The Message of the Teachings on the Mount (72)
By Abraham Eli
This study was first taught on May 17, 2011
Topic: ASKing (7): The God Who Said ASK
(use the audio to study)
Background
Last week, we went on to discover two other attributes that are critical for our ‘knocking’ to be effective. We saw that persistence, fervency, and righteousness, may not by themselves, resolve some problems and challenges, hence, the need for more fire power which can cause doors of victory to be open unto us when dealing with these knotty matters. Thus, we saw that if we are to have doors of victory open unto us; and, if we are to experience breakthroughs over stubborn issues; we would need to develop perseverance and patience; as well as engage more in fasting and all manner of prayer.
We noted that perseverance is that attribute which enables a person to: (a) endure hardship, and not give up; (b) keep pursuing even when he is tired; (c) not be discouraged; and (d) hold on to God, in spite of his own incapacitations. Perseverance is developed in the believer in Christ by God, as He brings trials and tribulations his way so that he can endure and hold fast to God in faith! Patience on the other hand, is the attribute which enables the believer in Christ to remain unfazed, calm, and steadfast when doors are taking long to open. It enables the believer display Christian character, and not be anxious nor fret, when it’s taking a long time for doors to be opened. At the root of patience in a believer, is the assurance that God has the matter under control, and that in God’s own time the door to victory will be opened! Impatience means that the believer cannot wait for God anymore (that is, he has lost faith in God), and so, he ‘justifiably’ goes ahead to do what he desires apart from God!
We said that when, however, we have persisted, persevered, and patiently waited, and don’t seem to have the assurance that God has ‘done it’, rather than throw our hands up in despair, we should turn to weapons which God has made available to His children: fasting, and all manner of prayer; which include, supplication, warfare prayers, praise, and thanksgiving. We saw that the combination of persistence, perseverance, and patience on one hand; and the weapons of fasting, and all manner of prayer on the other hand, will cause every door of opposition and resistance to be thrown wide open!
Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 7:7-11
Tonight, we hope to conclude on ASKing as we look at the God Who has asked us to ASK. May the Holy Spirit help us to understand, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Our scripture text mentions how parents give good things to their children when they ask for them, even though man is evil; and asks, “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” (NLT). This is the crux of our study tonight.
Matthew 7:16b-18; Luke 18:2-7; Psalm 115:3-9; Isaiah 40:18-31; Romans 8:32; Psalm 31:19-21; 84:11; 85:12; 103:1-14; James 1:2-4, 12-17, 5-8; Luke 11:13; 12:32; Psalm 50:10-11; Haggai 2:8; Psalm 24:1; Proverbs 21:1; Daniel 4:34-35; Luke 2:1-7 (Micah 5:2); Deuteronomy 6:24; Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 33:2-3; Isaiah 45:11; 66:9; Numbers 23:19.
Conclusion
Those of us who have been asked to “Keep on asking, … Keep on seeking, … Keep on knocking, …”, need to know certain things about the God Who said these things: He is not like man, who says “Ask” and then turns around to say “I cannot give”; He is not a liar, and cannot by nature tell a lie; and He is not like an idol, who is mute and unable to perform any task, no matter how menial. Indeed, whom can we liken God to? No one! He stands distinct and He is not like anything or anyone that we have ever encountered.
His very nature is goodness. In His goodness, He sent His Son to die for man, so that He can bestow His goodness upon man. He does not keep good things from those who ask Him, especially His children. He loads His children daily with benefits too numerous to number. He pities His children and overlooks their wrong, if they confess it and do not go back to doing it. He allows temptation to come to His children so that they can develop Christian character; not to harm them. If any lacks wisdom, He is more than ready to give, if they ask in faith. If any wants the Holy Spirit, He will give them if they ask. Indeed, He is pleased to give His children the kingdom itself! He is all-powerful, and owns everything in the world, including men and money. He controls kings, and gets them to do His bidding for the benefit of His children. He asks His children to follow His word, so that He can preserve and protect them from the evil one. In fact, when it seems like things are not going well for His children, He is actually working out a most beneficial thing for them. This is the God Who said, ASK!
When He brings a woman to the ‘birth stool’, she can rest assured that she will deliver safely. When you ask Him for something good, He cannot give you something evil—it is not His nature! God cannot ask you to ask for something, if He does not intend to give it to you. But when we ask Him for anything, we must be confident that He will grant the request, whatever it is (Mark 11:24)! One thing though we must note is that only His children can exercise such confidence (Hebrews 11:6b); and if you are not already one of His children, you can become one right now (John 1:12), and you can begin right away to ASK! This is the God Who said, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 (NLT)
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