Matthew 7:11

“If ye then being evil, etc.] As all mankind in general are, both by nature and practice: they are conceived in sin, shapen in iniquity; are evil from their youth, and transgressors from the womb; are corrupt, and do abominable things; and such these Jews were Christ speaks unto; and who, very likely, has respect chiefly to the evil of covetousness they were addicted to. The argument is taken from the lesser to the greater, and runs thus; that if ye, who are but men, men on earth, yea evil men, not over liberal and beneficent, nay covetous and niggardly, know how to give good gifts unto your children; can find in your hearts, having it in the power of your hands, to give suitable provisions…”

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him!--Bad as our fallen nature is, the father in us is not extinguished. What a heart, then, must the Father of all fathers have towards His pleading children! In the corresponding passage in Luke (see on Luk 11:13), instead of "good things," our Lord asks whether He will not much more give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him. At this early stage of His ministry, and before such an audience, He seems to avoid such sharp doctrinal teaching as was more accordant with His plan at the riper stage indicated in Luke, and in addressing His own…”

“Ask, and it shall be given you ... - There are here three different forms presented of seeking the things which we need from God - asking, ‘seeking, and knocking. The latter is taken from the act of knocking at a door for admittance. See Luke 13:25; Revelation 3:20. The phrases signify to seek with earnestness, diligence, and perseverance. The promise is, that what we seek shall be given us. It is of course implied that we seek with a proper spirit, with humility, sincerity, and perseverance. It is implied, also, that we ask the things which it may be consistent for God to give - that is, things which he has promised to give, and which would be best for us, and most for his own honor, 1 John…”

“To them that ask him - But on this condition, that ye follow the example of his goodness, by doing to all as ye would they should do to you. For this is the law and the prophets - This is the sum of all, exactly answering Mat 5:17. The whole is comprised in one word, Imitate the God of love. Thus far proceeds the doctrinal part of the sermon. In the next verse begins the exhortation to practise it. Matthew 7:12”

“being: Gen 6:5, Gen 8:21; Job 15:16; Jer 17:9; Rom 3:9, Rom 3:19; Gal 3:22; Eph 2:1-3; Tit 3:3 how: Exo 34:6, Exo 34:7; Sa2 7:19; Psa 86:5, Psa 86:15, Psa 103:11-13; Isa 49:15, Isa 55:8, Isa 55:9; Hos 11:8, Hos 11:9; Mic 7:18; Mal 1:6; Luk 11:11-13; Joh 3:16; Rom 5:8-10, Rom 8:32; Eph 2:4, Eph 2:5; Jo1 3:1, Jo1 4:10 good: Psa 84:11, Psa 85:12; Jer 33:14; Hos 14:2 \*marg. Luk 2:10, Luk 2:11, Luk 11:13; Co2 9:8-15; Tit 3:4-7 Matthew 7:12”