Objectives
- Identify attributes of God that are reflected in this passage: attentiveness, compassion, goodness, and generosity
- Discuss how the golden rule is a natural response to knowing these attributes of God
Key Passages
Matthew 7:7-12
Summary
The introduction of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount,” explained who the subjects of Jesus’ kingdom were and why they needed true righteousness.
In 7:7-12 God is revealing a unique feature of Kingdom Citizen’s relationship with Himself. That is, He reminds them once again to pray for things that will help them function as citizens of the Kingdom. He reminds them that He is a gracious provider that does not wish to oppose what they ask for as their prayers naturally reflect their Kingdom values. God finishes the section by showing how the Golden Rule not only reflects this graciousness of God but also summarizes all of the Old Testament and Sermon on The Mount up to that point.
Sample Questions
Feel free to use or reword the questions below that you think will be most helpful to meet the objectives above. Remember, these questions should ultimately cultivate discussion of ways to respond to or apply what the Holy Spirit has revealed to us through Scripture.
- What does this passage teach us about God’s character?
- Attentive: God hears and responds to the needs of His children
- Compassionate: God cares for His children and acts on their behalf
- Goodness: God is what is best and gives what is best
- Generosity: God gives what is best and beyond what is deserved
- In what ways does this passage challenge the way you see and relate to God?
- Is there a specific area in your life in which you are struggling to trust the Father as your provider?
- Jesus uses bread as a metaphor for God giving his children good gifts. When you think about the greatest gift God has given us, what significance does the bread symbol play?
- How are the values of God’s Kingdom citizens naturally reflected in their life and prayers? (reference: The Lord’s Prayer Matt. 6:7-13)
- How does the understanding of God as an attentive, compassionate, generous provider naturally lead us to live out ‘the Golden Rule’?
Sample Responses
We can’t begin to love others in a way that reflects God’s love towards us if we have misunderstood the fulness of His love. When we declare God’s ability to love His children wholly and perfectly, we are reminded of the confidence we can have in receiving that love! Spend time CONFESSING your misconceptions of God’s heart for His children. Then take time to WORSHIP God for these attributes in prayer:
- Attentive: God hears and responds to the needs of His children
- Compassionate: God cares for His children and acts on their behalf
- Goodness: God is what is best and gives what is best
- Generosity: God gives what is best and beyond what is deserved