Scripture Reading: 

Matthew 7:7-14  ESV

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

I. Kingdom Power and Spiritual Weakness

When Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, He revealed a life of power and victory, rooted in the reality of God’s Kingdom already breaking into the world. His words were not lofty ideals but practical truths meant to shape the lives of His followers. The Sermon calls kingdom citizens to a spirit filled life empowered to love enemies, to turn the other cheek, and to store up treasures in heaven rather than being weighed down by earthly worries. It is a call so radical that it stood in direct contrast to the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and the complacency of the crowds.

Yet despite these promises of power and victory, many Christians today live in spiritual weakness. Their faith seems anemic; their prayers are infrequent or ineffective. Many struggle with doubt, fear, and spiritual apathy. Why is there such a disconnect between the victorious life Jesus described and the reality many believers experience?

Some might say that His expectations were simply unrealistic. Others might say that the modern world presents new challenges that make it harder to live out such faith. Yet, the truth remains: Jesus' words were not meant for a select few but for all who would follow Him. If there is a gap between Jesus' description of a follower and our experience, the problem is not with His teaching but with our response.

Jesus understood human weakness, but He never lowered the standard of the kingdom to accommodate human weakness. Instead, He called people to rise to the level of faith and commitment necessary to experience the fullness of God’s power. He never suggested that the kingdom life was unattainable or that only a few spiritual giants could experience it. Rather, He repeatedly emphasized that the key to living in kingdom power was faith and obedience.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus expressed amazement at both great faith and lack of faith. When He saw a Roman centurion believe that Jesus could heal with just a word, He marveled and declared that He had not found such great faith in all of Israel (Matthew 8:10). Yet, in His hometown of Nazareth, He was astonished at their unbelief and could do few miracles there because of their lack of faith (Mark 6:5-6).

Faith was always the determining factor in experiencing God’s power. Jesus said to the woman healed of a bleeding disorder, “Daughter, your faith has made you well” (Mark 5:34). To blind Bartimaeus, He declared, “Go; your faith has healed you” (Mark 10:52). Again and again, the pattern is clear: those who believed experienced God’s power, while those who doubted remained in spiritual weakness.

The problem is not that Jesus demanded too much; the problem is that we believe too little and commit ourselves too weakly. Many Christians today expect spiritual strength without persistent faith, victory without discipline, and power without obedience. They want the rewards of the kingdom without submitting to the principles that govern it. But Jesus made it clear: those who experience the fullness of the kingdom are those who ask, seek, and knock with persistence. They are those who discipline themselves to enter through the narrow gate and walk the difficult road that leads to life.

II. Persistent Faith: The Channel to God’s Power

In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus gives a simple promise: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” In our English language this may sound like a one time event, however in the original language, the verbs convey continuous action: keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. These commands are not one-time actions but an ongoing lifestyle of faith.

True faith does not shrink back after a single prayer or a temporary setback; it presses forward, fully convinced of God’s faithfulness. The blessings of God are not hidden, but they require active pursuit. Jesus also does not tell us to knock on a door that will never open. He assures us that those who seek will find and those who knock will see the door opened.  

Now, some mistakenly believe that this teaching means they can manipulate God into doing what they want as long as they pray hard enough or phrase their requests in just the right way. This is now how God operates. God is not some cheap deity who can be manipulated into dispensing blessings if we give him enough sacrifices or prayers. That is the type of god that the pagans worshipped, but it is not the God of the Bible. To put it in a more modern example, this sort of thinking is the religious equivalent of the man in the casino who thinks if he keeps putting money into that slot machine it will pay out eventually. God is not a slot machine, and we dishonor Him if we treat Him like one. 

True faith isn’t about trying to control God but trusting Him completely. Jesus showed this in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Matthew 26:39). He asked for the cup to pass from Him but ultimately surrendered to the Father’s perfect plan. Faith isn’t about getting everything we ask for, it’s about believing that God knows what is best and will provide what we truly need.  

Jesus reminds us that God is a loving Father, always ready to give good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:9-10). The problem isn’t His willingness to bless, it’s our hesitation to trust Him. We fear surrender, but God’s plans are always better than our own. What feels like delay or disappointment is often Him leading us to something greater.  

Faith is persistent in seeking after God, but it doesn’t try to take control of God. No, true faith follows Jesus’ example, trusting that in surrender, we find the fullness of God’s love and purpose. When we seek God, we may not always find what we expect, but we will always receive something valuable. He may not give us exactly what we ask for, but He will always provide something far greater, something that aligns perfectly with His will.  

Jesus reassures us that God never shortchanges those who come to Him in faith. He asks, “If your son asks for bread, will you give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will you give him a serpent?” (Matthew 7:9-10). The answer is obvious. Even earthly fathers, though flawed, know how to give good gifts to their children. How much more will our perfect heavenly Father give good things to those who ask Him?  

God’s gifts are never inferior to our requests; they are always equal to or greater than what we ask. If He does not give us exactly what we prayed for, it is because He is giving us something better.  

The ultimate gift God gives in response to faith is not material wealth or worldly success, it is Himself. Luke’s Gospel records Jesus’ words slightly differently: “How much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” (Luke 11:13). God’s greatest provision is His presence. When we seek Him in faith, we receive the fullness of His Spirit, and with that comes the reality of His kingdom in our lives. Jesus reassures us in Luke 12:32: “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” When all is said and done, faith leads to the greatest reward of all, the presence and power of God.   

III. Discipline: The Narrow Gate to True Life

It is only when we truly believe Jesus’ teachings about God’s generous grace, that we can truly begin to love out his teaching, that many have affectionately called “the golden rule.” 

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12, ESV)

Now unfortunately when people teach “the golden rule” they often teach it as if it is just the polite thing to do. However, “the golden rule” isn’t just good manners, it’s a kingdom ethic. Politeness has its limits. Good manners only go so far. Jesus, however, invites us to treat others the way we want to be treated, not based on how they behave, but on how we’ve been loved. This requires us to give grace even when it's not deserved, which is why it is essential for us to have encountered God’s underserved grace ourselves. 

This kind of love goes against human nature. It’s easy to be kind when others are kind, but the narrow way calls us to love first. It calls us to continue loving even when we are not loved in return. That means choosing forgiveness, kindness, and generosity, even when others fall short. We sometimes hold up “the golden rule” like it’s some hallmark card wisdom, but it is brutal to follow. Sometimes it feels like you are in a boxing match with your hands tied behind your back. And yet we reflect God’s nature best when we love with no strings attached.Jesus lived this out perfectly. He washed feet, welcomed sinners, and forgave His enemies. He calls us to do the same. 

Here is a truth worth reflecting on: The way we treat others reveals whether we are truly walking the narrow road of the kingdom.

We may be tempted to come up with excuses for why we should be exempt from this, but we must remember that Jesus' call to His followers is not an easy one. He does not offer a life of comfort, ease, or indulgence. Instead, He presents a stark contrast between two ways of living, the broad road that leads to destruction and the narrow road that leads to life. This choice is not incidental but central to the call of discipleship. Many people long for the power and fulfillment of the kingdom, but few are willing to embrace the discipline required to enter and walk in it. The kingdom life is not one of passivity but of purposeful, disciplined commitment to following Christ.

Jesus speaks plainly about the reality of human choices. He says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” These words are challenging because they confront the natural human tendency to seek the path of least resistance.

The broad road is easy. It is well-traveled, popular, and does not require effort, discipline, or self-denial. It is the way of the world, the way of self-indulgence, compromise, and convenience. Many follow this road because it feels comfortable and familiar, yet Jesus warns that it ultimately leads to destruction. It is the road of spiritual emptiness, moral compromise, and eventual separation from God.

In contrast, the narrow way is difficult. It requires discipline, faith, and perseverance. It calls for self-denial, obedience, and a willingness to go against the flow of culture. Few choose this way because it is costly. It demands sacrifice and a reordering of one’s priorities. But though the road is hard, it is the only road that leads to life. True fulfillment, joy, and peace are found not in the broad, easy way, but in the disciplined pursuit of the kingdom.

Jesus’ words remind us that the path to life is not found by accident. One does not stumble onto the narrow way, it must be deliberately chosen. Every day, believers must make the conscious decision to follow Christ wholeheartedly, rejecting the ease of the broad road in favor of the discipline of the kingdom.

Throughout history, those who have achieved greatness in any field (whether athletics, music, science, or leadership) have done so through discipline and focus. Success does not come from half-hearted effort or scattered attention. It comes from dedication, practice, and perseverance.

The same is true in the Christian life. Just as an athlete trains rigorously to compete at the highest level, the follower of Christ must discipline himself for the kingdom. Without commitment and consistency, there can be no spiritual power. Many believers wonder why they lack strength in their faith, why they struggle to overcome sin, or why they feel distant from God. The answer often lies in a lack of discipline.

Power comes from restriction. A river generates energy when it is channeled into a dam. Dynamite is powerful because its force is concentrated. Gasoline, when confined within an engine, can drive an automobile forward. In the same way, a life that is focused and disciplined in its pursuit of God will be powerful. But a life that is scattered, distracted, and given to every passing desire will be weak and ineffective.

Many people fail to experience spiritual power because they dissipate their energy on too many pursuits. They seek to follow Christ while also indulging in worldly distractions. They desire the rewards of the kingdom without the discipline of discipleship. But Jesus makes it clear that the power of the kingdom is reserved for those who are fully committed.

Our modern culture promotes the idea of dabbling in everything and mastering nothing. People pride themselves on being well-rounded, trying a little of this and a little of that, but never fully committing to any one pursuit. This attitude spills over into the spiritual life, where many live uncommitted and unfocused lives.

They jump from job to job, city to city, relationship to relationship, church to church, idea to idea, never staying long enough to grow, mature, or bear fruit. They attend church sporadically, pray inconsistently, and engage with Scripture occasionally, yet wonder why they feel spiritually weak and directionless.

Jesus calls His followers to a different way. The kingdom is not for the half-hearted or the double-minded. It is for those who are willing to take up their cross daily and follow Him with discipline and determination. To walk the narrow road requires intentionality and perseverance. At first glance, the narrow road may seem restrictive, difficult, and unattractive. It demands sacrifice and self-denial. It requires saying no to things that others readily embrace. But paradoxically, the narrow way leads to true freedom and joy.

Many assume that the broad road is the path to happiness because it offers immediate gratification. But in the end, it leaves people empty, dissatisfied, and burdened by the consequences of sin. The narrow way, though challenging at first, brings deep fulfillment. As one continues to walk in it, discipline becomes delight. The more one follows Christ, the more joy and strength one experiences. Over time, the burdens become lighter, and the rewards become greater. The farther one walks in the narrow way, the stronger and more fulfilled one becomes.

The broad road, in contrast, leads to frustration, spiritual emptiness, and ultimately, destruction. Many who take the easy road find themselves trapped in addiction, regret, broken relationships, and a sense of purposelessness. They thought they were choosing freedom, but in reality, they were choosing bondage.

The call to kingdom living is not a part-time endeavor. It demands supreme loyalty to Jesus Christ. The kingdom requires not just belief, but commitment. Jesus does not ask for lukewarm devotion. He calls for complete surrender. This discipline is not meant to be a burden but a joy. Those who submit to the discipline of the kingdom experience a life of purpose, fulfillment, and eternal significance. True discipleship means embracing the cost, knowing that the reward far outweighs the sacrifice. Those who walk in the way of Christ experience His presence, His peace, and His power here and now. They live with purpose, clarity, and strength. They bear fruit that lasts.

Conclusion:

Jesus has not left us to wander in confusion or struggle in uncertainty. He has made it clear that the power and fullness of life we long for are not reserved for a select few, nor are they found through passive belief. They are given to those who actively seek, persistently knock, and continually walk in the narrow way of discipleship. Many admire the idea of kingdom living, but far fewer are willing to embrace the cost. The question before each of us is not whether the kingdom is available, but whether we are willing to enter in.

Consider these questions carefully: Are you drinking deeply from the reservoir of God’s blessings? Have you been holding back, afraid to fully trust God, hesitant to step forward in bold belief? Jesus rebuked His disciples for their little faith, not because they had no faith, but because they did not use what they had. Are you holding yourself back from all that God has for you because you are afraid to ask, afraid to seek, afraid to knock?

Are you walking by faith or living in fear? The broad road offers comfort, ease, and security, but it leads to emptiness. The narrow road demands trust, surrender, and courage, but it leads to life. Which path are you on today? Are you allowing fear to dictate your choices, or are you moving forward in faith, even when the way is uncertain? Are you pursuing the narrow way, or are you spread too thin over many distractions?

The choice is ours. The path of faith and discipline leads to life. The path of apathy and compromise leads to destruction. There is no middle ground, no safe, neutral option. Jesus calls us to choose. He calls us to commit. He calls us to believe. Let us not hesitate. Let us not waver. Let us not settle for anything less than the fullness of life that He has promised. The way is before us. The time is now. Let us walk in it.