Ask, and It Shall Be Given You
To experience the fullness of God's salvation, we must receive the will of God by recognizing ourselves as already in it and taking the water of life freely.
The preacher delves into the concept of stumbling, which can be both literal and figurative, representing obstacles that cause one to trip or fall physically or spiritually. Proskomma, translated as obstacle, offense, or stumbling block, is explored in various Bible verses such as Romans 9:32, Romans 14:13, and 1 Peter 2:8, highlighting the importance of not being a hindrance to others' faith. The metaphor of Christ as a Stone or Rock, symbolizing different aspects like stumbling, cornerstone, and judgment, is examined across Old and New Testament verses, emphasizing the significance of Christ in different contexts.
Text
We must receive, as well as ask. We must take the place of believing and recognize ourselves as in it. A friend once said to me, "I want to get into the will of God." I answered: "Will you then step into the will of God? And now, are you in the will of God? My question aroused in the man a thought he had not considered. He saw that he had been straining after but not receiving the blessing he sought. Jesus had said, Ask, and ye shall receive (John 16:24). The very strain keeps back the blessing. The strong tension of all your spiritual nature so binds you that you are not open to the blessing which God is waiting to give you.
Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely (Revelation 22:17).
He tells me there is cleansing From every secret sin, And a great and full salvation To keep the heart within And I take Him in His fullness, With all His glorious grace, For He says it is mine by taking, And I take just what He says.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Receiving
- The Strain of Unbelief
- The Invitation to Receive
- Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely
- Cleansing from every secret sin and a great and full salvation
Key Quotes
“Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” — A.B. Simpson
“He tells me there is cleansing From every secret sin, And a great and full salvation To keep the heart within” — A.B. Simpson
“For He says it is mine by taking, And I take just what He says” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Recognize that you are already in the will of God and be open to the blessings He is waiting to give you.
- Take the water of life freely by receiving it with faith and trust.
- Let go of the strain of unbelief and trust that God's salvation is available to you.