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Weekly Message | October 19th, 2008
Passage: Matthew 7:13-29
Key Verse(s): 24,25
During the past three weeks we have experienced the whirlwind of financial crisis in this country. Major mortgage and investment banks disappeared. The US government had to announce a huge bailout plan to calm down deep anxiety of people around the world. People saw that their investment values drastically reduced over night. Troubles come and our lives must go on. We need to have clear understanding how to live in this world as Jesus’ disciples.
In today’s passage Jesus speaks about the direction of life (narrow gate/road and wide gate/broad road), the focus of life (bearing fruit) and the foundation of life (rock and sand). Here, Jesus speaks in such contrasting terms about the reality of life—(1) narrow and broad gate, (2) the wise and the foolish. Jesus’ teachings are all connected. The temptation for us is to look at this passage into small pieces and study them separately. That is not the right approach. The wise are those who enter through the narrow gate, those who bear fruit for God and those who build their house on the rock of Jesus. The foolish choose the broad road, have appearance of religion but deny its power, and build on sand. After this message I will be away for a month. May God bless each of you with the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.
First, “Enter through the narrow gate” (13-14). Look at verses 13 and 14. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Here Jesus presents two gates (i.e., possibilities) to his disciples. The first is huge, broad and attractive to all. It is full of people entering into it. Next to it is a small narrow gate. It is the road that one person at the time can get in at any given time. People rather would like to choose the broad road that is most traveled. The narrow gate is the road that is less traveled and tried.
Now listen to what Jesus says, “Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Jesus declares the awesome outcomes of these two gates. One is heading toward destruction and the other leads to life. How do we approach this teaching of Jesus Christ?
We may first approach this theologically. In John 10:7 and 9 Jesus says: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep…” and, “…I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.” Jesus is the narrow gate. He is the gate for his sheep. He is the gate to salvation. By entering through the narrow door we show that we are being saved. Salvation is through Jesus alone. All religions may not eventually lead to God; Jesus is the only way to God (John 4:24, 14:6). Every Christian must repent toward God and have faith in Jesus Christ (Ac 20:21).Christians maintain this basic conviction. The question is this, “Is this all?” No. This is not merely for our abstract and conceptual level. This is about how we live in this world.
Jesus himself entered through the narrow gate and followed the narrow road. Many of his teachings are absolute and sound quite exclusive. Yet, his life was not narrow-minded and secluded all the time. His life was exposed to the world. He served the great needs of larger numbers of people. He died as the Lamb of God for the whole world.
A few years ago, some of UBF students considered the name of their group at UT campus and decided to call “Narrow Gate Fellowship”. What does this mean? Jesus says, "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Here salt and light refers to the indispensable element and influential aspect of life. This is Jesus’ call for extraordinary life.
Let me illustrate this point. Even in this short life on this earth, if we dare to accomplish something in this life, we must accept this reality. College student experience this “narrow gate” in choosing their major. Many rather want to study all different subjects. But after sophomore years each student needs to declare his/her major. The idea of living your life for specialized areas is quite constraining and even unsettling. Yet, this is what life is about. As we get older, we narrow down our choices of our living. Without narrowing down our interests and investing our talents in specific areas, we may not really accomplish anything in this life.
Practically, entering narrow gate is more than such selective choices in this life. Practically, it is to accept Jesus’ call for deep life. Here is the lesson: If we dare to do something extraordinary in this life, go through the narrow gate. Enter the lonely path of dedication and devotion to Jesus Christ. Some Christians never accept this demand for deep and devout life.
Second, “Watch out For False Prophets” (15-23). Look at verse 15: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” Christian life is a journey toward God. Jesus said, "Watch out for false prophets." Here, prophets refer to spiritual leaders--teachers, mentors and pastors. For the important journey of faith each person needs guidance. No person will merely pick and choose the right way. Therefore, it is extremely important to have the right kind of teachers. So Jesus said, "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."
In strictly theological sense, false prophets are false teachers. Those who teach about salvation other than Jesus Christ are false teachers. False teachers may look the same outwardly in the beginning; but their inner motive is evil. What is the mark of false prophets? False teachers lead people to themselves, not to Christ. Apostle Paul referred to them as "savage wolves". They distort the truth to draw away people after them(Acts 20:29, 30). False prophets may not emphasize the narrow aspects of Christian life. The messages of false prophets ultimately lead people to destruction. In practical level, false prophets may refer to bad leaders. False prophets are those who provide bad and destructive influences in our lives. They are bad mentors.
Look at verses 17-20: “Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” In a sense, here “good” or “bad” is not merely about moral quality. Do you see any morally superior tree or ethically poor tree? This is about overall health and soundness of the tree content and the context. Therefore, this is rather about focus and quality of this life. First, life fruit is about who we become and what kind of influence we depart to others.
Look at verses 21-23. Then what are the distinct marks of good prophets? The first is godliness. Wordiness is the mark of false prophets. Godliness is demonstrated by those who love Christ. Godly people are faithful and therefore in due time they become competent in what they do. Godly people are humble. They participate in the sufferings of Jesus (1Pe 4:13-14). They demonstrate divine (godly) nature in their lives (2Peter 1:4-8). They continue to learn and stay steady in many ups and downs in this life. Godly people are joyful so that they are secure in all circumstances.
Bearing fruit can be very different in different culture. Here in America we live in performance-driven culture. Our efforts matters and results count most. In other parts of the world (e.g., Mongolia, South America, and African countries) relation matters and it counts. Therefore, as I travel different parts of the world I try to be careful to inject my values that are deeply ingrained by living here in America for the past 30 years and Korea for the first my 25 years. Yet, regardless of culture people seek counsels ultimately with one question, “What kind of person should I become?” This is my understanding at this time. Have in your mind what kind of person you would like to become. Be mindful in three areas: (1) (1) godly (loving God and Jesus Christ practicing solid habits of spiritual disciplines in all aspects of life); (2) sound (emotionally, physically, professionally, socially, and of course spiritually); (3) influential (impactful through who you are (i.e., character) and what you do (i.e., actions).
Look at verses 21-22: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?” The test of false believers and genuine believers is this. What is the impact of this passage to you? Genuine believers fear God. This passage was shocking to me. In the time of judgment some people claim their activities—driving out demons and performing miracles. Yet, Jesus does not know them. Jesus gives us realistic the possibility of evildoers. They may prophesy (teach) and perform. Yet, Jesus does not know them. What does this mean? Be clear about your focus. Focus on knowing Christ and growing in him. Know Jesus and do your work.
Third, "Its Foundation On The Rock…” (24-29). Look at verse 24: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” According to Jesus, both the wise and the foolish hear God's words. The difference is in their practice. Verse 24 tells that the wise man built his house on the rock. We are all in the business of building our own houses. Either this house on the sand or on the rock. Here, Jesus emphasizes the supreme importance of laying a solid foundation in our Christian life. Laying a foundation cannot be done in haste. It must be done in faithfulness.
When do we know the outcome of our foundation? Jesus says, “"The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”(25-27) King Solomon said, “ Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them…” (Ecc 12;1). Rain stands for times of troubles. The difference is that a wise builder builds well, while a foolish builder builds poorly. This is about being prepared for the troubles in life and ultimately the upcoming judgment day. Times of trouble (ultimately our death(Heb 9:27) come to everyone. At that time the nature of our foundation is revealed. A solid house on the rock stands the test, whiles the house on the sand crumbles and is destroyed in the time of test. In times of trouble people show what kind of preparation they have done over the years. Those who are prepared can face anything in this life.
Our life foundation should be on the word of God. More practically, it should be based on the grace and love of God, not the law and judgment of God. In any failures in this life we still have reasons to live. No troubles and failures in this life are final. Nothing in this world is final. In Christ Jesus (because of the grace and love of God) there is always hope. We must not be ashamed of coming to God and his people with our troubles in this life.
Here is the conclusion of the matter. Enter through the narrow gate. Hear and practice. This is the conclusion. You may start with practicing Jesus’ teaching, “Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God”. Learn to offer your morning to God. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness”. Order your priorities of life. “Store your treasures in heaven”, Use materials for Christ and his kingdom. “A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep”. Learn to serve others in the name of Christ with your time and talents. But in all come to know the grace of Jesus Christ—the freedom that Christ gives! Practices lead us freedom. Practice of God’s word should lead us to the grace of God. Our real foundation is the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Peter came to his own failures in his life. In 2Peter 3:18 we read, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” This is the life that enter through the narrow gate. Troubles come but they do not trouble us. Rather, we find faith, hope and love that Christ provides. Such life is about entering through the narrow gate. Such life is the quality of life that God blesses. Such life stands the tests—ultimately the fiery test of God’s judgment (1Cor 10:15). Jesus Christ invites you such solid and peaceful life.
October 19, 2008. Toledo UBF
Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
