Keep Asking, Keep Seeking, Keep Knocking. Luke 11:8

Keep Asking, Keep Seeking, Keep Knocking.

Stand with me and holdup your Bibles and repeat after me.

This is my Bible.

I am what it says I am.

I can do what it says I can do.

I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.

Today I will learn more of the word of God.

The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.

I will never be the same.

I will never be the same.

In Jesus Name

Amen?

Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.

Keep Asking, Keep Seeking, Keep Knocking"

Luke 11:8 (NIV)

"I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity, he will surely get up and give you as much as you need."

Introduction:

Today, we are diving into one of the most profound, yet practical teachings Jesus gives on prayer in Luke 11:8.

Turn with me in your Bibles to Luke chapter 11 and say, “amen” when you are there.

In this passage, Jesus uses the illustration of a man who goes to his friend at midnight, asking for bread. The friend initially refuses, but because of the man’s boldness and persistence, the friend eventually gives him what he needs.

This parable speaks to us not only about our relationship with God but also about the power of persistence in prayer and the heart of God toward those who seek Him.

So often in life, we can grow weary or discouraged when our prayers don’t seem to be answered right away. But Jesus encourages us to be relentless in our pursuit, to keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking—knowing that God will respond with generosity and love.

1. Shameless Audacity: Boldness in Prayer

Let’s begin by examining the "shameless audacity" that the man in this parable displays. Jesus uses this term to describe the man’s courage to approach his friend at such an inconvenient hour.

The man wasn’t concerned about disturbing his friend or about the social norms that would make such a request embarrassing. His need was great, and his faith was bold.

This boldness in asking is the kind of faith Jesus calls us to.

Too often, we may feel unworthy or hesitant to ask God for what we need. But God invites us to approach Him with confidence, knowing that He is not a distant or disinterested ruler but a loving Father who desires to meet our needs.

The Apostle James reminds us of this in James 4:2-3: "You do not have because you do not ask God."

Let that sink in for a moment. God wants to bless you, but He is waiting for you to ask, to step forward with boldness, and to present your needs to Him.

We don’t have to be perfect; we just have to trust that God is good, and He will respond.

2. Persistent Faith: Keep Asking, Keep Seeking, Keep Knocking

Jesus goes on to say, "keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking." These words emphasize that prayer is not a one-time event, but a continual, active pursuit of God.

He’s teaching us that there is power in persistence. It’s through the act of continually coming before God that our faith grows, and we learn to trust in His timing.

Think about the story of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8. She keeps going to the unjust judge, pleading for justice.

The judge, though not a good man, finally grants her request because of her persistence. Jesus tells us, "And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night?" (Luke 18:7).

The widow’s persistence was a reflection of her deep trust that, even though the judge was indifferent, someone greater was listening.

There’s a powerful lesson here: persistence is a reflection of faith. When we keep asking, we’re saying, "I believe God can and will answer. I trust Him, even when the answer doesn’t come as quickly as I expect."

Let me share a story that highlights the power of persistence.

There was a man named George Müller, a Christian missionary and philanthropist in the 19th century, who built orphanages in England. He was known for his unwavering faith in prayer. One story that stands out is of him praying for the salvation of five of his friends. Müller prayed for them daily for years. Four of them came to Christ during his lifetime. The fifth came to faith after Müller’s death—just as he had been praying for all along. This is the kind of persistence that changes lives, both ours and the world around us.

3. God’s Generosity: He Will Answer

Jesus assures us that our persistence will not go unnoticed. The friend in the parable finally responds not because of their friendship, but because of the man’s shameless audacity. He gives him what he needs because of his persistence.