Demand #22: Strive to Enter Through the Narrow Door, for All of Life is War

And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” — Luke 13:23-24


From the workbook:

- Describe the striving that Jesus had in mind when he commanded, “Strive to enter through the narrow door” (Luke 13:24). What is “striving”? What are we striving to enter?

- How can pain present a danger to your soul? How can pleasure and prosperity be a danger to your soul? Why does Jesus most often focus on the danger of prosperity and pleasure rather than the danger of pain?

- What danger did Jesus warn us of most often? Why?

- What are “healthy eyes” (p. 171). Explain how “healthy eyes” relate to money.

- What are some specific, practical ways you can “strive, wrestle, fight” (p. 173) to see God, not money, as the supreme treasure?

Demand #21: Do the Will of My Father Who is in Heaven - Be Transformed by Trusting Jesus

Whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother. — Mark 3:35

Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it! — Luke 11:28

Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. — Matt. 7:21

Reminder: the book and the study guide can be downloaded (free of charge) from Dr. Piper's website at link to the right. >

Demand #20: Do the Will of My Father Who is in Heaven - Be Justified by Trusting Jesus

Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. — Matt. 7:21

If you would enter life, keep the commandments. — Matt. 19:17

The tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. — Luke 18:13-14

Demand #19: Do Not Be Angry - Embrace Mercy and Forgiveness

“Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.” — Matt. 18:21-22

First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. — Matt. 7:5

Demand #18: Do Not Be Angry - Trust God's Providence

You have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.” But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, “You fool!” will be liable to the hell of fire. — Matt. 5:21-22

Demand #17: Humble Yourself in Childlikeness, Servanthood, and Brokenhearted Boldness

Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. — Matt. 18:3-4

Let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. — Luke 22:26

A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. . . . If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. So have no fear of them. — Matt. 10:24-26

Demand #16: Humble Yourself by Making War on Pride

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. — Matt. 23:12

The tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his house justified. — Luke 18:13

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. — Matt. 5:3

Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts. . . . They will receive the greater condemnation. — Luke 20:46-47

So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.” — Luke 17:10