Matthew 7:7-12

Matthew 7:7-12
Let’s begin with the question, “How does this text fit in within the context of the sermon, specifically in this location of the sermon?” The answer is that Jesus has just warned against disciples being critical toward one another. The Lord is the opposite. God is a liberal giver who does to others as He would have them do to Him. God is a caring God. He gives to those who ask, He makes it so those who seek will find, and He opens to those who knock. A critical speck-finder will do none of these things. Notice that verse 12 begins with “therefore.” The “golden rule,” as it is called, is the conclusion of verses 1-11. The conclusion is based on the character of God. Since God is wonderful to give when we ask and open when we knock, we should be the same to our fellow man. To do otherwise is not to be God-like.Notice, “ask,” “seek,” and “knock.” These are present tense verbs that mean, “Ask, and keep asking, seek, and keep seeking, knock, and keep knocking.” Each command grows in intensity. “Ask,” implies recognition of our dependence. “Seek,” indicates an urgency and desire to obtain. “Knock,” shows a diligent effort to enter where blessings can be found. Only God is able to give these “good gifts” and we should be trying to obtain them.

However, the implication is that most disciples do not seek God’s good gifts as they should. Why not? Because they lack the confidence that God will give. How foolish! What father would do any less? Even earthly fathers do not give evil things to their children who ask for that which is good. Would not our heavenly Father do far more than an earthly father? Consider also, if we ask for good things, our Father will give us good things. But if we ask for that which would not be good for us, will not our Father still give us that which is good? That is the blessing of having a perfect heavenly Father.
Berry Kercheville