The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 December 5, 2018 Matthew Chapters 5-7 Luke 6:20-49 The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 The Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 7:1-24

“Ask … seek … knock …” Verses 7-8 See also Luke 11:5-8 which precedes this context. “… yet because of his persistence …” “Shamelessness” (Thayer) Note also Luke 18:1-8. But Jesus asks, “Will He find faith …?” Keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking … keep believing.

“Ask … seek … knock …” Verses 7-8 For what? Contextually … Immediate (7:1-6) – to deal with our own logs and help others with their specks and to have the wisdom to know when to move on. “Seek first … His righteousness” Larger – (Matthew Chapters 5-7) - the kingdom and Jesus’ standard of righteousness and our treasure in heaven. “Seek first His kingdom …”

“Ask … seek … knock …” Verses 7-8 Definition: “more frequently suggests the attitude of a suppliant, the petition of one who is lesser in position than he to whom the petition is made; e.g., in the case of men in asking something from God, Matt 7:7; a child from a parent, Matt 7:9-10; a subject from a king, Acts 12:20” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary) By whom? By one with a desperate need (5:3) who knows one who can fulfill that need. Hence: “to ask, beg, call for, crave, desire, require” (Thayer). Esther 5:3; 7:2

“Ask … seek … knock …” Verses 7-8 Our avenue for asking? Prayer - Matthew 21:22, “… all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” The nature of our requests: Spiritually focused - Psalms 27:4, “One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to meditate in His temple.” God’s promise to us… He can bless us beyond what we can ask or even think of! Ephesians 3:20 Do we know what we’re asking for? Matthew 20:22

“Ask … seek … knock …” Verses 7-8 Jesus’ promise to us is that “everyone” who asks, seeks and knocks will “receive,” “find,” and have “opened” (verse 8), if … We abide in Christ and His words abide in us – John 15:7 We keep the Lord’s commands and do what pleases Him – 1 John 3:22 We ask confidently (in faith) according to God’s will – 1 John 5:14-15 But who is “everyone” in this context?

“Ask … seek … knock …” Verses 7-8 “To seek after, seek for, aim at, strive after” (Thayer). “Seeking is asking plus acting” (Hendrickson). Example of seeking a job to provide for our family.

“Ask … seek … knock …” Verses 7-8 Seek for what or whom? 1 Chronicles 28:9 – to know God with a whole heart and a willing mind. Psalms 14:2 – understanding. Psalms 27:4 – “dwell in the house of the Lord …” Zephaniah 2:3 – the Lord, righteousness and humility. Matthew 6:33 – the kingdom (Matthew 13:45) and His righteousness Colossians 3:1-2 – the things above. 1 Chronicles 16:10-11; 22:19; 28:9; 2 Chronicles 30:19; 34:3; Psalms 14:2; 27:4; Isaiah 26:9; Zephaniah 2:3; Matthew 6:33; 13:45; Colossians 3:1-2; 1 Corinthians 10:24; Hebrews 11:14; 13:14

“Ask … seek … knock …” Verses 7-8 When to seek? Isaiah 55:6, “… while He may be found … while He is near …” (There’s a time when it’s too late; Hebrews 12:17) Who is to seek? Acts 17:27, “all” are to “seek God.” How to seek? By forsaking our ways and our thoughts. Isaiah 55:7 With all our heart and soul. Jeremiah 29:13 With humility in our prayers and supplications. Daniel 9:3