AUGUST 24 SERMON AND STUDY MATERIAL
SERMON TEXT
22 He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23 And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ 26 Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’ 28 In that place 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 but you yourselves cast out. 29 And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”
SUMMARY
Pastor Pett's sermon from the Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost explores the concept of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing the urgency of developing a genuine relationship with Him. Pastor Pett uses Jesus' teaching about the narrow door to illustrate the importance of sincere faith, active striving in one's spiritual life, and the consequences of failing to enter while the door remains open. The message underscores that salvation is not about mere knowledge of Jesus, but about truly knowing Him and living a life of repentance and faith.
KEY POINTS
- Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, who is the "narrow door"
- There is a difference between knowing of Jesus and truly knowing Jesus
- Faith requires active striving and effort, not passive acceptance
- The opportunity for salvation is limited; the door will eventually close
- True faith involves a personal relationship with Jesus and sincere repentance
- The worst part of hell is separation from God and seeing others in heaven
- Repentance should be a continuous aspect of a Christian's life
- Our relationship with Jesus is the only thing that matters for salvation
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Scripture references mentioned or alluded to by Pastor Pett in the sermon, along with some relevant verses for the main themes discussed:
Explicit references:
1. Luke 13:22-30 (The main text for the sermon, discussing the narrow door)
2. John 14:6 (Jesus as "the way, the truth, and the life")
3. Hebrews 12:4 ("In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.")
Allusions and themes:
1. Matthew 7:13-14 (The narrow gate, aligns with the sermon's focus on the "narrow door")
2. Matthew 7:21-23 (People claiming to know Jesus but being turned away, similar to Luke 13:25-27)
3. Romans 10:9-10 (Salvation through faith in Jesus)
4. Ephesians 2:8-9 (Salvation by grace through faith, not works)
5. James 2:14-26 (Faith without works is dead, relating to the "striving" mentioned in the sermon)
6. Revelation 3:20 (Jesus knocking at the door, relates to the theme of entering through the narrow door)
7. Matthew 24:36-44 (The day and hour unknown, relates to the urgency of entering the narrow door before it's closed)
8. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (Now is the day of salvation, aligns with the sermon's emphasis on not waiting)
9. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (Resisting the devil, relates to the theme of striving against sin)
10. Matthew 19:30 (The first will be last and the last will be first, directly quoted in the sermon)
The sermon also mentions Martin Luther's 95 Theses, specifically the first thesis, which is not a biblical reference but a theological statement based on biblical principles.
Explicit references:
1. Luke 13:22-30 (The main text for the sermon, discussing the narrow door)
2. John 14:6 (Jesus as "the way, the truth, and the life")
3. Hebrews 12:4 ("In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.")
Allusions and themes:
1. Matthew 7:13-14 (The narrow gate, aligns with the sermon's focus on the "narrow door")
2. Matthew 7:21-23 (People claiming to know Jesus but being turned away, similar to Luke 13:25-27)
3. Romans 10:9-10 (Salvation through faith in Jesus)
4. Ephesians 2:8-9 (Salvation by grace through faith, not works)
5. James 2:14-26 (Faith without works is dead, relating to the "striving" mentioned in the sermon)
6. Revelation 3:20 (Jesus knocking at the door, relates to the theme of entering through the narrow door)
7. Matthew 24:36-44 (The day and hour unknown, relates to the urgency of entering the narrow door before it's closed)
8. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (Now is the day of salvation, aligns with the sermon's emphasis on not waiting)
9. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (Resisting the devil, relates to the theme of striving against sin)
10. Matthew 19:30 (The first will be last and the last will be first, directly quoted in the sermon)
The sermon also mentions Martin Luther's 95 Theses, specifically the first thesis, which is not a biblical reference but a theological statement based on biblical principles.
QUOTES FROM PASTOR PETT
- "Strive to enter through the narrow door." Faith isn't a passive thing. Even though it's a gift from God, it's something He wants us to take hold of and put every effort into.
- There's a difference between knowing of Jesus and knowing Jesus.
- As long as you are still breathing, you can enter through the narrow door. However, there will come a day when that door is shut.
- Heaven can't be somebody looking down from above, otherwise it's not heaven. I don't want my parents looking down and seeing what's going on here. They wouldn't be able to rest.
- When our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ said repent, he meant that the whole life of the Christian be one of repentance.
- We can't get in by what we do or don't do. We can't get in by what we have or don't have. The only way is through Jesus, by a personal relationship with Jesus.
- The only two people that know if you're going to heaven are you yourself and God. So what's that relationship? And we should be asking ourselves about that relationship all the time.
SERMON-BASED 5-DAY DEVOTIONAL
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes from the sermon:
Day 1: Entering Through the Narrow Door
Reading: Luke 13:22-30
Devotional: Jesus speaks of a narrow door through which we must strive to enter. This door represents salvation through faith in Christ alone. As we reflect on this passage, let's consider the urgency of our spiritual journey. Are we actively pursuing a relationship with Jesus, or are we merely acquainted with Him? Today, take time to examine your faith. Is it a living, active faith that shapes your daily life? Pray for God to deepen your relationship with Him and to help you "strive" in your spiritual walk, putting every effort into knowing and following Christ.
Day 2: The Nature of True Faith
Reading: James 2:14-26
Devotional: Yesterday, we considered the narrow door of salvation. Today, we explore what it means to have a faith that saves. James teaches us that true faith is not passive but active, demonstrated through our works. This doesn't mean we earn salvation, but rather that genuine faith naturally produces good fruit. Reflect on how your faith is manifested in your daily life. Are there areas where your actions don't align with your professed beliefs? Ask God to help you live out your faith more fully, allowing it to transform every aspect of your life.
Day 3: The Urgency of Salvation
Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:1-2
Devotional: In our sermon, we were reminded that the door of salvation won't remain open forever. Paul echoes this urgency in today's reading, emphasizing that now is the day of salvation. This truth should motivate us not only in our own spiritual lives but also in our witness to others. Consider those in your life who don't know Christ. How can you share the urgency of the gospel with them? Pray for opportunities to speak about your faith and for the courage to seize those moments when they arise.
Day 4: Perseverance in Faith
Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3
Devotional: Our sermon mentioned "striving" to enter through the narrow door, which implies effort and perseverance. Today's passage encourages us to run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus. In your spiritual journey, what obstacles or distractions are hindering your progress? What "weights" do you need to lay aside? Reflect on how you can more intentionally focus on Christ amidst life's challenges. Ask God for the strength to persevere, remembering that Jesus himself endured the cross for our sake.
Day 5: The Joy of Salvation
Reading: Luke 15:1-10
Devotional: While our sermon touched on the sobering reality of judgment, it's crucial to remember the immense joy that comes with salvation. In today's reading, Jesus tells parables that illustrate God's delight when even one sinner repents. As you reflect on your own salvation, take time to rejoice in God's grace and love for you. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for your redemption? Consider sharing your testimony with someone today, celebrating the work God has done in your life and inviting others to experience His joy.
Day 1: Entering Through the Narrow Door
Reading: Luke 13:22-30
Devotional: Jesus speaks of a narrow door through which we must strive to enter. This door represents salvation through faith in Christ alone. As we reflect on this passage, let's consider the urgency of our spiritual journey. Are we actively pursuing a relationship with Jesus, or are we merely acquainted with Him? Today, take time to examine your faith. Is it a living, active faith that shapes your daily life? Pray for God to deepen your relationship with Him and to help you "strive" in your spiritual walk, putting every effort into knowing and following Christ.
Day 2: The Nature of True Faith
Reading: James 2:14-26
Devotional: Yesterday, we considered the narrow door of salvation. Today, we explore what it means to have a faith that saves. James teaches us that true faith is not passive but active, demonstrated through our works. This doesn't mean we earn salvation, but rather that genuine faith naturally produces good fruit. Reflect on how your faith is manifested in your daily life. Are there areas where your actions don't align with your professed beliefs? Ask God to help you live out your faith more fully, allowing it to transform every aspect of your life.
Day 3: The Urgency of Salvation
Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:1-2
Devotional: In our sermon, we were reminded that the door of salvation won't remain open forever. Paul echoes this urgency in today's reading, emphasizing that now is the day of salvation. This truth should motivate us not only in our own spiritual lives but also in our witness to others. Consider those in your life who don't know Christ. How can you share the urgency of the gospel with them? Pray for opportunities to speak about your faith and for the courage to seize those moments when they arise.
Day 4: Perseverance in Faith
Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3
Devotional: Our sermon mentioned "striving" to enter through the narrow door, which implies effort and perseverance. Today's passage encourages us to run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus. In your spiritual journey, what obstacles or distractions are hindering your progress? What "weights" do you need to lay aside? Reflect on how you can more intentionally focus on Christ amidst life's challenges. Ask God for the strength to persevere, remembering that Jesus himself endured the cross for our sake.
Day 5: The Joy of Salvation
Reading: Luke 15:1-10
Devotional: While our sermon touched on the sobering reality of judgment, it's crucial to remember the immense joy that comes with salvation. In today's reading, Jesus tells parables that illustrate God's delight when even one sinner repents. As you reflect on your own salvation, take time to rejoice in God's grace and love for you. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for your redemption? Consider sharing your testimony with someone today, celebrating the work God has done in your life and inviting others to experience His joy.
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