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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:1-20

Various practical rules issuing out of the central duty of self-consecration. I. CONDUCT TOWARDS OTHERS . 1 . Gentleness in our estimate of the lives of others. The hypocrites trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others; they made an ostentatious display of their own supposed good deeds, and passed stern judgments on their neighbours. The righteousness of Christ's disciples must exceed that of the Pharisees in both respects. Indeed, Christ's words must not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:7

Ask … seek … knock . Gradation in urgency. Further, the three clauses think of the Giver, the sphere in which the gift lies, the obstacles in the way of obtaining it. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:7

The condition on which answer to prayer depends. The reference to prayer seems to be introduced here as an "aside;" but the connection is not difficult to trace. Our Lord had been calling his disciples to duties which would make the most serious demands on them. They would be sure to feel the need of sustaining and supporting grace, such as comes only from God. Then let them be quite sure that they could always have this grace for the asking; but let them be also quite sure that they would... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:7-11

Ask , and it shall be given you , etc. Parallel passage: Luke 11:9-13 . Nearly verbally identical, but in the son's request, reads " egg " and " scorpion " for "bread" and "stone," and reverses the order of the sentences. In Luke the verses are closely connected ("and I say unto you") with the parable of the friend at midnight, which itself immediately follows the Lord's Prayer. It seems probable that, as with the Lord's Prayer ( Luke 6:9-13 , note), so with these... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:7-11

Encouragements for prayer. Jesus is revealing the Fatherhood of God, and now he is showing how that great truth is the basis of faith, and, in particular, the ground for confidence in prayer. I. THE CALL TO PRAYER . 1 . Thrice repeated. This threefold invitation shows us 2 . In varied forms. 3 . With promise of success. Prayer is more than confiding in God. It is not a voice crying in the dark for its own relief, and satisfied without any reply. It must be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:7-12

Prayer. From the subject of giving our Lord turns to that of asking. The text instructs us in— I. THE NATURE OF PRAYER . 1 . It is asking. 2 . It is seeking. 3 . It is knocking. II. THE ENCOURAGEMENT TO PRAY . 1 . In the promises of God. 2 . In the character of the promises. III. THE CONDITIONS OF PRAYER . 1 . These are given in the promises. 2 . They are embodied in the golden rule. 3 . Apply this rule. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:8

For every one that asketh receiveth . Every one that asketh of God receiveth, for he is not the censorious Judge that you are inclined to be in your dealings with others. Therefore ask expectantly. He "giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not" ( James 1:5 ). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 7:7-11

Ask, and it shall be given you ... - There are here three different forms presented of seeking the things which we need from God - asking, ‘seeking, and knocking. The latter is taken from the act of knocking at a door for admittance. See Luke 13:25; Revelation 3:20. The phrases signify to seek with earnestness, diligence, and perseverance. The promise is, that what we seek shall be given us. It is of course implied that we seek with a proper spirit, with humility, sincerity, and perseverance.... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 7:7-11

Matthew 7:7-11. Ask, &c. The exhortation contained in these verses may be considered as connected with the caution given in those immediately preceding, and then the sense of it will be, If you be at a loss to know who are and who are not proper subjects of reproof or admonition; or to whom you may with propriety speak of the higher truths of Christianity, even of those of experimental religion, and therefore want wisdom to guide you in these difficulties, ask, and it shall be given... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 7:7-12

44. Prayers of request (Matthew 7:7-12; Luke 11:5-13)Jesus gave two illustrations to show his followers that they can put their requests to God confidently. Even a tired and uncooperative neighbour can be persuaded by a person’s persistence into giving him what he needs. How much more will God, who is a loving Father, supply all the needs of his children (Luke 11:5-10). Christians do not have to beg from a God who is unwilling to give. They go to God as children go to their father, confident... read more

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