Ask, Seek, Knock: Transformed by Truth Matthew 7:7-8
Introduction:
Today, we delve into the transformative words of Matthew 7:7-8, where Jesus invites us into a deeper relationship with Him through the powerful principles of asking, seeking, and knocking. Join me as we explore the transformative truth found in persistent and faith-filled prayer.
Point 1: Ask, and it Will be Given
Matthew 7:7a (NLT) "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for."
Jesus begins by emphasizing the importance of asking persistently. The phrase "keep on asking" implies a continuous and fervent pursuit in prayer. God, our loving Father, delights in responding to the sincere and persistent prayers of His children.
E.M. Bounds underscores the power of persistent prayer, stating, "The little estimate we put on prayer is evidence from the little time we give to it."
James 4:2b (NLT) - "Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it."
Point 2: Seek, and You Will Find
Matthew 7:7b (NLT) "Keep on seeking, and you will find."
Jesus extends the invitation to not only ask but also to seek. Seeking implies a deeper level of engagement and pursuit. The promise here is that as we earnestly seek God, we will find Him. The act of seeking involves a heartfelt desire to know God more intimately and discover His will for our lives.
A.W. Tozer encourages the pursuit of God, saying, "The pursuit of God is a pursuit of passion, purpose, and priority."
Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT) - "If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."
Point 3: Knock, and the Door will be Opened
Matthew 7:7c (NLT) "Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you."
The act of knocking signifies a bold and persistent approach. Jesus assures us that as we persistently knock on the door of heaven through prayer, it will be opened to us. God invites us into a relationship where we actively participate in seeking Him and experiencing the abundant blessings He has in store.
George Müller, known for his powerful prayer life, shares, "The vigor of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts."
Revelation 3:20 (NLT) - "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."
Conclusion:
In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus provides a transformative blueprint for our prayer lives—Ask, Seek, Knock. Let us embrace the truth that persistent and faith-filled prayer leads to a deeper relationship with God and the abundant blessings He longs to bestow upon us.
Application:
Evaluate your prayer life. Are you asking, seeking, and knocking persistently, or is there room for growth in your communication with God? Take intentional steps to deepen your prayer life.
Call to Action:
Commit to a specific time each day for dedicated prayer. Develop a habit of persistent and intentional communication with God, trusting in His promise to respond and reveal Himself to those who seek Him earnestly. May our prayer lives be transformed by the truth of Matthew 7:7-8. Amen.
