The Sermon on the Mount
Daily Bible Studies for September 22-27, 2008
Learn what we believe and how we are to behave!
This Week’s Scripture: Matthew 7:7-12 MOT & NLT
[Jesus said] “7Habitually ask (present imperative), and it shall be given to you (all). Habitually seek (present imperative), and you (all) shall find; habitually knock (present imperative) and it shall be opened to you (all). 8For all the ones who keep asking receive, and the ones who keep seeking find, and to the ones who keep knocking it shall be opened. 9Or who is there among you a man, if his son asks for a loaf (of bread), will give him a stone? 10Or also if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? (literally: not a serpent he will give to him?) 11Therefore, if you being evil ones, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in the heavens, give good things to the ones who are asking him?
12Therefore, all things as many as you (all) wish (or desire) that men may do to you (all), thus also you (all) do to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:7-12 MOT
7“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
9“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
12“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:7-12 NLT
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for calling me to KEEP ON praying, and not to give up. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that I may receive the wisdom to know what to pray, and how to pray, but always keep me praying and relying on You. This I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
[Jesus said] “7Habitually ask (present imperative), and it shall be given to you (all). Habitually seek (present imperative), and you (all) shall find; habitually knock (present imperative) and it shall be opened to you (all). MOT
7“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. NLT
Why do you suppose that Jesus tells us to KEEP ON asking, seeking and knocking?
How does this fit with Jesus words in Matthew 6:7 concerning prayer that tell us not to use “vain repetition”?
Today’s Challenge: I will keep on praying and not give up as I seek to know and do God’s will!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You promise that if I persist in prayer you will reward me. I pray that the goal of my prayers will not be receiving Your reward only, but more importantly that I will come to know You deeply and to rely on You alone for all my needs. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
8For all the ones who keep asking receive, and the ones who keep seeking find, and to the ones who keep knocking it shall be opened. MOT
8For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. NLT
Is this Jesus’ promise to answer ALL our prayers? Why or why not?
What is there in your life right now that you need to continue to ask, seek, or knock until God answers?
Today’s Challenge: I will persist in prayer, knowing that God will reward me as I do!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are the giver of every good and perfect gift! I pray that I will trust You to give me what I need, and the humility to ask You to supply all of my needs. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
9Or who is there among you a man, if his son asks for a loaf (of bread), will give him a stone? MOT
9“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? NLT
What is Jesus’ point?
What is the application of these words in your life right now?
Today’s Challenge: I will live today remembering that God loves me far more than the best earthly father has ever loved his children!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Again today I am reminded that You alone give Your children what is best for us ALL the time. I pray today that You will supply me what is best in my life, that I may give my best to and for You! Glorify Yourself in my life today and always. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
10Or also if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? (literally: not a serpent he will give to him?) MOT
10Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! NLT
Why do you suppose that Jesus used two illustrations (verse 9 & 10) to bring this point home?
Why do you think the NLT supplies “Of course not!” as a response, since it is not in the original Greek? Do you think it is helpful? Why or why not?
Today’s Challenge: I will trust God to give me what is best me for today!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Jesus is right when He says that we are “evil ones.” Apart from You nothing good resides in us. I ask You to forgive every sin of my life today, cleanse me by the blood of Jesus, and restore me in every area to loving and serving You. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
11Therefore, if you being evil ones, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in the heavens, give good things to the ones who are asking him? MOT
11So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. NLT
Here is Jesus’ “punchline.” What’s the point?
How does knowing that God will always give us good gifts when we ask Him impact your day? (week? Month? LIFE?)
Today’s Challenge: I will trust God FULLY, because I know that He loves me completely!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, in our day the “Golden Rule” has often been
ignored and even laughed at by those who only look out for themselves. I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may live it fully as I go about this day. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
12Therefore, all things as many as you (all) wish (or desire) that men may do to you (all), thus also you (all) do to them; for this is the law and the prophets. MOT
12“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. NLT
What do you need to do right now, for Matthew 7:12 to becomea reality in your life?
Today’s Challenge: I WILL do to others what I would have them do to me!