3 Day Bible Reading Plan: The Narrow Path
“My friends, Jesus is not popular. His message challenges the status quo. He calls us to a higher standard, to a life of love, sacrifice, and obedience. He invites us to enter the narrow gate and walk the difficult path, the path that leads to true life. The narrow gate and hard path are open to all, according to Matthew 7:7-11, but many perceive the restrictiveness of Jesus' authority and turn away from it. Following Jesus is not popular and will not make us popular.” - Pastor Paul Crandell, 5/25/25
Day 1
Featured Verse: Matthew 7:12-14 - “Enter by the narrow gate.”
How does the Golden Rule serve as a practical guide for navigating the "narrow gate" described in the following verses?
What does Jesus mean by the "narrow gate" and "hard way,” and how might this imagery challenge contemporary understandings of salvation or spiritual life?
What theological implications arise from the statement that "few find" the narrow gate, particularly in relation to God’s grace and human responsibility?
Pause and Reflect: Heavenly Father, guide me to live by the Golden Rule, treating others with the love and respect I seek. Grant me the wisdom and courage to choose the narrow gate, following the path of righteousness that leads to life everlasting.
“‘The law and the prophets’ are here condensed into a single sentence. This is the golden rule, a handy rule, a perpetually-applicable rule, useful in every condition, and it never makes a mistake. Wonderful condensation of the two tables of the law! God help us to remember it. This is a golden rule, and he that follows that shall lead a golden life.” - Charles Spurgeon
Day 2
Featured Verse: Luke 13:24 - “Many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”
What does Jesus mean by “strive,” and how does this call to effort interact with the concept of grace in the pursuit of salvation?
How does the urgency implied in “strive to enter” shape a theological understanding of repentance, perseverance, and the time-sensitive nature of responding to God’s call?
In what ways does the statement “many will seek to enter and will not be able” inform our understanding of divine election, human responsibility, or the accessibility of salvation?
Pause and Reflect: Lord God, grant me the strength and determination to strive diligently for the narrow door, pursuing Your kingdom with unwavering faith. Open my heart to Your guidance, that I may overcome obstacles and walk the path that leads to eternal life with You.
“The Greek word translated ‘strive’ implies a wrestling, a conflict, a struggle, as if a man must fight his way through enemies to get to the gate. The gate is narrow, and none can pass through without leaving behind the world, the flesh, and the devil; and this requires effort and determination of soul.” - J.C. Ryle
Day 3
Featured Verse: 1 Timothy 6:12 - “Fight the good fight of the faith.”
What does Paul mean by “fight the good fight of the faith,” and how does this metaphor shape our understanding of the Christian life as a spiritual battle?
How does the call to “take hold of the eternal life” reflect the balance between God’s gift of salvation and the believer’s active role in pursuing it?
How does 1 Timothy 6:12’s emphasis on striving for eternal life connect to other New Testament teachings about perseverance, such as the “narrow gate” or “running the race,” and what unique insights does it offer?
Pause and Reflect: Lord Jesus, empower me to fight the good fight of faith with unwavering courage and dedication. Help me to take hold of the eternal life You have promised, living boldly as Your faithful witness.
“Paul tells Timothy to fight the good fight of faith, and that’s what every Christian is called to do. It’s not a Sunday-only religion; it’s a daily battle to lay hold of eternal life, to live out the confession you made when you said, ‘I believe in Jesus Christ,’ and to keep pressing on no matter what comes against you.” - D.L. Moody