, 00:29:29.180 --> 00:29:30.779 if they aren't rooted firmly 00:29:30.779 --> 00:29:32.320 in the reality of the resurrection, 00:29:32.660 --> 00:29:34.120 then they're not a biblical truth. 00:29:35.019 --> 00:29:37.400 And striving for the narrow door is no exception. 00:29:39.200 --> 00:29:41.060 Jesus is, of course, predicting here 00:29:41.060 --> 00:29:42.580 his passion and being raised 00:29:42.580 --> 00:29:43.900 to new and glorified life 00:29:43.900 --> 00:29:45.299 after his crucifixion, 00:29:45.960 --> 00:29:48.060 what Paul rightly calls our first fruits. 00:29:48.059 --> 00:29:51.359 For God so loved the world 00:29:51.359 --> 00:29:53.220 that he would leave nothing to chance. 00:29:54.019 --> 00:29:54.980 He so loved the world 00:29:54.980 --> 00:29:56.279 that he would not leave his elect 00:29:56.279 --> 00:29:57.839 to languish and labor 00:29:57.839 --> 00:29:59.819 under the weight of their own sinful natures. 00:30:00.460 --> 00:30:01.539 He so loved the world 00:30:01.539 --> 00:30:03.539 that he gave his only begotten son 00:30:03.539 --> 00:30:04.919 to suffer and die 00:30:04.919 --> 00:30:06.419 and be raised to new life 00:30:06.419 --> 00:30:09.059 so that your striving for the narrow door 00:30:09.059 --> 00:30:10.359 cannot be in vain. 00:30:11.039 --> 00:30:12.319 It can't be in vain. 00:30:12.919 --> 00:30:14.079 It won't be in vain. 00:30:14.079 --> 00:30:16.819 And how do you know that? 00:30:16.939 --> 00:30:17.859 Well, you can find comfort 00:30:17.859 --> 00:30:20.319 in the words of the Apostle Paul 00:30:20.319 --> 00:30:23.199 when he's writing to his church 00:30:23.199 --> 00:30:24.519 that he founded in Ephesus, 00:30:25.359 --> 00:30:26.059 pleading with them 00:30:26.059 --> 00:30:27.339 to strive for the narrow door. 00:30:28.000 --> 00:30:29.099 This is in Ephesians 2. 00:30:29.179 --> 00:30:29.799 You don't have to turn there. 00:30:29.799 --> 00:30:30.279 I'll read it. 00:30:30.679 --> 00:30:32.579 Ephesians 2, first verse. 00:30:33.079 --> 00:30:35.240 And you were dead in the trespasses 00:30:35.240 --> 00:30:37.119 and sins in which you once walked, 00:30:37.659 --> 00:30:39.519 following the course of this world, 00:30:39.980 --> 00:30:40.859 following the prince 00:30:40.859 --> 00:30:42.519 of the power of the air, 00:30:42.519 --> 00:30:44.259 the spirit that is now at work 00:30:44.259 --> 00:30:45.599 in the sons of disobedience, 00:30:46.019 --> 00:30:47.639 among whom we all once lived 00:30:47.639 --> 00:30:49.400 in the passions of our flesh, 00:30:50.139 --> 00:30:51.480 carrying out the desires 00:30:51.480 --> 00:30:52.819 of the body and the mind, 00:30:53.720 --> 00:30:55.859 and were by nature children of wrath, 00:30:56.279 --> 00:30:57.639 like the rest of mankind. 00:30:58.619 --> 00:31:00.759 But God, being rich in mercy 00:31:00.759 --> 00:31:02.299 because of the great love 00:31:02.299 --> 00:31:03.740 with which he loved us, 00:31:04.319 --> 00:31:06.319 even when we were dead in our trespasses, 00:31:06.440 --> 00:31:08.339 made us alive together with Christ. 00:31:08.819 --> 00:31:10.420 By grace you have been saved 00:31:10.420 --> 00:31:11.539 and raised up with him 00:31:11.539 --> 00:31:12.620 and seated us with him 00:31:12.620 --> 00:31:14.380 in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 00:31:14.840 --> 00:31:16.320 so that in the coming ages 00:31:16.320 --> 00:31:18.080 he might show the immeasurable riches 00:31:18.080 --> 00:31:18.980 of his grace 00:31:18.980 --> 00:31:21.420 in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus. 00:31:21.620 --> 00:31:23.660 For by grace you have been saved through faith. 00:31:24.380 --> 00:31:26.000 And this is not your own doing. 00:31:26.380 --> 00:31:27.800 It is the gift of God, 00:31:28.300 --> 00:31:29.840 not a result of works, 00:31:29.980 --> 00:31:31.400 so that no one may boast. 00:31:32.600 --> 00:31:34.259 For we are his workmanship, 00:31:34.740 --> 00:31:37.140 created in Christ Jesus for good works, 00:31:37.140 --> 00:31:40.660 which God prepared beforehand 00:31:40.660 --> 00:31:42.640 that we should walk in them. 00:31:43.820 --> 00:31:46.160 And this is what is so astounding to me tonight 00:31:46.160 --> 00:31:47.759 as I prepare for this sermon. 00:31:48.700 --> 00:31:50.840 Jesus is adamant. 00:31:51.759 --> 00:31:54.220 You need to strive for the narrow door. 00:31:54.620 --> 00:31:55.700 You need to have works. 00:31:56.040 --> 00:31:58.000 Faith on its own, without works, 00:31:58.440 --> 00:31:59.360 is a dead faith. 00:32:00.319 --> 00:32:02.139 But then here Paul assures us 00:32:02.139 --> 00:32:05.179 that even though he has told you 00:32:05.179 --> 00:32:06.639 you have a tough task ahead of you, 00:32:06.919 --> 00:32:08.119 strive for the narrow door, 00:32:08.740 --> 00:32:10.839 God even goes so far as to prepare 00:32:10.839 --> 00:32:14.179 that striving beforehand for you. 00:32:15.339 --> 00:32:17.099 If you still lack sufficient encouragement 00:32:17.099 --> 00:32:18.319 to strive for the narrow door, 00:32:18.639 --> 00:32:19.819 I can think of no better truth 00:32:19.819 --> 00:32:22.299 than what we find here in Ephesians 2, verse 10. 00:32:23.399 --> 00:32:25.359 Created in Christ Jesus for good works. 00:32:25.699 --> 00:32:28.339 Created in Christ Jesus to strive for the narrow door. 00:32:28.339 --> 00:32:31.279 If you believe in Jesus tonight, 00:32:31.399 --> 00:32:33.299 you know that you have now been created 00:32:33.299 --> 00:32:35.139 to strive for the narrow door. 00:32:35.759 --> 00:32:37.619 And God has prepared beforehand 00:32:37.619 --> 00:32:39.359 that process for you, 00:32:39.439 --> 00:32:40.439 that you should walk in them. 00:32:41.259 --> 00:32:43.000 It confounds the mind. 00:32:44.579 --> 00:32:46.159 But it rouses the soul. 00:32:46.740 --> 00:32:48.879 Does God implore you to strive for the narrow door? 00:32:49.079 --> 00:32:49.519 Absolutely. 00:32:50.220 --> 00:32:52.079 And like a loving and merciful Father, 00:32:52.619 --> 00:32:56.000 He even prepares the path for us ahead of time. 00:32:56.399 --> 00:32:57.279 He tills the soil. 00:32:57.279 --> 00:32:58.240 He breaks the ice. 00:32:58.919 --> 00:33:00.500 He gets the lid on the pickle jar loose. 00:33:01.500 --> 00:33:02.740 God loves you so much. 00:33:02.839 --> 00:33:04.899 He's so invested in your sanctification 00:33:04.899 --> 00:33:06.439 and future union with Him 00:33:06.439 --> 00:33:08.619 that He will not see you fail. 00:33:09.959 --> 00:33:12.319 My yoke is easy and my burden is light. 00:33:13.639 --> 00:33:14.879 God is true to His word. 00:33:14.880 --> 00:33:15.880 God is true to you. 00:33:15.880 --> 00:33:29.080 Lord, we just want to come to you tonight 00:33:29.080 --> 00:33:31.480 and thank you for salvation. 00:33:31.680 --> 00:33:32.360 Thank you for grace. 00:33:32.480 --> 00:33:34.240 Thank you for your Son who went to the cross. 00:33:34.240 --> 00:33:38.359 Thank you for all of the good works that you have prepared beforehand. 00:33:38.359 --> 00:33:41.799 You told us that we need to be perfect. 00:33:42.799 --> 00:33:45.099 You told us that we needed to strive for the narrow door 00:33:45.099 --> 00:33:46.419 because many won't be saved. 00:33:46.420 --> 00:33:54.680 Lord, you told us that we would not be able to do it. 00:33:54.680 --> 00:33:56.000 That we would fail in that endeavor. 00:33:56.140 --> 00:33:56.900 So what did you do? 00:33:57.100 --> 00:33:58.779 You made sure that we would be successful 00:33:58.779 --> 00:34:02.079 because you prepared those works beforehand for us. 00:34:02.079 --> 00:34:04.879 Please, Lord, help us to believe that tonight. 00:34:05.839 --> 00:34:08.199 Help us to commit ourselves to you, 00:34:08.340 --> 00:34:09.759 to loving you, to serving you, 00:34:09.840 --> 00:34:11.299 to striving for the narrow door 00:34:11.299 --> 00:34:16.199 in the faith that you have prepared that process for us, 00:34:16.659 --> 00:34:18.599 that you are walking through that process with us, 00:34:18.619 --> 00:34:19.699 that you are perfecting us, 00:34:19.739 --> 00:34:23.599 and that what you set out to do is accomplished, 00:34:23.980 --> 00:34:27.159 that you do not fail when you set out to do something. 00:34:27.299 --> 00:34:29.179 And you have very much set out tonight 00:34:29.179 --> 00:34:31.900 to save us, to redeem us, 00:34:32.739 --> 00:34:34.440 and to see that we strive for the narrow door. 00:34:34.599 --> 00:34:37.799 Please, be with those that are here tonight. 00:34:39.659 --> 00:34:41.139 Encourage them, raise them up, 00:34:41.960 --> 00:34:45.340 help them as we all seek to strive for the narrow door. 00:34:45.840 --> 00:34:47.719 And I pray these in Jesus' name. Amen.