## The Path of Least Resistance

## Luke 13:23-30

Electricity is an amazing thing. We tend to take it for granted that when we flip the switch, the lights will come on. We can't see it, smell it, or taste it, but it is there! One of the first things I learned about electricity, I didn't learn from a classroom or a book. Electricity always takes the path of least resistance. I found out at a very early age that our bodies have very little resistance to electrical current. Reaching for the light socket in our garage; I also discovered how to dance.

It seems to be true in nature also; rivers flow in the path of least resistance, the wind will take the path of least resistance, even mankind will take the path of least resistance. But man has the ability to choose the path he takes. Even though we have the ability to choose, we usually will take the path of least resistance. Shall we take the stairs or wait for the elevator?

This is certainly true in the spiritual realm. It is easy to go along with the majority of people. It's easy to not take a stand against sin. For many years I went through life traveling an easy path spiritually, because there was no resistance at all because I seldom ever thought in those terms. However, this morning I want to draw your attention to a couple of Scripture passages that reveals that the path of least resistance spiritually is not the best path to follow.

Read: Luke 13:23-30

I. A Question Asked but Not Answered v23

A. It was a question of curiosity.

1. Are there few that be saved?

2. Perhaps each of us has pondered that very question.

3. We know that God is not willing that any should perish...

4. We still wonder how many will be saved.

5. Occasionally we read of a survey or estimate of how many people today are Christians.

B. It was a question of insignificance

1. It is insignificant to question who shall be saved or how many will be saved.

2. The question of importance is: are you saved?

C. It was a questioned unanswered.

1. Jesus did not come to satisfy man's curiosity.

2. Jesus came to satisfy man's spiritual need.

3. He never attempted to answer their question.

II. The Exhortation Given v24

A. Strive to enter in at the strait gate. v24a

1. Strive = make a special effort as those that run a race.

2. The gate is strait = narrow

3. Jesus turns the focus from looking outward at others to looking inward to ourselves.

B. Many will be unable to enter. v24b

1. Many will have a desire to enter in.

a. There are many people who would like to go to heaven

b. Sincerity and desire will not be sufficient

c. One must act upon their desires

Illus: I may sincerely desire to be in Chicago tomorrow -- but unless I act upon my desires, I will not be there!

2. Many will be unable to enter in because they won't go in at the strait gate

a. Jesus said, "I am they way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6

b. He said, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." John 10:9

c. The gate is called narrow, but it is large enough to accommodate all who come in faith.

3. Many will be unable to enter in because they are heading in the wrong direction.

(Matthew 7:13) Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

a. They are on the broad road headed for the wide gate

b. It is the well-traveled road

c. It is an easier road, because there is little resistance.

d. By comparison the majority of the people are headed down this road.

e. It is identified as being the way to destruction.

f. It probably seems right to most people

"There is a way that seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Pro. 16:25

C. One day the door of opportunity will be shut. v25

1. That day is still in the future.

2. That day is pictured in the ark and the flood.

(Genesis 7:16) And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.

III. The Opportunity Lost.

A. The first result is realization that you are standing without…

1. Without Christ

2. Without Salvation

3. Without Hope

B. The second result is the realization that the Lord doesn't know or recognize you.

1. You may call out His name

2. You may have known all about Him.

3. You may have done many works in His name

(Matthew 7:22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

C. The third and final result is the realization that you have been thrust out into a place of weeping and. gnashing of teeth

1. It is a place of darkness

(Matthew 8:12) But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

2. It is a furnace of fire

(Matthew 13:42) And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

3. It is a place full of hypocrites

(Matthew 24:51) And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

4. What is this place of darkness, fire, wailing, gnashing of teeth, and filled with hypocrites?

5. The Bible calls it the 'Lake of Fire'; we refer to it as Hell, a place of torment and everlasting suffering!

There is no need for anyone to go there. God's grace is so amazing that His desire is for you to come to Him by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ and be saved today. Do not take the path of least resistance…come to Jesus this morning. Pause just for a moment and consider your path in life. Is it where you want to be? Are you on the right path…the one that will lead to life everlasting? We have the ability to change our direction…that is called repentance. We can change the path that we are on, we do that by choosing to place our faith in Jesus Christ.