THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT #25

The Virtue Of Perseverance

Matthew 7:7-11

INTRODUCTION

A. Why do some people…

1. Succeed in having their prayers answered?

2. Have a greater understanding of the Bible?

3. Reach more souls for Christ?

4. Is it skill, genius, or luck?

B. The answer is suggested by Calvin Coolidge:

“Press on! Nothing in the world can take the place of perseverance. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated
derelicts.”

C. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus talked about the virtue of
perseverance…

1. Especially in its relevance to prayer

2. Giving us motivation to persevere in our service to God

D. Our text is Matthew 7:7-11, in which we find Jesus
teaching about…

INTRODUCTION

A. THE PRINCIPLE OF “PERSEVERANCE”

1. Matthew 7:7-8

2. Perseverance is implied in these verses …

a. By the tense of the Greek

1) It is the present tense, which most often stresses
“continuous action”

2) Literally, then, Jesus is saying:

a) “keep on asking,” and it will be given to you

b) “keep on seeking,” and you will find

c) “keep on knocking,” and it will be opened to you

b. By the progression of the terms themselves

1) “asking” is one level of inquiry

2) “seeking” suggests a step up, as one goes about to find
what they ask (asking plus action)

3) “knocking” is another step up, as one persists in
finding that which they seek (asking plus action plus
persevering)

3. Perseverance is particularly relevant:

a. To the matter of “prayer”

1) As later implied in Matthew 7:11

2) Jesus often stressed persistence in teaching on prayer

a) In the parable of “The Persistent Friend” –
Luke 11:5-8

b) In the parable of “The Persistent Widow” –
Luke 18:1-8

b. To the matter of “Bible study”

1) Many people give up too soon in their Bible studies

2) But those who persevere in their studies are the ones
who benefit from the blessings God’s Word
provides

a) Psalm 1:1-3

b) Psalm 119:97-104

c. To the matter of “evangelism”

1) Many do not bear fruit because they give up too soon

2) But we reap what we sow; the more persistent we are
in sowing, the more we will eventually reap

d. If we desire success in any venture, but especially in
prayer, Bible study, and evangelism, then we must adopt
– “The Virtue Of Perseverance.”

4. To encourage us to do so, Jesus goes on to provide…

B. A MOTIVE FOR PERSEVERANCE

1. Matthew 7:9-11

2. God delights to give good things to His children…

a. To illustrate, Jesus gives a simple argument (from the
lesser to the greater)

1) That is, men give good gifts to their children who ask

2) How much more so, will our Father in heaven!

b. Jesus stressed this Fatherly attribute of God in His
sermon

1) In regards to our physical necessities – Matthew
6:31-32

2) And now in regards to things that are good for us –
Matthew 7:11

2. This is especially true in regards to prayer!

a. As Jesus promised to His disciples – John 15:7

1) Conditioned upon our abiding in Him

2) Conditioned upon His words abiding in us

b. As the apostle John wrote – 1 John 5:14-15

1) Conditioned upon our asking according to His will

2) Which assumes we know His will for us (i.e., His
word is abiding in us)

c. And as James wrote – James 4:3

1) Presuming we are not asking for personal and selfish
gain

2) But many do not enjoy God’s favor, simply because
they do not ask!

CONCLUSION

A. To persevere, then, is a noble virtue, especially in
regards to prayer…

1. We have a Father in heaven who is not untouched by
the persistent pleas of His children

2. Providing we do not ask amiss, persistent prayers will
not go unanswered!

B. If we desire to receive, find, and have doors opened to
us, then let us…

1. Keep on asking

2. Keep on seeking

3. Keep on knocking …not only in regards to prayer, but in
all ventures worthy of Christians (e.g., Bible study,
evangelism)!

C. Have you asked, sought, or knocked today…?