The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 December 12, 2018 Matthew Chapters 5-7 Luke 6:20-49 The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 The Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 7:1-14 “Ask … seek … knock …” “Enter by the narrow gate …”

“Ask … seek … knock …” Verses 7-8 Ask … (Greek word aiteo) 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” (Vine’s Dictionary) “Us asking God as an inferior to a superior, leaving it up to Him to do that which pleases Him.” (Zodhiates) Greek word erotao used when “he who asks stands on a certain footing of equality” (Zodhiates) The Lord never used aiteo when addressing His Father but erotao. John 14:16; 16:26; 17:9. Note John 11:22 “Aiteo” – “us asking God as an inferior to a superior, leaving it up to Him to do that which pleases Him.” (Zodhiates)

“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? Diligently, above all else. Matthew 6:33; 18:12; Luke 15:8 By forsaking our ways and our thoughts. Isaiah 55:7 With all our heart and soul. Jeremiah 29:13; Deuteronomy 4:29 With humility in our prayers and supplications. Daniel 9:3

“Ask … seek … knock …” Verses 7-8 Knocking involves doors and doors involve opportunities and reflects our decision to do what is necessary to enter or be admitted in. Why do we knock? To seek entrance into something or somewhere. Again, think about the context of the kingdom. (Acts 12:13, 16; Luke 13:24-25; cf. Revelation 3:20) A persistent, urgent and intense desire for entry. (Acts 12:16; Matthew 7:13-14 ) Someday, the door will be shut. Matthew 25:10; Luke 13:25. When do we need to knock? Now! Compare Revelation 3:20 with Luke 12:36. consider also John 14:23 and Jesus’ promise that He and the Father will come to him and make their abode with him.

“Ask … seek … knock …” Verses 9-11 Three steps to one goal: Example: Cornelius Ask – Acts 10:2; “… prayed to God continually …” Seek – Acts 10:7-8; 24, 33; “… summoned his servants … explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa;” called together his family and friends to hear what Peter had been “commanded by the Lord.” Knock – Acts 10:48. They were baptized.

“Ask … seek … knock …” Verses 9-11 Our Father in heaven will give “good gifts” to those who ask, seek and knock. If human fathers know how to give what is needed, “how much more” our heavenly Father? James 1:17, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” Compare “good gifts” in Matthew 7:11 with “Holy Spirit” in Luke 11:13 … the ultimate example of a “good gift”! Romans 8:31-32, Psalms 84:11; 34:8-10 The question is: where is our treasure?