Title: “Ask, Seek, Knock: The Pathway to Divine Encounter"
Text: (Matthew 7:7-12) “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Introduction: In our text, Jesus imparts several profound lessons that are referred to as the "Ask, Seek, Knock" passage, encapsulate fundamental principles that transcend time and culture.
"Seek with the fervor of the seeker, knock with the persistence of the seeker, and ask with the humility of the seeker, for in these actions, we unlock the door to divine revelation and encounter."
Jesus Teaches Us Four Important Lessons in Our Text:
1. The Power of Persistent Prayer: In v7, Jesus instructs his disciples, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." [INSERT #1] This verse underscores the importance of persistence in prayer. Jesus encourages his followers to approach God confidently, knowing that He is both willing and able to respond to their requests. * However, this does not imply a transactional relationship with God, but rather a relationship built on trust, faith, and communion. *Through persistent prayer, believers demonstrate their reliance on God's providence and their willingness to align their desires with His will.
“Backsliding Atheists” by Pete Greig, Seventy-one percent of Americans pray regularly. Even atheists backslide from time to time. I read somewhere (but I find it hard to believe) that a whopping 20 percent of agnostics and atheists sheepishly admit to praying daily! Take Henry, a sixty-four-year-old who describes himself as being “at the skeptical end of agnosticism.” In 2018 he told British pollsters ComRes, “I certainly wouldn’t classify myself as religious,” before describing a nightly routine of kneeling down by his bed to recite the Lord’s Prayer and pray for his loved ones.
Have you ever wondered, “Why Pray if God Already Knows What Will Happen?” What a great question. Prayer is counterintuitive. In what other situation do you ask for something or plead with someone when you know for certain their mind is already made up about what they will do?
Psalm 115:3 (NIV) even tells us, “Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases Him.”
To understand all this, we need to think about what Christians call “the sovereignty of God.” What do you say if your 10 year old wants to drive the car? It’s your sovereign wisdom that knows best… He knows when the bridge is out.
It’s true that God already knows everything that will happen for the rest of eternity. He knows the big events and the small moments of each of our lives, and nothing is beyond His control. So it’s a mistake to think of prayer as the way we change God’s mind or alter His direction in a situation.
Prayer is a process through which we learn to trust God. He listens to us patiently. He takes our requests seriously. Then He considers everything in the context of the bigger picture only He can see. Prayer build our faith, and speeds God’s will along.
2. The Promise of Divine Provision: In v8, Jesus assures his disciples, "For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Here, Jesus emphasizes the faithfulness of God to provide for the needs of His children. * While the timing and manner of God's response may not always align with our expectations, we can trust in His perfect wisdom and sovereignty. This promise of divine provision reminds believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is a loving Father who delights in meeting the needs of His children.
“Come boldly to the throne of grace” (Heb. 4:16) “Fervent, effectual prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16)
3. The Principle of Reciprocity: In verses 9-11, Jesus employs a rhetorical device to drive home a profound truth: "Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Through this analogy, Jesus illustrates the principle of reciprocity within the context of human relationships. Just as earthly parents desire to provide good gifts for their children, our heavenly Father desires to bless His children abundantly. This comparison serves as a reminder of God's goodness, generosity, and unwavering love towards His creation.
HERE ARE THREE POINTS ABOUT RECIPROCITY:
1. Cultivating Reciprocity: To cultivate reciprocity in both personal relationships and society at large, individuals must embody its core principles of generosity, empathy, and fairness. This entails recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual and approaching interactions with a spirit of openness and goodwill.
2. Practicing reciprocity also requires self-awareness and introspection, as individuals must examine their own attitudes and behaviors towards giving and receiving. It involves overcoming barriers such as pride, fear, or mistrust that may hinder genuine connection and mutual exchange.
3. Furthermore, fostering reciprocity requires creating supportive environments that prioritize collaboration and mutual support. Whether in communities, organizations, or institutions, fostering a culture of reciprocity involves promoting empathy, communication, and shared responsibility.”
4. The Golden Rule: Concluding this passage, Jesus presents what has become known as the Golden Rule: "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12). This principle serves as a guiding light for believers, encapsulating the essence of Christian morality. By treating others with the same kindness, compassion, and respect that we desire for ourselves, we fulfill the heart of God's commandments. The Golden Rule transcends cultural and religious boundaries, serving as a universal standard for human conduct and interpersonal relationships. Robert Fulgragm wrote the book, I learned All I Need to Know in Kindergarten, “ 1
Christianity is not alone in having a Golden Rule, but there is a striking difference. Christ’s Golden rule is positive; others are negative. The Talmud of Judaism said, “What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow men.” Brahmanism said, “Do naught unto others which would cause you pain if done to you.” Buddhism said, “Hurt not others in ways that you yourself find hurtful.” Confucianism said, “Do not unto others that you would not have them do unto you.” Christ’s Golden Rule is positive, “Do to others, as you would have them do to you.” It is a significant difference.
Here are four principles the Golden Rule teaches us, supported by passages from the Bible:
1. Compassion and Empathy: The Golden Rule teaches us to treat others with the same compassion and empathy that we desire for ourselves. "And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them." - Luke 6:31 (ESV) [Walk a mile in another person’s shoes]
2. Justice and Fairness: It encourages us to act justly and fairly towards others, recognizing their intrinsic value and dignity. "Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." - Matthew 7:12 (CSB) Watson and Holmes
3. Forgiveness and Mercy: The Golden Rule reminds us to extend forgiveness and mercy to others, just as we seek forgiveness and mercy from God. "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
4. Generosity and Selflessness: It calls us to be generous and selfless in our interactions, putting the needs of others before our own. "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." - Luke 6:38 (ESV)
CONCLUSION: Let Me Close With These Three Facts:
• Jesus Asked Us to Ask in John 16:24 “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
• In Luke 19:10 Jesus Seeks Us “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
• And In Revelation 3:20 Jesus said to Knock, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” In all three verses Jesus is thinking of us.
Application: Matthew 7:7-12 offers invaluable insights into the nature of prayer, divine provision, reciprocity, and ethical living. These lessons continue to inspire and challenge believers to deepen their faith, cultivate a spirit of humility, and embody the love of Christ in their daily lives. As we meditate on these teachings, may we grow in wisdom, grace, and obedience, seeking to honor God in all that we do.
Corrie Ten Boom tells the following story: “Often I have heard people say, "How good God is! We prayed that it would not rain for our church picnic, and look at the lovely weather!'" Yes, God is good when He sends good weather. But God was also good when He allowed my sister, Betsie, to starve to death before my eyes in a German concentration camp. I remember one occasion when I was very discouraged there. Everything around us was dark, and there was darkness in my heart. I remember telling Betsie that I thought God had forgotten us. "No, Corrie," said Betsie, "He has not forgotten us. Remember His Word: 'For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him.'" Corrie concludes, "There is an ocean of God's love available--there is plenty for everyone. May God grant you never to doubt that victorious love--whatever the circumstances."
Prayer: Guide us, Lord, as we navigate the journey of faith. May we seek Your presence in every moment, knowing that You are our strength and our refuge. And may we knock boldly on the door of Your grace, confident that You welcome us with open arms.
We thank You, Lord, for the privilege of prayer and for Your faithfulness to answer. May our lives be a testament to Your goodness and Your glory, as we continue to ask, seek, and knock in Your name.
Amen.
