According To Luke: The Power of Persistent Prayer

According To Luke: The Power of Persistent Prayer 

Opening Illustration:

Two men were walking through a field one day when they spotted an enraged bull coming straight toward them. Instantly they darted toward the nearest fence. The raging bull followed in hot pursuit and it was soon apparent they wouldn’t make the fence in time to reach safety. Terrified, one shouted to the other, “Put up a prayer, John. We’re in for it!” John answered, “I can’t. I’ve never made a public prayer in my life.” “But you must!” implored his companion. “The bull is catching up to us.” “All right,” panted John, “I’ll say the only prayer I know, the one my father used to repeat at the table: ‘O Lord, for what we are about to receive, make us truly thankful.”

Point:

Certainly that is a great time to pray. Have you ever heard that there are no atheists in foxholes? Sure you have. There is truth in that statement. When our lives seem to be falling apart, maybe you’ve lost your job, your finances are up in smoke, your husband or wife has just left you, you were just given news about a terminal illness, it’s time to pray. Oh I have seen plenty of non spiritual people hit their knees and become devote believers in God because of the reasons I just gave. We tend to reach out to God in our darkest moments and we certainly should. However, not everyday is bad and not every moment is grim. What about when things are going well? What does your prayer life look like then? When everything is coming up roses, all your gambles are paying off, and you have life by the coattails, do you find yourselves praying then?

Brothers and sisters, if I asked you this morning whether or not you believe that there is power in prayer, that prayer moves the heart of God, or if you believed that prayer was essential to growth in Christ, you would all say “absolutely yes”. If that is true, then why aren’t more Christians praying. The news when it comes to prayer is pretty pitiful. Of over 35,000 American Christians, only 55% pray daily. 6% confess that they pray monthly, thats 12 times a year and a whopping 23% say that they seldom if ever pray. 

Jehovah’s Witnesses pray more than evangelical Christians.

Mormon’s pray more than evangelical Christians.

Muslim’s pray more than evangelical Christians. 

Friends, maybe the reason that we see faith in Christ on the decline in America is because we have people who are more committed to deceptive religions and false gods than believers committed to the God of the Old and New Testament and His Son Jesus Christ. We have more Americans with greater believe in the Koran, The Book of Mormon, and the heretical bible (with a little b) of the Jehovah’s Witnesses than believers who base their lives on the truth found in God’s Word. 

And we wonder why our nation is crumbling from under out feet. Christians pray less, witness less, and read their Bibles less than ever before. 

Point:

Friends, I want you to think about your prayer life right now? How often do you pray? Daily? Weekly? Monthly? Annually? Never? Do you find that your day is filled with continual prayer, a constant conversation with God? 

It was not long ago that I was talking to a young man who was attending our church and he said to me that he used to pray to God but he had stopped praying. I asked him why and he said that God was not answering his prayers. If God did answer his prayers, He was answering them in a manner that was displeasing. So, he stopped praying. Friends, there are lots of people who base their prayer life on a reciprocal relationship with God. God I will pray to you as long as you give to me, speak to me, or make me feel good about myself. God becomes a cosmic Santa Claus who watches us but really just wants to give us stuff. Is your prayer life based on this reciprocal relationship with God? If you are honest this morning, maybe your prayer life is dead on arrival. You have not prayed in ages. Maybe you became frustrated with God’s timetable. Maybe you were disappointed with how God worked out a situation. So, instead of praying more, you prayed less. Effectively, you decided to take your toys and go home. 

So, how is your prayer life, are you praying continual? Is your prayer life based on some faulty reciprocal revolving door of God’s movement? Is your prayer life D.O.A.? 

How Is Your Prayer Life: Continual, Reciprocal, or Dead On Arrival?

Point:

Clearly this morning we are seeking to advance and enhance your prayer life with God. As your pastor, I want you to enjoy an active, vivid, daily prayer experience. That is what we will try to achieve this morning by reading from Luke 18:1-8. Before we read  today’s Scripture, let’s review the background and context of today’s passage. 

Background and Context:

In the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8), a poor, powerless person (the widow) persists in nagging a corrupt, powerful person (the judge) to do justice for her. The parable assumes John the Baptist’s teaching that holding a position of power and leadership obligates you to work justly, especially on behalf of the poor and weak. But Jesus focuses the parable on a different point, that we are “to pray always and to not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). He identifies the hearers — us — with the woman, and the prayed-to person — God — with the corrupt judge, a strange combination. Assuming that Jesus doesn’t mean that God is corrupt, the point must be that if persistence pays off with a corrupt human of limited power, how much more will it pay off with a just God of infinite power.

The purpose of the parable is to encourage Christians to persevere in their faith against all odds.

Point:

So, let’s take a moment and read carefully the words of Christ captured in Luke 18:1-8. I am reading this morning from the English Standard Version. 

Scripture:

Luke 18:1-8 ESV

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Lessons From Persistent Prayer

I. Persistent Prayer Provides Protection vs. 3

Luke 18:3 ESV

3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’

Point:

Being a woman in the ancient world was no picnic. Being a widow was worse. A widow with no children had no protection. No legal rights. They could not vote, nor could they own property. Women were not even allowed into the synagogues without the presence of a man or husband so they were not even allowed to worship in many cases. Women were frowned up if they spoken in public. 

So here we are being introduced to a widow. The Scripture does not mention any children or another man who might care for her. Jesus is inferring that she is on her own. She goes to this corrupt judge and asks for judgement from her opponent. Notice that this opponent is not “an” opponent but “her” opponent. There is a difference. An opponent could be anything or anyone. An opponent would have been the tyrannical rule and jurisdiction of Rome. An opponent could have been an unjust bill from a market. That is not what she is saying. This is “her” opponent. This opponent is personal just to her, inflicting mistreatment upon her and no one else. This opponent is abusing her, specifically trying to do her harm in an unjust and unfair manner. 

The Greek word being used for “adversary” is än-te'-de-kos (aha-tee-dee-kas). It means opponent, adversary, or enemy. We see the same exact word used in I Peter 5:8 which says “be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” It is the same word used in referring to Satan himself, our ultimate adversary. 

Point:

So this woman persistently comes to this wicked judge demanding justice against her accuser, her opponent, her adversary. Now that we know a bit more about her enemy, what exactly is she asking this judge to do for her. Scripture says she wants justice. 

What do you think of when you hear the word justice? If you are like me you think of Batman. There has been a wrong in Gotham city. Someone was robbed. A bike was stolen. Batman is on the case and by the end of it, the perpetrator has been apprehended and brought to “justice”. Yeah, that is not what we are talking about here. 

Point:

The Greek word being used here for “justice” is ek-de-ke'-o (ek-day-kay-oh). It of course means justice but it also means to defend, to punish, to avenge, and to protect. Oh, it also means vindicate! Do you know what it means to be vindicated? To be vindicated means that you have been cleared of wrongdoing. 

Point:

So here is what’s happening in Stuart’s imagination. I imagine that this woman with no rights, no one to protect her has been accused of something terrible. Maybe this accuser claims that she has stolen something. Stealing in the ancient world was punishable by death. This woman was innocent but had no one to help her, no one to side with her, no one to take her by the hand and guide her through the legal system. So, with her life on the line and everything at stake, she throws herself at the mercy of this judge. Over and over again, she proclaims her innocence and she demands for the judge to clear her name and restore her. 

Point:

Friends, we have an accuser as well and his name is Satan. He accuses us day and night! He wants to rob you of your future, he wants to dismantle your faith, and he was to destroy your family. He is our ultimate adversary and opponent and our only way to defeat him is through prayer. Prayer brings justice. Prayer brings vindication. When you pray, you are going to the ultimate source of protection. Make no mistake, like this woman, everything is at stake. Your life. Your marriage. Your children. Your present and your future all hinges on our willingness to pray. 

Point:

So let me be straight with you this morning, if you choose not to pray you choose not to protect yourself. This makes as much sense as going into battle without a gun. It makes as much sense as walking in a downpour with no umbrella. It makes as much sense as staring at the sun with no sunglasses. 

Point;

Over the past few months, I have gotten to know a fairly new member of our church. His name is Jerry. Boy I just love Jerry. He and his family are from Arkansas. They have little family here. The other day his wife Linda was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. He could not see his wife. No visiting because of COVID. The other day I was having breakfast with him and he admitted to me that it was the prayers of his church family that kept he and Linda going. It was the prayers of the church that provided him peace. It was prayer that protected his precious wife when he could not be there to protect her himself. 

Prayer protects! Prayer bring justice and prayer vindicates. 

Romans 8:26 ESV

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Lessons From Persistent Prayer

I. Persistent Prayer Provides Protection vs. 3

II. Persistent Prayer Provides Peace vs. 4-5

Luke 18:4-5 ESV

4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’”

Point:

The other day, I had a young man give me a call. I don’t think that he would mind me sharing his name. His name is John Scott. This young man is bright, intelligent, dialed in, and compassionate. He just graduated from the University of Mississippi and is heading to Auburn University in the fall to pursue a teaching degree. He wants to be a history teacher. He called me with a unique question, as a believer, what was he to make of the climate of our world today? What was he talking about?

1. Political Unrest

2. Racial Tensions 

3. The Recasting And Retelling of American History

These are to name a few. John Scott said that he wanted to do more but he did not know where to start, where to go, or how he could influence positive change. He asked me what he could do to impact the world. 

These questions spun into a conversation that lasted for the better part of an hour on the phone. 

John Scott recognizes something that we all see. There is tremendous unrest in our world today. There seems to be very little peace. There seems to be groups of people who really don’t care about racial inequality, or trying to find bipartisan support, or learning how to use current monuments to tell about the evils of our history. There seems to be groups of people who just want to stir up drama, cause problems, steal, loot, and set the house on fire. 

If memory serves correctly, there is a certain Scripture that talks about the author, the founder, the source of this type of behavior. 

John 10:10 NLT

10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

John Scott wants me to explain how he can stand against the evil that is present in America today? Im not sure that I am qualified. Then I remembered this passage. This poor widow was standing accused. Someone was trying to rob her of her life. Satan wants to rob us of our very souls. She found the answer to the problem and her answer is the answer for us personally, and us as Americans. 

What is the answer to injustice today? What is the answer to someone who is at war?

THE JUDGE is the answer. Go to the judge. Go to the judge over and over and over again. If it appears that the judge isn’t answer, keep going. Don’t stop. 

Point:

Only God can bring about justice in a corrupt world. That is why we must pray and not give up in our work. God can bring miraculous justice in a corrupt world, just as God can bring miraculous healing in a sick world. Suddenly, the Berlin wall opens, the apartheid regime crumbles, peace breaks out. In the parable of the persistent widow, God does not intervene. The widow’s persistence alone leads the judge to act justly. But Jesus indicates that God is the unseen actor. “Will not God grant justice for his chosen ones who cry to him day and night?” (Luke 18:7).

This parable is examining the actions of a bad judge. A bad judge who through the persistence of a strong woman, does the right thing. Think about God, a good judge, imagine the good that He will bring about to the world.

Point:

You might be thinking to yourself, “well pastor, if God is such a good judge and He is capable of seeing all that is done in secret by evil, wicked, and corrupt people, then why does He not act? First of all, I believe that God does act. Currently God uses the justice system to punish murderers, drug dealers, abusers, and thieves. These people are behind bars or they have paid the ultimate price for their actions through execution. However, you and I both know that there are many many people who have not received justice for their actions. Why has God not done anything? Well if God were to bring complete justice to this world, everyone would be guilty. We are all sinners and if God, the good judge were to bring ultimate judgment to this world, you and I would be in big trouble. I know this because of what Scripture says. 

Romans 3:23 ESV

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Ecclesiastes 7:20 ESV

Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins. 

Yet again, God withholds His judgement so that men and women can be saved.

I Timothy 2:3-4 ESV

3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Point:

So, this morning, if you are looking for the cure to the ills of society. If you are looking for peace in your heart and your world, go to the judge. Go to the cross. Find Christ. He is available. He is able. 

I. Persistent Prayer Provides Protection vs. 3

II. Persistent Prayer Provides Peace vs. 4-5

III. Persistent Prayer Provides Production vs. 6-8

Luke 18:6-8 ESV

6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Illustration:

A few years back I coached my son’s Little League Team. We spent many hours practicing. We practiced and practiced and learned the fundamentals; how to hit, how to bunt, how to throw, how to pitch and catch. We learned all of the secret coaching signs. We honed our skills day after day in the summer sun. We could have practiced all summer but it would have been meaningless. I may have had a great team; Little League World Series contenders maybe, but unless we quit practicing and went out and met the opposition, I would never know. The team would never accomplish anything until they played a game. The act of playing the game after careful preparation is what the world is all about. Practicing and learning go for nothing if we don’t go out and use our skills. There comes a moment in time when we need to leave the safety of our pews and go out and meet the opposition and win them over.

Point:

Have you ever wondered why you pray? I mean, if God knows what we need, then why do we have to pray for it? Well, the answer is found in the illustration, prayer prepares us for the opposition. Prayer is the conduit that we receive spiritual coaching, spiritual instruction, and prayer is the place where we receive our spiritual weapons. 

Point:

This woman contended with the poor judge and she received resolution to her issues. Think how much more our loving God, the great and righteous judge, will do for us when we pray to him. Brothers and sisters, persistent prayer provides production.

Point:

Brothers and sisters, have you thought lately just what prayer produces in you? What does prayer generate? Well I did some digging in Scripture and found some answers. Let’s look at them together. 

1. Prayer Provides Strength 

Romans 8:26 ESV

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words.

If you are weak, life becomes to much, and if you are feeling overwhelmed, pray. Scripture promises that when we pray in our weakness that God is faithful to give us strength, His strength. 

2. Prayer Provides Wisdom

Luke 11:9 ESV

And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Jeremiah 33:3 ESV

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

If you are looking for direction, for guidance for life, if you have big decisions to make, Scripture promises that when we pray, God is faithful to give us insight and wisdom. 

3. Prayer Provides Clarity For What We Want

Colossians 4:2 ESV

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

God sometimes will not answer our prayers quickly. Why? Sometimes we are not asking the right question and continual prayer helps us gain clarity to exactly what we are seeking from God. There have been many times in my life where I have asked for something that I thought I really needed only to find out that after numerous prayers, I really did not need that thing after all. I needed something else. Consistent prayer changed my heart, changed my priorities, and revealed to me what God actually had for me. 

Point:

How thankful are you this morning that God, our good judge, is listening to our prayers today. Sadly, most people don’t have time for God. They are trying to find their answers in other places. My advice, listen to the promise in God’s Word. When you pray, God protect you, give you peace, and produce tremendous spiritual growth in our lives. So pray. Pray now. 

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Listen To Scripture’s Promises, Pray And See God’s Power!