Ask, Seek, Knock

Matthew 7:7 KJV 1900

7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Pre-Sermon Ice-Breaker

A man and his wife are having a discussion about her being hard of hearing. He stands about 20 feet behind her and says, “Can you hear me, now?” There is no reply. He moves 10 feet behind her and says, “Can you hear me now?” Still no reply. He moves 5 feet behind her and says, “Can you hear me now?” Once again no reply. Finally he stand right behind her and yells, “Can you hear me now?” To which she replies, “For the fourth, Yes ! I can hear you!”

Introduction

Today we conclude our series of messages on the theme of Prayer. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to share this mornings verse with you. It is a remarkably simple verse. There is very little in that needs explanation.

But as simple as this verse is, Jesus gives us a wonderful invitation in it. If we will trust confidently in what our Savior tell us in this invitation and if we will faithfully take Him up on it, it will be enough to transform our whole outlook on life.

Jesus, in His sermon on the Mount, speaks to His followers about His father; and He gives us the most wonderful invitation we could every be given. I believe it is so wonderful, that - just to make sure we get it into our hearts - Jesus says it twice.

Matthew 7:7–11 KJV 1900

7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Jesus says ask = receiving, seek = finding, knocking = opening.

In the Greek the language used is Present Participle. Literally Jesus says we should be always asking, always seeking, always knocking.

Someone once said that attitude is ninety percent of success in all human endeavors. In this teaching on prayer Jesus presents 3 attitudes of prayer. Let’s look at them together and unlock some truths to spiritual success.

Asking reveals an Attitude of Dependence

Asking is the key to salvation. The most universal need of humanity is salvation

Romans 3:23 KJV 1900

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Isaiah 59:2 KJV 1900

2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, And your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

Romans 6:23 KJV 1900

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

John 3:16 KJV 1900

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 1:12 KJV 1900

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Matthew 21:22 KJV 1900

22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Transition

Colossians 2:6 KJV 1900

6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

Seeking Reveals an Attitude of Earnestness

Earnestness is defined as a sincere and intense conviction. Seeking is the key to Sanctification. Sanctification involves living like we are saved.

Deuteronomy 4:29 KJV 1900

29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

Proverbs 8:17 KJV 1900

17 I love them that love me; And those that seek me early shall find me.

Matthew 10:39 KJV 1900

39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Matthew 6:33 KJV 1900

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Knocking Reveals an Attitude of Perseverance

Knocking is the Key to all the other stuff

Luke 11:9–11 KJV 1900

9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?

James 1:17 KJV 1900

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Conclusion

If you are lost you need to ask Christ into your heart, come and ask Jesus to forgive your sin and be your savior.

If you are backslidden come and seek your sanctification as you rededicate your life to Christ

If you need prayer today for healing, finances, a job, a relationship come and knock at the door of God. Don’t wait, don’t tarry come. You come.