Sermon on the Mount - Ask and It Will Be Given to You

Sermon on the Mount - Ask and It Will Be Given to You

This teaching delved into a famous, yet often misunderstood, teaching of Yeshua from the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the verses "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7). The speaker, Matthew Vander Els of Founded in Truth Fellowship, explored how these verses invite believers into a deeper relationship with God rather than offering a formula for material gain.

Understanding the Heart of Prayer

The sermon opened with a reflection on how people often approach prayer with a "Veruca Salt" mindset—demanding from God like the spoiled child from "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." This mindset misconstrues the nature of prayer as a way to manipulate God into fulfilling personal desires instantly. Yeshua’s teaching encourages us to see prayer as a transformative relationship rather than a transactional mechanism. The reference to Dallas Willard’s book, "The Divine Conspiracy," further emphasized the idea that the kingdom of God is present and accessible now, and understanding this kingdom requires learning how to ask, seek, and knock with persistence and faith.

Reinterpreting Ask, Seek, and Knock

The speaker challenged the common interpretation of the verses as guarantees for getting what we want. Instead, the Greek structure of these verbs suggests a call to persistent action: "keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking." This persistence is not about coercing God but about remaining open to His presence and guidance, even when immediate answers aren't evident. Through this lens, prayer becomes about becoming more aligned with God's will and growing into the people God calls us to be.

Prayer as Relationship, Not Transaction

The teaching highlighted the difference between treating prayer as a way to extract favors from God and engaging in it as an evolving relationship. Mature faith shifts the focus from demanding specific outcomes to trusting in God's good nature and His timing. The speaker used personal anecdotes to illustrate how God's answers may not align with our immediate desires but can lead to personal growth and strengthened faith.

The Role of Trust and Faithfulness

Yeshua's invitation to ask, seek, and knock is fundamentally an invitation to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness. The teaching emphasized that God is a loving Father who gives good gifts, contrasting this with the image of an indifferent or punitive deity. This perception of God shapes how we approach prayer and trust in His provision.

Living in the Kingdom Now

Matthew Vander Els tied the teaching to the broader theme of living in God's kingdom now. By engaging in persistent prayer, believers participate in the kingdom's unfolding on earth. This perspective reframes prayer as transformative not only for individuals but also for the world, encouraging engagement with social justice issues and community needs.

Desmond Tutu and Persistent Faith

An inspiring example of persistent faith was shared through the story of Desmond Tutu, who fought against apartheid in South Africa through non-violence and prayer. Tutu's life demonstrated how persistence in prayer and faith can lead to societal change, highlighting that the kingdom of God is actively at work in the world.

Key Takeaways and Life Applications

• Prayer is about relationship, not transaction. Engage with God in prayer to align with His will and experience transformation.
• Persist in asking, seeking, and knocking, trusting that God’s timing and methods may differ from our expectations but are ultimately for our growth.
• View prayer as part of living in the kingdom of God now, rather than a tool for personal gain.
• Engage with social justice issues as a way to inaugurate God's kingdom on earth, following the example of figures like Desmond Tutu.
• Trust in God's goodness as a loving Father who knows and gives what is best for His children.

Conclusion

The message concluded by encouraging believers to continue pursuing God through prayer, emphasizing that God is always near and responsive. The teaching called for a shift from seeing God as a vending machine to viewing Him as a loving Father, where the real gift is not just the answer to prayers but God Himself.

Bible Verses Referenced

• Matthew 7:7

Recommended Books and Resources

• The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
• Simply Jesus by N.T. Wright
• The Lost World of Genesis One by John H. Walton

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