Matthew 7:9-11

How much more shall your Father.

The heavenly and the earthly Parent

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.)

God the best of Fathers

I. How pre-eminently he sustains the parental office.

1. The first instance of His superiority is derived from His knowledge.

2. The superiority of His correction.

3. God surpasses every earthly parent in His nearness and observation. Parents cannot always be with their children.

4. Parents may be unable to relieve their children, if with them.

5. Other parents are not suffered to continue, by reason of death.

6. The love of parents is far exceeded by the love of God.

7. Parents give good things to their offspring, however imperfectly they make known their wants and desires. (W. Jay.)

Dependence upon God

I. What is implied in this dependence? A conviction that we are not able to provide for ourselves, and therefore need to depend on Him. That there is nothing to prevent God’s providing for us.

II. How the spirit of dependence is to be expressed,

III. The support that is given to the spirit of dependence. The express promise of God. The experience of God’s people. The relationship which God bears to His people.. There is a lesson of instruction, rebuke, warning, encouragement, (R. Tuck, B. A.)

Good gifts to our children

Our Lord refers here to the disposition of the father rather than to his discernment, his willingness more than his wisdom. The impulse of affection not always wise. What are the gifts we owe to our children?

1. First among them is a careful training in obedience.

2. Another gift we owe our children is a careful training in the unselfish virtues.

3. Another gift we owe our children is a high and worthy ideal.

4. Another good gift we may impart to our children is education.

5. Finally, a good gift wherewith you may enrich your children is your confidence. (W. Gladden, D. D.)

God a royal Father concerned for the welfare of His children

A king is sitting with his council deliberating on high affairs of state involving the destiny of nations, when suddenly he hears the sorrowful cry of his little child who has fallen down, or been frightened by a wasp; he rises and runs to his relief, assuages his sorrows and relieves his fears. Is there anything unkingly here? Is it not most natural? Does it not even elevate the monarch in your esteem? Why then do we think it dishonourable to the King of kings, our heavenly Father, to consider the small matters of His children? It is infinitely condescending, but is it not also superlatively natural that being a Father He should act as such? (C. H. Spurgeon.)