Series: Sermon on the Mount
Entering the Kingdom
Matthew 7:13-23
Sermon Overview
· The focus of the Sermon on the Mount is citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven--what a citizen is like, how he/she behaves, and how a person can gain access.
· The sermon exposes the gap between people’s obedience and God’s expectations.
· Citizenship is granted to those who humbly come to God through Jesus.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.
Matthew 7:13-14
Two Different Ways
The two ways differ in appearance, in the volume of traffic, in difficulty of travel, and in destination.
Entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven requires trusting Jesus, not yourselves.
“Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. You’ll recognize them by their fruit.
Matthew 7:15-16
False Prophets
There will always be those who undermine trusting Jesus.
Recognizing anti-Jesus “prophets” and philosophies is dependent upon an understanding of God’s Word and a grasp of what kingdom citizenship looks like.
On That Day
There is a difference between possession and profession.
On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name? Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!’
Matthew 7:22-23
Today’s Takeaways
Many will miss the Kingdom of Heaven.
Not every spiritual teacher or philosophy is helpful/accurate.
No one will be saved by works, not even by good work.
Entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven is dependent upon a relationship with Jesus.
