Matt 7: 7-12 Jesus Teaches on “ Asking, Seeking, and Knocking”.Persistence in Prayer

Mat 7:7  "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.

Mat 7:8  For it is always he who asks that receives, he who seeks that finds, and he who knocks that has the door opened to him.

Mat 7:9  What man is there among you, who if his son shall ask him for bread will offer him a stone?

Mat 7:10  Or if the son shall ask him for a fish will offer him a snake?

Mat 7:11  If you then, imperfect as you are, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Mat 7:12  Everything, therefore, be it what it may, that you would have men do to you, do you also the same to them; for in this the Law and the Prophets are summed up.

Introduction:

When Jesus Taught on Prayer in Chapter 6 He was speaking against showing off and acting spiritually instead of praying in secret, with the door closed hidden from human view. This Teaching was not speaking against corporate prayer but against outward ostentatiousness.

Now He is speaking about sincere persistence in Prayer expecting to receive what you are asking for.

The phrases signify to seek with earnestness, diligence, and perseverance. The promise is, that what we seek shall be given us. It is of course implied that we seek with a proper spirit, with humility, sincerity, and perseverance. It is implied, also, that we ask the things which it may be consistent for God to give - that is, things which he has promised to give, and which would be best for us, and most for his own honor, 1Jo_5:14 Barnes Notes on Matt  7:7

Mat 7:7  "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.

Notes

Asking is the simplest definition of prayer. We ask for what we desire or want. Asking is the most natural thing to do when we are in need. Seeking always involves something or someone is lost. A lost son in the bush for example. The search will go on intensively and thoroughly. Knocking takes place when we are locked out or enquiring. 
Are you in need?. Ask! Have you lost something or someone like a child at the EKKA [the Brisbane yearly Agricultural Show]. Is there a position for work you need? Then, if the door opens then you can quickly move through the open door. So Knock! Here Jesus is referring to knocking at the door of heaven. Jesus will open the door for you.

Mat 7:8  For it is always he who asks that receives, he who seeks that finds, and he who knocks that has the door opened to him.

Notes:

For it is always he who asks that receives - Everyone who asks will receive GW

I believe that the verb tense here for asks is continuous Present Tense. That is the person asking should keep on and continue asking.

The promise : It is always the one that asks that receives. Don’t be discouraged be persistent in prayer the answer will surely come.

He who seeks that finds, and he who knocks that has the door opened to him.

There is no doubts or maybes here. This is Jesus’ Positive statementHe promises that the seeker will find and that the door will be opened to him who knocks.

He knows that he will get what he needs. He is expecting it.

Mat 7:9  What man is there among you, who if his son shall ask him for bread will offer him a stone?

Mat 7:10  Or if the son shall ask him for a fish will offer him a snake?

Notes:

Jesus uses a normal illustration from family life in his day. A son asking for bread or a fish which were plentiful in the Sea of Galilee  What would a boy in the Middle East ask for today? A new home, food, schooling after missing many years in a refugee camp.

Mat 7:11  If you then, imperfect as you are, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Notes:

An earthly father will do all in His power to supply his sons’ needs not wants.

How much more will Your Heavenly Father give good things to those who ask Him.

Mat 7:12  Everything, therefore, be it what it may, that you would have men do to you, do you also the same to them; for in this the Law and the Prophets are summed up.

So if you can help someone like you would like them to help you, then do it.

for in this the Law and the Prophets are summed up.

This is the law and the prophets - That is, this is the sum or substance of the Old Testament. It is nowhere found in so many words, but if is a summary expression of all that the law required. The sentiment was in use among the Jews.

That men should do to you, do ye even so to them.

Wherein lies that exact righteousness which is required between man and man

I. The expectation of it. Put thyself into the place and circumstances of every man with whom thou hast to do. This is an exact rule. It is plain and easy. Three things are to be done before this rule will be of use to us.

1. We must make it appear reasonable.

2. Make it certain.

3. Make it practicable.

(1) Labour to understand truly every man’s condition so far as you have opportunity.

(2) When from distance, self-interest you cannot understand, trust the concurrent experience of others that are in that condition.

(3) Conclude that in cases between superiors and inferiors, the partiality is usually on the inferiors’ side.

(4) In judging of your present condition and circumstances, always abate something for the presence of them, for self-love and self-interest and other passions.

II. The grounds of this. The equity of the rule stands upon these foundations.

1. All men are equal in many things, and these the greatest things.

The Biblical Illustrator