How can we "make every effort" to enter through the narrow door today? The Narrow Door Jesus Names “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24) • The door is literal and exclusive—Jesus Himself (John 10:9; 14:6; Acts 4:12). • Salvation is by grace alone, yet Christ commands earnest striving; complacency is fatal (Matthew 7:13-14). Why Effort Is Vital, Even under Grace • Grace energizes diligence, it never excuses laziness (Philippians 2:12-13). • A living faith always labors to confirm its calling (2 Peter 1:5-10). • The gospel is received, then worked out in obedient perseverance (Colossians 1:22-23). Ways to “Make Every Effort” Today • Repent and Believe Daily – Keep short accounts with God (1 John 1:9). – Renew trust in Christ’s finished work, not performance (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Saturate Your Mind with Scripture – Read, meditate, memorize; His Word guards the path (Psalm 119:9-11). – Obey immediately what you understand (James 1:22-25). • Pray without Ceasing – Prayer opens fellowship and aligns desires (Luke 18:1). – Include worship, confession, petition, and thanksgiving. • Pursue Practical Holiness – “Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thes 5:22). – Actively replace sin with Spirit-empowered virtues (Galatians 5:16-25). • Walk in Covenant Community – Gather faithfully, submit to shepherding, serve the body (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Mutual accountability sharpens and protects (Proverbs 27:17). • Endure Trials with Hope – Hardship tests and refines genuine faith (1 Peter 1:6-7). – Fix eyes on Jesus, “the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Guardrails Against Drift • Regular self-examination before the Lord’s Table (2 Corinthians 13:5). • Scriptural discernment of teachers and trends (1 John 4:1). • Rhythms of rest and Sabbath to resist worldly pace (Mark 6:31). • Stewardship of media and relationships to protect affections (Philippians 4:8). Encouragement for the Striver • The Spirit supplies power beyond human resolve (Romans 8:13-14). • God’s promises secure the outcome: “He who began a good work in you will perfect it” (Philippians 1:6). • “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) Keep pressing forward; the door stands open now, and Christ Himself waits to receive all who strive to enter through Him. |
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