ASK, SEEK, AND KNOCK

ASK, SEEK, AND KNOCK

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 7:7-11

Key Verse: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Matthew 7:7)

Supporting Texts: Jeremiah 29:13, Luke 18:1, Hebrews 11:6, James 1:5, John 14:13-14

Description: This study reveals the power of persistent prayer, diligent seeking, and unwavering faith in receiving from God.

INTRODUCTION

In Matthew chapter 7, Jesus encouraged believers to approach God confidently through prayer and persistent faith. He used three powerful words: ask, seek, and knock to describe different levels of spiritual pursuit and dependence upon God.

Many believers become discouraged when answers do not come immediately, but Jesus taught persistence, faith, and continual trust in God’s goodness. Prayer is not merely a religious activity; it is a living relationship with a loving Father who hears and responds to His children.

The instruction to ask, seek, and knock reveals that God desires believers to pursue Him sincerely, depend upon Him continually, and trust His faithfulness completely.

1. ASKING REVEALS DEPENDENCE UPON GOD

Prayer begins with recognising our need for God.

a) “Ask, and it shall be given you” (Matthew 7:7)
Jesus encouraged believers to present their needs confidently before God.

b) God invites believers to pray boldly (Hebrews 4:16)
Through Christ, believers can approach God with confidence and faith.

c) Prayer expresses trust in God’s provision (Philippians 4:6)
Believers are called to bring every concern and request before the Lord.

d) God gives wisdom and help to those who ask (James 1:5)
The Lord delights in guiding and helping those who depend upon Him sincerely.

Biblical Example:
Solomon asked God for wisdom rather than riches, and God answered him abundantly (1 Kings 3:9-13).

2. SEEKING REQUIRES DILIGENCE AND SPIRITUAL HUNGER

God rewards those who pursue Him wholeheartedly.

a) “Seek, and ye shall find” (Matthew 7:7)
Spiritual growth requires intentional pursuit of God and His presence.

b) God responds to sincere seekers (Jeremiah 29:13)
Those who seek God with all their hearts will encounter Him personally.

c) Seeking God involves prioritising His Kingdom (Matthew 6:33)
Believers must pursue God above worldly distractions and desires.

d) Spiritual hunger produces deeper intimacy (Psalm 42:1-2)
A thirsty soul longs continually for fellowship with God.

Biblical Example:
David continually sought the presence of God and desired fellowship with Him above earthly things (Psalm 27:4).

3. KNOCKING REPRESENTS PERSISTENCE AND PERSEVERANCE

Believers must remain steadfast in faith and prayer.

a) “Knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7)
Persistent faith eventually opens doors according to God’s will and timing.

b) Jesus taught persistence in prayer (Luke 18:1)
Believers should continue praying without losing heart or becoming discouraged.

c) Delays do not mean denial (Habakkuk 2:3)
God’s answers often come according to His perfect timing and wisdom.

d) Persistent faith strengthens spiritual endurance (Romans 12:12)
Continual prayer develops patience, trust, and maturity.

Biblical Example:
The persistent widow continued seeking justice until her request was answered (Luke 18:2-8).

4. GOD IS A GOOD FATHER WHO GIVES GOOD THINGS

Believers can trust God’s heart and intentions completely.

a) God gives good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11)
The heavenly Father responds lovingly and wisely to His people.

b) God’s answers are guided by wisdom and love (Romans 8:28)
The Lord works all things together for the good of those who love Him.

c) God knows what is best for His children (Psalm 84:11)
He withholds no truly good thing from those who walk uprightly.

d) Faith in God removes fear and doubt (Mark 11:24)
Trusting God strengthens confidence in prayer and expectation.

Biblical Example:
Hannah prayed persistently for a child, and God answered her with Samuel in due season (1 Samuel 1:10-20).

CONCLUSION

Jesus taught believers to ask, seek, and knock with faith, persistence, and confidence in God’s goodness. Prayer is not passive; it is an active pursuit of God through dependence, spiritual hunger, and perseverance.

Believers who continue seeking God sincerely will experience His guidance, provision, wisdom, peace, and divine intervention. God remains a loving Father who hears the cries of His children and responds according to His perfect will and timing.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, strengthen my faith and confidence in prayer in Jesus name

2. Father, help me to seek You wholeheartedly every day in Jesus name

3. Lord, remove every spirit of doubt and discouragement from my life in Jesus name

4. Father, teach me to persevere in prayer without giving up in Jesus name

5. Lord, let every closed door ordained for my blessing open in Jesus name

6. Father, grant me wisdom, direction, and understanding in Jesus name

7. Lord, help me to trust Your timing and perfect will in Jesus name

8. Father, answer every righteous desire according to Your purpose in Jesus name

9. Lord, draw me into deeper intimacy and fellowship with You in Jesus name

10. Father, let my prayer life produce testimonies and breakthroughs in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Your prayers shall receive divine answers and testimonies!

2. Every closed door against your progress shall open by the power of God!

3. God shall reward your persistence and faithfulness in prayer!

4. Every spirit of discouragement and doubt is broken over your life!

5. Divine wisdom and direction shall be revealed clearly to you!

6. You shall grow deeper in intimacy and fellowship with God!

7. God shall release supernatural provision and help into your life!

8. Your faith shall become stronger and more steadfast daily!

9. Every delayed blessing appointed for you shall manifest in due season!

10. The goodness and faithfulness of God shall continually surround your life!