Transcript

Receiving Then Giving

Matthew 7:7-12
September 21, 2008
Pastor Randy Smith

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Allow me first of all to say what a blessing it is to be part of this local fellowship. Last week the beach service and the picnic were exceptional. A hearty thank you to all of you who contributed in any way to make that special event possible!

I trust you will also remember, as I was baking on that boardwalk, that we jumped a few verses ahead and examined narrow and wide gates in Matthew 7. In those two passages we learned that there are only two gates which open to two roads which arrive at two destinations. Everybody alive has entered one of these gates and is presently marching down one of these roads and will enter one of these destinations.

The broad gate leads to the broad road which leads to spiritual destruction. Jesus said there are many who are going in this tragic direction. However eternal life is obtained by those on the narrow road who enter through the narrow gate. Jesus said few are those who embark on this journey.

On its own, this instruction may come as a shock to us. Contrary to popular belief, the text is unmistakably clear that most people will not be going to heaven. Yet despite coming off the lips of Jesus Christ, these verses seem unnatural, incorrect and erroneous. However, when they are understood in their proper context as closing statements to the Sermon on the Mount, they come as the only logical conclusion.

Let's remember the high level of ethical standards that are expected among citizens in God's kingdom. Let's remember Jesus said, "For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Mt. 5:20). Let's remember that many professing "Christians" will hear the Lord say, "I never knew you; depart from Me you who practice lawlessness" (Mt. 7:23). Let's remember our Lord said that it is not the talkers but the doers of His Word that will enter. "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter" (Mt. 7:21). It goes without further comment that few are on the journey to heaven.

We enter the narrow gate by grace. But once we enter, the Holy Spirit comes upon us and gives us the desire and ability to apply our Lord's instruction. We all fall short of perfection (Mt. 5:48), but all professing citizens identify themselves as true citizens by their earnest grace-driven effort to do what their Savior says. Few are willing to exert this devotion. Therefore few are traveling along the narrow path. In the parallel passage in Luke the disciples asked, "'Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?' And [Jesus] said to them, 'Strive to enter through the narrow door.'"

Sadly, there are many church-attendees calling themselves "Christian" who have bought the lie by adopting a mentality that they can drift into heaven. They falsely believe that they can do as they please, believe what they want, obey when they desire and submit to whomever they wish. They feel that the Christian life is to be devoid of effort, sacrifice and suffering, that their earthly comforts take precedence over their heart righteousness, and that they are secure in their salvation because they prayed a prayer or invited Jesus into their heart at some point in their past. Beloved, these concepts are unbiblical and these people are deceived.

However, there are also many church-attendees who call themselves "Christian" who really want to please the Lord. They pore over these expectations in the Sermon on the Mount. They do follow the Fourth Beatitude and "hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Mt. 5:6). They do take seriously the will of God and really want to be "doers of the word" (Jas. 1:22). Yet as they contemplate these hundred or so commandments and realize their own shortcomings, they come to a very humbling realization (if they are honest with themselves). They understand God's expectations and are grieved at how far they fall short. You see, the phony Christian looks for the easiest way out and then congratulates his own self-righteousness (that's the Pharisee!), whereas the true believer is grieved when he falls short of the standards that Jesus outlined. After all, isn't that the Second Beatitude: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted?"

So if you are intent on following our Lord's teaching and find yourself often mourning over your own inability, you are at the place where our Lord wants you. I want to bring comforting words to you this morning. After providing the lofty expectations for kingdom citizens, Jesus Christ provides us with a message of hope: He is there with us. He is there to enable us to fulfill His desires which have become our desires as well.

So when we, First Beatitude, understand our poverty in spirit, we will stop relying on our own resources and cry out to the One who can be our strength. And when we cry out to God in prayer, God, as a good Heavenly Father, is there to bring the divine resources we need. And as that First Beatitude states, those poor in spirit give evidence to themselves and others that theirs truly is the kingdom of heaven. Until I am empty of myself, I will never be filled with God. And if I am not filled with God, there is no place for me in the kingdom.

1. GOD SERVING US

Let's first begin by examining how God serves us.

Chapter 7, verses 7-8, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."

Quite often we hear these reassuring words about prayer taken out of context. Contrary to what is often taught, these verses are not a "blank check" to force God's hand to meet any of our whims. The promise is spoken in the context of obedience to His commandments. And this is where God promises to provide the help. So just as we are to be committed to our Lord's teaching, our Heavenly Father is committed to help us obey that teaching. He is there to pick us up when we fall. He is there to change our hearts and lead us along the right path. He is there to provide the wisdom and strength we need. He is there to encourage us every step of the way.

"Ask," "seek" and "knock." Three words describing increasing levels of intensity. Three commands. Three imperatives in the present tense which denote a continual activity. Persistence. Perseverance. Relentless fervency. Confidence in the request being granted because of the resources and desire of the Person being sought.

Allow me to propose a test case by way of example. I call myself a Christian. I read the Sermon on the Mount to see how a Christian should be living. I come to a passage that says I should be "the light of the world" (Mt. 5:14). I examine my own life and realize that I am not as vocal about my faith as the Lord would desire. So I go to God in prayer. I ask Him to expose any of my actions that might hinder my testimony. I ask Him to give me a better ability to articulate the Gospel. I ask Him for boldness. I ask Him for opportunities to share the salvation message with others. This is praying specifically through the Sermon on the Mount. This is living as a Kingdom Citizen. This is claiming our Lord's promise that He will assist us in applying His Word if we "ask" and "seek" and "knock."

So here come the questions:

This promise just seems too simple!

Let me ask you, if God's ultimate pursuit is His glory, what could bring God greater glory-you doing it all apart from Him or you obeying with the strength He supplies?

God's power working through us is the simplicity of the Christian life both for our success and His glory. However, that does not imply that we wave a magical wand and God instantly zaps us with no effort necessary on our part! According to Matthew 5-7 we are the ones who are hungering and thirsting for righteousness. We are the ones striving to march down that narrow path. We are the ones with a passion for Jesus Christ. So although He works through us, we are still required to work at radically amputating that sin (5:29-30) or reconciling with that wayward sister (5:23-24) or seeking first His kingdom (Mt. 6:33) or even seeking God in persistent prayer (Mt. 7:7-8). The prayer for grace is a manifestation of a heart already inclined to obey. We are talking about grace-driven effort.

How can I be sure this great promise applies to me?

In one sense, the promised of answered prayer is limited. Jesus spoke these words to His disciples (Mt. 5:1). You must be a Christian! Yet in another sense, the promise is guaranteed to all His disciples. In verse 8 He uses the word "everyone."

But I tried praying like this and I feel nothing happened.

Then keep asking! Remember, this is a call to persistent asking and persistent seeking and persistent knocking. God already knows what you need (Mt. 6:8), but He wants you to realize your dependence on Him. Faith continually clings to the promises of God.

God is not reluctant to provide for His children. Rather He is wise to dispense His blessings at the proper time so we might receive the greatest spiritual impact. Remember, the greatest virtue that God seeks to produce in us is humility marked by total dependence on Him

What about all the people who never pray and seem to get the things that are never granted to me?

Well, are you looking at their material blessings or their spiritual blessings? If you are fixated on the material stuff, go back and reread the Sermon on the Mount. The spiritual blessings are our greatest gain and such a gain is only promised to those in Christ Jesus. And in the long run, we all know who's happier!

Think about it, what happens when people without Christ fail to apply this instruction? Aren't they the opposite of peacemakers (Mt. 5:9)? Aren't they overcome with anger and sexual immorality (Mt. 5:22, 27)? Aren't their marriages in jeopardy (Mt. 5:31-32)? Aren't they battling deep-seated bitterness because they have an unforgiving heart (Mt. 6:14-15)? Aren't they enjoying all their treasures here on earth (Mt. 6:19-21)? Aren't they trying to please others and not God with their religious actions (Mt. 6:1-8, 16-18)? Aren't they unable to deal with their anxiety (Mt. 6:25-34)? I can keep going, but I believe that is enough to determine who is better off! I will take the spiritual blessing any day!

But if all this is true, what is keeping me from praying like this?

Possibly you need to study the Scriptures and gain a better understanding of God's will for your life. Possibly you need the faith to believe that obedience to His will is for your greatest good. Possibly God needs to kindle your heart and give you a greater desire to obey. All that to say, if pleasing God is your greatest goal, then this promise to help you through prayer should be your greatest joy!

That's all great, but how can I be sure God really cares?

Look at verses 9-10. "Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?"

I believe the point our Lord is making is simple to understand. When there is a legitimate need, a father is expected to provide. And when the father provides, he is expected to provide gifts that are safe and useful. The child should be without fear in asking, and the father should be trusted for his provision.

Jesus takes the argument from the lesser to the greater. Verse 11, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!"

If sinful fathers can provide good gifts for their children, how much more will a benevolent Heavenly Father provide for His children! Beloved, if you have yet to do so, begin to view God as a good Father who cares passionately to meet your needs to grant you spiritual success as you journey down this narrow path hand-in-hand with your Savior. May the knowledge of God's character be the incentive to approach Him and expect a favorable answer for living a happy life! For the more you are happy in God, the more He is glorified through you!

2. US SERVING OTHERS

As we move to the second point, I want you to carefully consider what we have covered all summer long. Throughout this Sermon on the Mount we have seen a portrait of God. What is the portrait that comes to your mind? I see a God that is extremely concerned for our well-being.

He wants us to have joy. Throughout the Beatitudes I counted the word "blessed" nine times (Mt. 5:3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11). He wants us to have purpose and significance. His children are called "the light of the world" and "the salt of the earth" (Mt. 5:13-14). He wants us to have healthy interpersonal relationships. Consider all the instruction regarding conflict resolution (Mt. 5:23-24), marriage (5:31-32) and loving others (Mt. 5:38-47). He wants us to understand we are loved. We are encouraged to address Him as "our Father" (Mt. 6:9). He wants us to have eternal treasures in heaven as He rewards us for our secret prayer and secret fasting and secret giving to His work (Mt. 6:4, 6, 18, 19-21). He wants us to be free from worry and stress (Mt. 6:25-34). And as we learned today, He wants us to come to Him with confidence that He will meet our greatest needs (Mt. 7:7-11).

Some people only see commands in this Sermon. I see a banquet prepared for a spiritual feast. God wants to give us the best. Yet if we could just pause and examine our lives from a logical perspective, I believe we will all soon come to realize that we settle for far too little. As C.S. Lewis once said, "We are…like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in the slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea." God made us. He knows our needs. He wants to provide for them. But like ignorant children we too often seek to find our needs met apart from Him. God wants to offer us optimum joy in Him. He wants us to find all that we want in all that He is!

So when we find our needs met in His sufficiency, we will stop using people to meet our needs. We will stop sponging the life and energy out of them. We will stop our dependence on them to satisfy our felt desires. On the contrary, we will love them. Having been built up in Christ, we are now in the position to build up others in their walk with God. This is healthy living. This is treating others as we would like to be treated. This is the Golden Rule!

So in His concluding remarks, Jesus appropriately stated some of the most popular words in Scripture. Verse 12, "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets."

Most of the other world religions have comments similar to these. But scholars have yet to find any that are stated from a positive perspective like Jesus did. In other words, countless people have stated the axiom that we should be nice to others if we want them to be nice to us. It goes without saying that if we are inconsiderate of others, they will treat us in like manner. And it also goes without saying that this once again places my needs as a priority. I am acting toward you in a certain way so I might receive the greatest benefit.

However the Golden Rule states that I am to prioritize the needs of others as the greater end. I am to consider how I would like to be treated and then respond to others in that fashion. And might I say once again that this incredibly high standard can only be achieved if I am finding all of my needs met in God and then serving others with the infinite strength He supplies. For only in His strength will I have the freedom to love others without my resources ever being depleted.

J.C. Ryle said, "This is a golden rule indeed! It does not merely forbid all petty malice and revenge, all cheating and over-reaching. It does much more. It settles a hundred difficult points, which in a world like this are continually arising between man and man. It prevents the necessity of laying down endless little rules for our conduct in specific cases. It sweeps the whole debatable ground with one mighty principle. It shows us a balance and measure, by which every one may see at once what is his duty. Is there a thing we would not like our neighbor to do to us? Then let us always remember, that this is the thing we ought not to do to him. Is there a thing we would like him to do to us? Then this is the very thing we ought to do to him. How many intricate questions would be decided at once, if this rule were honestly used" (Commentary,Matthew 7)!

Imagine a family where everybody applied the Golden Rule! Imagine a church where everybody applied the Golden Rule! Contemplate for a moment your own life, am I treating other people the way I would like them to treat me. Think about it!

Yet if I don't "ask" and don't "seek" and don't "knock" for God's resources in my life, I will fail to follow the Golden Rule every time. But when I find my needs met in the living God, I will apply the Sermon on the Mount for the blessings of others. I will enjoy the blessed freedom in loving others rather than using others (Mt. 5:38-47). I will forgive them because I have been forgiven (Mt. 6:14-15). I won't judge them because I am no longer under God's judgment (Mt. 7:1-5). I will put away anger because God's kindness has filled my heart (Mt. 5:22). I will put away lies because I follow the One known as truth (Mt. 5:33-37). I won't give others what they deserve because God did not give me what I deserved (Mt. 6:12). For acting in a way contrary to this is the sheer hypocrisy that Jesus condemned throughout this Sermon (Mt. 6:2, 5, 16; 7:5). The Golden Rule results from turning to God in persistent prayer!

On our own we are unable to live out the Sermon on the Mount. For this Sermon is a reflection of God's holy character. So rather than dumb-down the requirements and compromise God's glory and lay out for us some attainable standard as the Pharisees sought, the standard stays, and God repeatedly makes us aware of our need for divine grace and the need for us to seek it through persistent prayer. For in doing so, we continually live our Christian life in His awesome presence and receive from Him the satisfaction that our hearts most desperately crave.

From a Grace Quote this week, John Owen said, "Yet the duties God requires of us are not in proportion to the strength we possess in ourselves. Rather, they are proportional to the resources available to us in Christ. We do not have the ability in ourselves to accomplish the least of God's tasks. This is a law of grace. When we recognize it is impossible to perform a duty in our own strength, we will discover the secret of its accomplishment. But alas, this is a secret we often fail to discover" (Sin and Temptation).