1. MATTHEW 7:7-11

2. Matthew 7: 7 - 11 “Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, it shall be opened. Or what man is there among you, when his son asks him for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he shall ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much shall your Father who is in heaven, give what is good to those who ask Him!”

3. PERSEVERANCE 1.ASK (aiteo) The Lord used the word aiteo which is translated into the English word “ASK” The one in a LESSER position asking the one in a HIGHER position. (Hanging in there)

4. A S K (a) ASK (erotao) * erotao relates to people on an EQUAL footing. (b) Other words translated as ASK * “To ask by way of an ENQUIRY” * “Asking a QUESTION” When we pray, do we speak as someone ASKING one of higher standing?

5. S E E K 1.SEEK (zeteo) When Jesus says the words “Seek and you shall find”, the sort of seeking He means is “STRIVING with endeavour to obtain” SEEK Him with all of our heart (that is all of our being striving with endeavour to obtain) we shall FIND Him!

6. K N O C K 1.KNOCK (krouo) In the New Testament there is only one meaning. “To strike.” Most often it is used in relation to opportunities of dealing with God, both FIGURATIVELY and LITERALLY A SOFT tap is not indicated in today’s verse; rather a HARD striking!

7. CONCLUSION Jesus makes a promise. He says, “For EVERYONE who asks RECEIVES, EVERYONE who SEEKS will FIND, and to EVERYONE who KNOCKS, the DOOR will be OPENED.”

8. God is NEVER unwilling to respond to the requests of His children, and the Father will NEVER put him off, by offering his child a SHABBY substitute.