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).
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs the Jewish audience to ask of the Father, assuring them that everyone who asks will receive (Matthew 7:8). Earlier, Jesus provides guidance on how to pray to the Father, emphasizing the importance of seeking His kingdom rather than personal desires (Matthew 6:9–13). In their petitions to God, they are instructed not to be anxious about material needs such as food or clothing, as these will be provided. Thus, the act of asking is intended not for the fulfillment of personal desires, but for living a life that brings glory to God.
Jesus then employs a human analogy regarding the act of asking. He asks, if a son requests a fish, would any father give him a stone or a serpent? (Matthew 7:9–10). Since men, who are malignantly evil, know how to give good gifts to their children, it follows that the Father in heaven will provide even more generously in response to requests (Matthew 7:11).
In contrast to this, the Christian is instructed to ask according to God’s will (1 John 5:14). This is not so that they can consume their request for their own self-indulgence (James 4:3). Many false teachers claim Christians are to ask for wealth and prosperity, implying that God will give them whatever they ask for if they only have enough faith. Asking so that we may consume it in our own pleasure is unrighteous (James 4:3). Those who ask in this manner do not receive what they requested because they are not seeking according to the desirous will of God.
Members of the body of Christ are assured that when they ask in accordance with God’s will, their requests will be granted (1 John 5:15). Unlike previous instructions to Israel, Christians are not required to seek or knock to obtain their petitions. Believers who lack understanding of God’s will will not ask appropriately and, as a result, will not receive what they request. This lack of fulfillment sometimes leads individuals to follow false teachers who claim that collective prayer will compel God to respond. Such teachings often rely on scriptural passages intended for a different audience, such as Matthew 18:19–20, which is directed at Israel, not the Church. Christians, as priests, do not require others to join them in prayer to persuade the Father; they are encouraged to present their requests individually (1 Peter 2:5, 9).
Asking is a vital component of the Christian’s communication with God the Father. However, Christians do not approach this practice in the same way as the Jews under the law or those in the Millennial kingdom. Instead, we ask as sons (1 Thessalonians 5:5). As sons, we are expected to have our senses trained to discern what is proper and what is not (Hebrews 5:14). Therefore, our requests should reflect maturity and our identity in Christ (John 16:23, asking in the character of Christ).
Because we are called to ask according to God’s will rather than our own, it is essential for believers to understand what God desires for the Church. In Christ, we possess a renewed mind (Romans 12:2). By exercising this renewed mind, we can discern Spiritual matters and identify God’s will in various situations, enabling us to act with maturity (1 Corinthians 2:15). Spiritual maturity begins with understanding what Scripture reveals about God’s will for Christians.
Do you know what God’s revealed desirous will is for Christians?
Christians are called to present their bodies as living sacrifices, which constitutes their reasonable religious service to God (Romans 12:1). Since Christ has purchased us, we are to act accordingly and utilize the renewed mind we possess in Him to discern what is pleasing to God (Romans 12:2). This includes refraining from living as though we are under the law. We must not be ignorant of our spiritual gifts, as each believer receives a gift from the Holy Spirit when he is immersed into the body of the Christ. This gift is to be used for the edification of fellow believers (1 Corinthians 12:18). We are to first dedicate ourselves to the Lord and to other believers, seeking their well-being (2 Corinthians 8:5). While we worship God in spirit and truth, we are also encouraged to find joy in our service to Him (Ephesians 6:5–7). Rejecting worldly behaviors, we are to abstain from fornication and learn to possess our bodies in honor and sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5). In all circumstances, we should maintain an attitude of gratitude, which is a result of being spiritually minded (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Christ indwells believers, and God desires that each believer experientially knows the riches of the glory of Christ’s indwelling presence (Colossians 1:27). This is accomplished by living out our identity in Christ. Asking is also part of God’s will for us; when we ask according to His will, He responds to our requests (1 John 5:14–15). In every aspect of life, we are to do good, thereby silencing the ignorance of foolish individuals (1 Peter 2:15–16). At times, we may suffer for doing what is right (1 Peter 4:19). If suffering occurs, let it be for righteousness (1 Peter 3:17). With these principles in mind, let us dedicate the remainder of our lives in the flesh to fulfilling God’s will rather than pursuing fleshly desires (1 Peter 4:2).
When we present a request to the Father, we should begin with worship, acknowledging who He is. After thanksgiving, we are then to make our requests known to God (Philippians 4:6). This approach prepares our minds to align our petitions with His will rather than our personal desires. In doing so, we will receive what we ask for. We should not hesitate to ask, as sometimes we do not receive simply because we do not ask (James 4:3).
