Luke 18:1 (NLT)
One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must never give up.
2 Needs
• Prayer
– Our direct link to God
• Persistence
– A “won’t quit” state of mind
Luke 18:2-3 (NLT)
"There was a judge in a certain city," he said, "who was a godless man with great contempt for everyone. [3] A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, appealing for justice against someone who had harmed her.
A Judge and A Widow
• The Judge
– The woman’s only hope for justice
– Did not grant her request on the first hearing
• Made repeated appeals
– Acknowledged the judge’s authority
Luke 18:4-5 (NLT)
The judge ignored her for a while, but eventually she wore him out. ’I fear neither God nor man,’ he said to himself, [5] ’but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’ "
The Power Of Persistence
• Don’t give up
– The widow was rewarded for her persistence
• Not eloquence
• Not influence
– The answer was not immediate
Luke 18:6-7 (NLT)
Then the Lord said, "Learn a lesson from this evil judge. [7] Even he rendered a just decision in the end, so don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who plead with him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?
A Lesson In Justice
• Even the evil judge rendered a just judgment
• God is a righteous judge – Psalm 11:7
Psalm 11:7 (NLT)
For the Lord is righteous, and he loves justice.
Those who do what is right will see his face.
A Lesson In Justice
• Even the evil judge rendered a just judgment
• God is a righteous judge – Psalm 11:7
• Be persistent
– 1 Thessalonians 5:17
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT)
Keep on praying.
Luke 18:8 (NLT)
I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when I, the Son of Man, return, how many will I find who have faith?"
A Righteous Response
• God is attentive to your pleas
– He does not ignore you
– He responds in His perfect time
• Psalm 34:4-6, 15-18
Psalm 34:4-6 (NLT)
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me,
freeing me from all my fears.
[5] Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
[6] I cried out to the Lord in my suffering, and he heard me.
He set me free from all my fears.
Psalm 34:15-18 (NLT)
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right;
his ears are open to their cries for help.
[16] But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil;
he will erase their memory from the earth.
[17] The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.
[18] The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.
How Many?
• How many people live by faith?
• How many display confidence in God by persisting in prayer?
• How many wait upon the Lord?
• Do you trust God’s righteousness?
***Powerpoint available on request
