Ask, Seek, Knock

Has anyone ever had someone tell them that whatever they need, you got it? I’m here for you.

When you were told that, did that person literally mean anything?

Blank Check-

So that is similar to our lesson today in Matthew 7. Read Matthew 7:7-11

Anyone know what portion of scripture this teaching is found in?

standard of Christian living.

Who is doing the teaching?

Jesus has been teaching about pretty much basic Christian living standards. He places this teaching moment between not having a critical spirit and the need to have great love for others.

And he says, Ask, Seek, knock and it will be given to you.

What does He mean by this? Anyone know?

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When we go to God, what should be the desire?

Our God is a providing God but that provision is conditional on what is best for us.

So, when we pray to God we should desire wisdom from Him in how to handle different situations or His wisdom in giving us the things we ask for....

Wisdom from Him. What’s wisdom? Because honestly, that is our greatest need from God. We need that divine counsel to make it day to day.

James 1:5 ESV

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

So, when we look at this verse-

Ask and it will be given to you

Seek and you will find it

Knock and it will be opened to you

Does this mean physical possessions?

God wants us to be dependent on Him. So, that applies ever in our prayers. When we approach Him, even for physical things is it in a way of reliance on His blessings.

He goes on and says everyone who does this these things will be given. Who is the everyone?

Is it that straightforward, if you simply seek God and just methodically do these things, God is gonna shower you with all the wisdom.

BUT, there are a few things we have to keep in mind when asking, seeking and knocking.

Why are we asking, seeking, knocking?

James 4:3 ESV

3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

Motives are important and we will look on a deeper level in a few weeks.

2. Whose will are we seeking to glorify?

Just a chapter earlier, Jesus pointed out that man cannot serve two masters. He was referring to money, but the idea still holds. When we approach God in prayer, particularly when we are petitioning Him, who are we looking to satisfy with the request.

As we seek God’s wisdom and guidance and our dependence on Him, we also can’t just sit idly by.

Our faith is action oriented.

For instance, if you are praying for God to help get a good grade on a test. What should you also be doing? Likewise, if you are looking for a job....