Introduction

Good morning, family! Today, we're delving into a passage from the book of Matthew - chapter 7, verse 7. These words from Jesus offer us a blueprint for engaging with our Heavenly Father. They remind us that our relationship with God is interactive and dynamic.

Oswald Chambers once wrote, "Prayer does not equip us for the greater works – prayer is the greater work." And today, we're going to explore this 'greater work' in the context of asking, seeking, and knocking.

Let me read to you the passage from Matthew 7:7,

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Let's bow our heads in prayer as we start.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your word. As we delve into its depths today, we ask that You open our hearts and minds, to truly understand the power, benefits, and rewards that You promise through prayer. Help us to fully grasp the essence of asking, seeking, and knocking. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Let's get started!

The Power

The power of asking is a principle that is not only foundational to our relationship with God but also to our spiritual growth and development. When we look at the phrase "Ask and it will be given to you," we see a promise from Jesus Himself. This promise is not a guarantee of material wealth or worldly success, but rather a promise of spiritual abundance and divine provision.

Not a passive act: It’s an active, intentional, and humble submission to God's will. It is a recognition of our dependence on Him for all things. It is an acknowledgement that we are not self-sufficient, but rather, we are in constant need of His grace, mercy, and provision. When we ask, we are expressing our faith in God's ability to provide for our needs, and we are also demonstrating our trust in His wisdom to know what is best for us.

Implies a level of vulnerability: To ask is to admit that we are in need, that we are not all-knowing, and that we do not have all the answers. This vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. It is a testament to our faith in God's sovereignty and our trust in His goodness. It is a declaration of our belief in His love for us, and our confidence in His desire to bless us.

Requires courage: It requires the courage to be honest with God about our needs, our desires, and our fears. It requires the courage to be open to His answers, even when they are not what we expect or desire. It requires the courage to trust in His timing, even when it does not align with our own.

How you do it: It’s not about manipulating God or treating Him like a cosmic vending machine. It is about engaging in a genuine, authentic, and intimate relationship with Him. It is about seeking His will above our own, and trusting Him to provide for our needs in His perfect timing and in His perfect way.

About persistence: Jesus encourages us to keep on asking, to not lose heart, and to not give up. This persistence is not about nagging God or trying to wear Him down. Rather, it is about demonstrating our faith in His faithfulness, our trust in His promises, and our confidence in His love for us.

A powerful tool in our spiritual arsenal: It is a means of drawing closer to God, of deepening our relationship with Him, and of experiencing His provision, His presence, and His peace in our lives.

The Benefits

When we look at the second part of Matthew 7:7, "seek and you will find," we are introduced to the concept of seeking ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO