The Narrow Door (Nov. 1-5) - Mission Month

MISSION

This month is mission month, and we want to challenge you to use your group to make an impact in your community. To evangelize, to extend your hands, to reach out and embrace those who are hurting.

TEACHING

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!’

Luke 13: 22-27 ESV

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

Many will believe the gospel, many will accept Jesus into their hearts. But that’s just the beginning of a relationship with Jesus.

Look at what the people say in the example Jesus gives:

‘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.’

We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in my neighborhood.

Huh?? Ate and drank in my presence? Around me?

None of this implies relationship.

You can’t take credit for being a part of a conversation if you’re not even sitting in the same table. How can you know Jesus if he’s sitting in another table? How can you know Jesus if he’s teaching in your neighborhood and not in your house?

Many will pass away thinking this way, many will say, “But Jesus I went to church that one time, but Jesus my mom is christian and prayed for me.”

Jesus has no choice, but to say, I never knew you. That’s why the door is narrow, we can’t make this about sin or not sin, shame or guilt, none of these are as important as a relationship with Jesus.

DISCUSSION

• Do you have a relationship with Jesus?

• What do you think we can do to prevent the broad road, the road that leads to destruction?

• Did you know you can improve your relationship with Jesus?

Ways to improve your relationship with God:

• Writing down your prayers, writing to God.

• Listen to anything he might say, ask the Holy Spirit for discernment and wisdom in this. Write down what he says, his promises over you.

• Pray, often, a lot! For everything!