This study was first taught on April 19, 2011

Topic: ASKing (5): Knocking (1)

No audio available for this study.

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Background
Last week, we concluded on ‘seeking’ as we saw that seeking is not just about searching, but also about making enquiries. We focused on David as a case study and saw a number of instances where he made enquiries from God on a number of issues. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of many Christians today, who are largely ignorant because they do not make enquiries from God; preferring instead, to ask God for things.

We saw that ‘seeking’ God in the form of an inquiry is essential when we come in contact with information about circumstances or situations occurring around us. We also saw that ‘seeking’ God’s face is a good practice before decision making, and before concluding that a matter is the will of God. We saw further that through ‘seeking’ we can engage God in meaningful conversation (as one would discuss with someone who knows more than him) on issues that confront us; and that way, we receive from God, strategies, wisdom, and counsel for dealing with problems, challenges, and difficulties.

We noted that when we do not inquire from God, we are bound to make serious mistakes which would have disastrous consequences, not only in our lives but in the lives of generations yet unborn. For this reason, God asks us to always make enquiries before we step out on any venture; and, to seek His face at all times. For all believers in Christ this is good counsel, regardless of what aspect of life is involved. We summarized that anything that involves decision making, strategizing, and dealing with obstacles, should be preceded with seeking God. The same should go for personal bible study (quiet time).

We saw from instances in David’s life that, when he sought God’s face on matters confronting him, he succeeded; but when he did not, disaster struck and it even affected the entire nation of Israel. We extrapolated from David’s case study, and asserted that many churches have been adversely affected by the refusal of their leaders to seek God before embarking on programmes and projects. The same can be said of Christians who are engaging in all sorts of ventures without first inquiring from God. We saw that even when the Lord Jesus was confronted with a tricky situation, He waited for a response from heaven before responding to the issue. From the example of king Asa, who refused to seek after God even when he was seriously sick, we noted that many believers in Christ, proceed to handle matters in their own understanding; rather than seek God; and that this has proven to be the source of many a disastrous venture among Christians, such as failed marriages, failed businesses, and ministries that do not impact lives.

We said that when we seek God’s face on any matter, we must approach Him with the intention of receiving from Him, and doing what He tells us to do. We do not seek God for something that we would debate with Him over, neither do we approach God having our minds already made up, only expecting Him to rubber stamp our decisions. And if we already have our plans, we must be prepared to discard them for His, if He requires it. This is how our seeking can be productive: our land is healed; we shall not lack any good thing; and, we shall understand all things!

Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 7:7-8; Luke 11:5-10
We now come to the third component of the acronym ASK: Knocking. Words that connote knocking include, beseech, implore, pressing in, pleading, importunity, and intercession. May the Holy Spirit help us to understand the intricacies involved in knocking, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Knocking carries with it the connotation of banging on a door that is locked with the intention of getting someone to open it. In our second scripture text, we see the illustration of the Lord, regarding a man seeking to obtain something from his friend. This man continued to pound on the friend’s door until he opened it and gave him what he wanted. This is what the Lord is asking us to do in prayer.
Isaiah 62:6-7; Luke 18:1-8; Genesis 32:24-29; 2 Kings 13:14-19; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; 1 Samuel 15:24-31; Genesis 18:16-33; 19:27-29; James 5:16b-18; 1 Kings 18:41-44; Matthew 26:36-46.

Conclusion
Knocking is praying until something happens. It requires that we do not faint, give up, nor rest, until what we are asking for is given to us. This approach to prayer is especially necessary when we want to change situations from the status quo. It is therefore imperative that the person whose knocking will get an answer from God never gives up!

Attributes that successful knockers must possess include: persistence, fervency, and righteousness. Knocking for some time, and then giving up, results in partial victory; as was the case of King Joash of Israel. However, there is the need for a balance between persistence and good sense; thus, it is good sense to know when God has given a final answer from which He will not yield. Failing to stop knocking when this point is reached, can be dangerous, having negative consequences as was the case of King Saul who persisted with Samuel, tearing his garment in the process, and losing the kingdom as a consequence. The Lord Jesus knew when to apply good sense and yield to God’s will. Furthermore, doors are not open to people whose ‘knocking’ is timid, hesitant, and lukewarm; but doors are open to those whose banging is vibrant, consistent, and energetic. Finally, it is important to note that doors are open by God only to those who are righteous. Sinners who persist and are fervent in seeking God’s blessing, without first becoming righteous, will discover that their knocking will be in vain.

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