THE VALUE OF
PERSEVERANCE
Matthew 7:7-11
"Ask, and
it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened
unto you:"
INTRODUCTION:
1.
Calvin Coolidge once said, "Press on! Nothing in the world can take the
place of perseverance. Talent will not; nothing is more common than
unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a
proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts."
2.
These thoughts are not original with Calvin Coolidge. Consider Matthew 7:7-11.
DISCUSSION:
I. Continual
process (7:7).
A. Ask,
seek, knock. J. W. McGarvey made the observation that the words used here
are somewhat climactic. Asking is a simple use of the voice, seeking
involves a motion of the body, knocking is an effort to open and pass
through obstacles.
B. Wording
in the original text indicates a continual action is involved.
C. Jesus is
here speaking specifically of the need for perseverance in prayer. But no
one would deny the need to persevere in all areas of life (prayer, Bible
study, evangelism, etc.). Notice Galatians 6:9.
II. Comforting
promise (7:8).
A. Jesus
used the words "every one "in verse eight. But it is evident from
verse nine that Jesus is speaking of those persons who are identified as
children of God. Also see Matthew 6:14-15; James 1:6-7; James 4:3; I John
5:14.
B. To those
who ask, it is given (James 1:5-8; I John 5:14-15). Those who seek shall
find. To those who knock, the door will be opened.
III.
Compassionate parent (7:9-11).
A. Jesus
reminds us that, as parents, we provide for our children (bread – stone,
fish – serpent).
B. Just as
we provide for our children, our heavenly Father will provide for us
(concerning our physical needs – Matthew 6:31-32, concerning what is good
for us – Matthew 7:11).
CONCLUSION:
1.
Matthew 7:7-11. Reminds us God hears us when we keep on asking, keep on
seeking, and keep on knocking.
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