Ask, Seek, Knock - MSQ
Part of Red Letter Living
June 18, 2023

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Ask, Seek, Knock - Message Study Questions

Message Summary

Jesus assures his disciples that God welcomes prayers of petition and encourages perseverance in prayer, and by implication, faith (see Matthew 21:22). We see personhood in Jesus, and his lesson to address God as our Father denotes personhood as well. God is not a vague cosmic force to tip toe around but a close, caring Divine Father. God, our heavenly Father, delights to give good gifts to His children, specifically in answer to our prayers. Does this passage make God a vending machine for our desires? No, in the context we first purify ourselves and seek his will (7:1-5, 6:7-14). The context here reveals that the good gifts are material. But the question is often not whether He is ready to give, but whether we are ready to receive. Moreover, in the parallel passage (Luke 11:13), “good gifts” equals the Holy Spirit. Hence, Jesus is also talking about spiritual gifts. So when we seek God we will find Him. God is not hiding. He wants to be found and wants us to seek Him.
Treating others the way you’d want to be treated is a relational summary of the law. It’s not “treat others nicely when you have the time and opportunity.” No, Jesus truly is telling us to be a people of action, a people that “does” kindness. We need to ask for God’s supernatural power to accomplish what would be impossible otherwise.

  1. Can you share one of your most memorable answers to prayer?

  2. How do you think about God when you come to Him in prayer?

  3. What does the Golden Rule mean to you?

Consider This

Jesus doesn’t compare us as parents with God. Rather He contrasts us with God who is a truly wonderful, good, and giving Father.

  1. Read Matthew 7:7-11.

    • Who are we asking, and what happens when we ask, seek and knock according to verses 7-8?

    • How do parents naturally react when their children come to them with legitimate needs (verses 9-10)?

    • What is true about all parents? What is true about God, our heavenly Father according to verse 11?

  2. According to this passage, how should we ask God?

  3. How does this passage motivate you?

  4. What do these verses show us about God’s heart?

  5. What do these verses show us about our position as God’s children?

  6. Explain verse 12 in your own words. What does it show us about the importance of our actions toward others?

  7. How does verse 12 relate to the entire passage?

  8. What are the ways you would like people to treat you? What are the ways you would like people to help you?

  9. What situations are most difficult for you to respond with kindness and a quiet answer?

Moving Forward

  1. Is there anything in your life you are reluctant to pray about? Ask God for wisdom to understand why and what you need to do about it.

  2. Determine a request that you will bring to your heavenly Father each day this week.

  3. Is there a relationship in your life where you need to apply the Golden Rule this week? Will you?