Expository Thoughts On Luke - Luke 13:22-30
J.C. Ryle expounds on Luke 13:22-30 to emphasize the narrowness of the path to salvation and the urgency of entering through the narrow door.
In this expository sermon on Luke 13:22-30, J.C. Ryle explores the profound question of how many are saved, emphasizing the narrowness of the path to eternal life. He draws from Scripture and practical observation to highlight the urgency and seriousness of entering through the narrow door. Ryle challenges listeners to examine their own spiritual condition and respond to the gospel with earnestness.
Text
THE NARROW DOOR
We see in these verses a remarkable question asked. We are told that a certain man said to our Lord, "Are there few that be saved?"
We do not know who this enquirer was. He may have been a self-righteous Jew, trained to believe that there was no hope for the uncircumcised, and no salvation for any but the children of Abraham. He may have been an idle trifler with religion, who was ever wasting his time on curious and speculative questions. In any case, we must all feel that he asked a question of deep and momentous importance.
He that desires to know the number of the saved, in the present dispensation, need only turn to the Bible, and his curiosity will be satisfied. He will read in the sermon on the mount these solemn words, "Strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leads unto life, and few there be that find it." (Matt. 7:14.)--He has only to look around him, and compare the ways of the many with the word of God, and he will soon come to the conclusion, if he is an honest man, that the saved are few. It is a dreadful conclusion. Our souls naturally turn away from it. But Scripture and facts alike combine to shut us up to it. Salvation to the uttermost is offered to men. All things are ready on God\
Sermon Outline
-
I. The Question of Salvation
- A man asks if few are saved
- Possible motives behind the question
- The importance of the question
-
II. The Narrow Door
- Scriptural teaching on the narrow way
- Few find the narrow door
- The seriousness of this truth
-
III. The Urgency of Salvation
- Salvation is offered to all
- The need to act promptly
- The consequences of delay
Key Quotes
“Strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leads unto life, and few there be that find it.” — J.C. Ryle
“Salvation to the uttermost is offered to men. All things are ready on God's part.” — J.C. Ryle
“If he is an honest man, that the saved are few. It is a dreadful conclusion.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Examine your own life to ensure you are on the narrow path to salvation.
- Do not delay in responding to the gospel message as the opportunity may not last.
- Recognize the seriousness of the judgment to come and live accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'narrow door' symbolize?
The narrow door symbolizes the difficult and exclusive path to eternal life through faith in Christ.
Why are few saved according to this sermon?
Few are saved because many reject the strict demands of the gospel and fail to enter through the narrow door.
Who asked the question about salvation in Luke 13?
The questioner is unknown but may have been a self-righteous Jew or a curious inquirer.
What is the urgency in this passage?
There is urgency because salvation is available now, but delay or rejection leads to exclusion from the kingdom.
How does J.C. Ryle support his points?
He references Scripture like Matthew 7:14 and uses practical observation to confirm the truth of few being saved.