Matthew 7:7-8 | Ask. Seek. Knock.

  1. Can you remember a season in your life of persistent pleading with God in prayer? What was it about? What answer, if you know, did God give?

  2. Read Matthew 7:1-11. Verses 1-6 begin with the negative command, “Judge not.” Verses 7-11 begin with the positive command, “Ask.” What is the relationship between these two commands and their corresponding verses? (hint: in the sermon Robb tied both of these commands to Matthew 6:33).

  3. Read Luke 11:5-9. What does it mean to be impudent? How do these verses inform the meaning of the present active imperative, “Ask/Seek/Knock"?

  4. Why is it hard to obey Jesus’ command to be audaciously persistent in prayer? Name the hinderances your own experience, as well as hinderances you may observe in others. Conversely, what practical aids have you found helpful to keep you focused and persistent in prayer?

  5. Read Matthew 7:8. Where else in the sermon on the mount does Jesus make similar promises (for instance, Matt 5:6; 6:6; etc)? Do you find it difficult to believe Jesus’ promise? How can we help one another to grow in faith and obedience?

Robb EsperatComment