To Ask, To Seek And To Knock. The Gifts of A Righteous Life. Matthew 7:1-12

The Sermon on the Mount is in Matthew chapters 5 through 7.  Matthew 7 and verse 7, which says (NASB bible)  “Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and it will be open to you. Verse 8 says, “Everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be open”.

 CHAPTER 5

Matthew Chapter 5 begins with the Sermon on the Mount and the teaching of the Beatitudes, which means “The Blessings". Jesus speaks the character traits he desires his children to live by. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven”. The Blessings come to the humble, and the chapter indicated how the Blessings flow...from the lowly status to those elevated…but only to do His will, nothing else.

When the Law and the Ten Commandments were given in the Old Testament, on a mountain, we were not allowed to be close to God. God struck fear through the thunder, through His Power. Now the Redeemer has come to reconcile us to God, so that on this mountain we are now close to God (His Son).

The Encyclopedia Britannica describes the two groups mostly connected with the law (Scribes and Pharisees). These two groups presented themselves well, with their stances and proclamations. But a verse that many people ignore is Matthew 5:20, which indicates we must go beyond what is considered Legally Righteous if we want to be with God! Legalism and pretentiousness will not save us;

“For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

So not only must we not Murder as the Law says, we must go beyond the legal terminology and not be angry with anyone; Matthew 5:22. 

As indicated at the end of Chapter 5, we can make the argument that the fault is on the other side. I may not have been the one who cursed. Maybe someone cursed me, maybe someone slapped me, or insulted me. Maybe they even want to sue me, and I didn't even do anything wrong. We must be the ones to be humble and go to those who wronged us, because in being humble, we receive the Blessing-Matthew 5:38-42. 

CHAPTER 6

So if you just dress up in your Christian clothing and you dress with your prayer being so loud or trying to be so holy. Or you may dress in your finest giving attire. Giving your tithes because the pastor says so. When I am following the teachings of the Bible and I give when appropriate and; I also give to those who are in need (or my church does). Some of the money should be going to the widows or my church has a ministry for the poor. 

Mat 6:19...“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

Mat 6:21...for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Mat 6:33...“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

CHAPTER 7

In Chapter 7, God is directing us on how to conduct ourselves. Especially as we usually try to find fault in others. God can judge that you insulted someone and caused Murderous and hateful intentions in your heart.  The crime of a hateful heart is no better (and maybe worse) than a criminal’s attempt to steal-so no second chance for you!! All sin is equal in deserving judgment in God’s teachings. 

God has given you a great gift, and it is the gift of knowing Him. You can ask, and it shall be given. Seek, and ye shall find. Knock, and the door shall be open unto you. This is the character that we must live by if we are to be. Like Jesus. I hope you enjoyed the lesson today, and I look forward to sharing with you again. Be Blessed.

This is Dr. Sim Taylor. I want you to Be Blessed!