Matthew 7:9-11 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? I. THE FACTS WHICH OUR TEXT RECOGNIZES. 1. The moral condition of earthly parents — "evil." 2. The natural affection of earthly parents. II. THE ARGUMENT OUR TEXT EXPRESSES. Suggested by contrast. Strengthened by condition. Confirmed by covenant. III. THE APPEAL IT SUPPLIES. Addressed to your consciousness of duty, compassion for suffering, recollection of heavenly goodness. (Anon.) I. An encouraging CHARACTER of the Being to whom we pray — a father. Most endearing. He feels the tenderest concern for us. We have freedom of access to Him, etc. But the extent of His Fatherly relation is in the text illustrated — by appeal and by contrast. II. The BLESSINGS We shall receive from our heavenly Father in answer to our prayers — "good things." Temporal and spiritual "things." What an encouragement to pray! How careful we should be to pray aright. Address those who do not pray. (R. Watson.) Parallel Verses KJV: Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?WEB: Or who is there among you, who, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? |
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