Ask, Seek, Knock
And They Remembered His Words • Sermon • Submitted
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· 48 viewsA look at the 3 attitudes of prayer found in Matthew 7:7
Notes
Transcript
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
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
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.
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 reveals an Attitude of Dependence
Asking is the key to salvation. The most universal need of humanity is salvation
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
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.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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.
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:
22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Transition
6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Seeking Reveals an Attitude of Earnestness
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.
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.
17 I love them that love me; And those that seek me early shall find me.
39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
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 Reveals an Attitude of Perseverance
Knocking is the Key to all the other stuff
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?
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
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.