In this series of studies, we are considering two great truths: (1) The Promises of God, and (2) The Faith of Man. They must be worked together.

Today, let's consider the Promises of God. The ones we are to consider are found in Matthew 7:7-8:

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

My, what great promises! Many of us no doubt memorized these verses when we were young. But, I emphasize, there is a vast difference between memorizing scripture and appropriating, that is, applying, such scripture to our daily lives.

Please note the strong positive promises. The verses do not say 'ask and possibly you will receive,' etc. No! In every statement the word is shall, shall, shall. These are positive promises. Believe them. Often we apply certain scriptures and promises to certain people such as pastors, deacons, Sunday school teachers, etc. But notice verse 8: "For every one that asketh..." This included you and me. So let's apply this to ourselves and receive what God has promised us.

Please notice there are no prohibitions or restrictions accompanying the promise; but proper Biblical interpretation requires comparing scripture with scripture. What prohibitions, restructions and requrements found in, shall we say, James applies to statements made in other books of the Bible? This we will consider next week.

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