Difficulties to Endure Along the Narrow Way, #2

In this part of the sermon: Martin reviews the previous sermons, reiterating the 'gracious but regal command' to enter the narrow gate, the 'gracious but regal warning' against popular alternatives, and the…

The narrow gate is likened to a turnstile, where only one person can pass at a time and baggage must be discarded, illustrating the personal and unencumbered nature of true conversion.

And so we discovered in our first study of this passage three things. First of all, a gracious but regal command to all who were listening to him to enter the kingdom. through that which our Lord describes as a narrow gate. The closest thing in our experience would be a turnstile.

4:42 - 5:04 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin reviews the previous sermons, reiterating the 'gracious but regal command' to enter the narrow gate, the 'gracious but regal warning' against popular alternatives, and the…

An old Anglican preacher is quoted at length, emphasizing that getting through the narrow gate 'will cost us our sins,' requiring a complete renunciation of every wrong habit and practice, no matter how dear.

the heart the baggage of sin as the deliberate practice and pattern of our lives. Listen to an old Anglican preacher who wrote on this matter and wrote as follows, If we would get through the narrow gate, it will cost us our sins. He must be willing to give up every habit and practice which is wrong in God's sight. He must set his face against it, quarrel with it, break off from it, fight with it, crucify it, and labor to keep it under whatever the world around him may say or think. He must do this honestly and fairly,

13:56 - 14:39 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Transitioning to the 'difficult way,' Martin defines it as a 'kingdom lifestyle' or 'pattern of living' described in the Sermon on the Mount. He explains that the Greek word for…

The narrow way is described as a dangerous road with precipices on either side, under great pressure from various sources, contrasting it with the easy, wide way.

contrast to that wide way that many choose, where one can saunter in, hands in pocket, looking at the puffy clouds going by, whistling while we go. This is a dangerous road. It has precipices on either side. And it is a road in which there is great pressure from a number of sources. And our Lord says to all of his hearers,

22:49 - 23:14 Read in full sermon

Driving home: The whole matter of sanctification and holiness is peculiarly joined with the doctrine, truth, and grace of the gospel. For holiness is nothing but the implanting, writing, and realizing of the gospel in our souls.

John Owen is quoted, defining holiness as 'nothing but the implanting, writing, and realizing of the gospel in our souls,' which clarifies the nature of gospel holiness.

in the gospel. Listen to a 17th century Puritan, my good friend John Owen. This is what he says, John Owen, The whole matter of sanctification and holiness is peculiarly joined with the doctrine, truth, and grace of the gospel. For holiness is nothing but the implanting, writing, and realizing of the gospel in our souls. I love that. What is true holiness

30:55 - 31:29 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: The third difficulty is the serious pursuit of universal gospel holiness of heart and life. Martin defines 'gospel holiness' as rooted in the gospel's motives (love for Christ…

Pharisaical holiness is presented as an example of external, legalistic righteousness focused on earning points with God, contrasting it with true gospel holiness that touches the heart.

to will and to work for his good pleasure. I am the vine, Jesus said. You are the branches. As you abide in me, you will bear much fruit. The opposite is called holiness of the Pharisees. All their

34:12 - 34:30 Read in full sermon

The point: Examine if anyone living close to you would suspect you are on the narrow way, living a life marked by universal gospel holiness.

A lengthy quotation from John Bunyan's 'Pilgrim's Progress' describes Christian's journey through Vanity Fair and to the foot of Hill Difficulty, illustrating the world's pressures and the challenging nature of the narrow way.

That's why it's a difficult way. No Bunyan had it right. Christian has just engaged in interaction with two characters.

60:05 - 60:15 Read in full sermon