Read Matthew 7:7-11

God is a giver: He gave us life, He gave us His Son, and He gives us His Spirit. God’s intention is to bless us (Ephesians 2:7), to give Himself to us so that people will see Him in us.

Matthew 7:7-11 makes it clear that God is not reluctant to give to us, He is utterly unashamed in making massive promises to us about His generosity. Look at what Jesus says in Matthew 18:19, 21:21-22, John 14:12-14, 16:23. We are to respond to this with faith: actively believing the promises God has given, not passively waiting, but leaning in to what He says (Hebrews 11:1).

Sometimes there are delays but this is about God’s wise fatherly timing, not the promises changing.

Promises have conditions which we need to fulfil:

1. Ask (John 16:24, James 4:2). We should actually pray!
2. Believe (Mark 6:5-6). Seek God with faith.
3. In His name (James 4:3, meaning His heart and will, we need to check our motives).
4. Receive (let God give you what He wants to, e.g. Matthew 7:8, Greek word “lambano” means to take/grasp).

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Questions:

• How did God speak to you at Together For Scotland? Share highlights from each session and the event overall. You might want to watch the introduction video again to stir your faith.
• How do the people around you see the living God in you? How might they?
• Are you confident that God is a generous and cheerful giver? What has shaped your opinion of Him? What should shape your opinion of God’s nature? Look at the verses Dave read to us.
• Which of the four conditions Dave listed do you struggle to fulfil? What can you start to do differently to help you do what God wants you to?