Persistent Prayer: Engaging with God's Kingdom
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound story of a blind man receiving his sight, as recounted in Luke 18. This narrative encapsulates the essence of our theme: "Participating in the Kingdom." We began by emphasizing the importance of prayer as a means of engaging with God's kingdom. Jesus, in Luke 18, underscores the necessity of persistent prayer through the parable of the persistent widow. This widow, despite facing an unjust judge, continually sought justice until her request was granted. Jesus uses this parable to illustrate that if an unjust judge can be moved by persistence, how much more will our just and loving God respond to our persistent prayers.
We then transitioned to the story of the blind man who cried out, "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me." Despite being told by those around him to be quiet, he persisted. This man's recognition of Jesus' identity and his unwavering faith led to his healing. Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" and upon his request to see, Jesus responded, "Receive your sight; your faith has saved you." This miracle not only restored the man's physical sight but also ignited a wave of praise among the onlookers, demonstrating the power of faith and persistence in prayer.
We also delved into the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee, full of self-righteousness, boasted about his deeds, while the tax collector, in humility, pleaded for mercy. Jesus highlighted that it was the humble tax collector who went home justified. This parable teaches us the importance of approaching God with humility, recognizing our need for His grace and mercy.
Throughout the message, we drew parallels between physical training and spiritual discipline. Just as athletes must train consistently to achieve their goals, we too must be persistent and disciplined in our prayer life. This consistency in prayer prepares us for the spiritual battles we face and aligns us with God's will.
We concluded with a call to action, encouraging everyone to pray with faith, humility, and persistence. We emphasized that prayer is not just a ritual but a powerful means of participating in God's kingdom. When we pray, we invite God's presence into our lives, and through our prayers, we can see lives transformed and God's kingdom advanced.
### Key Takeaways
1. Persistent Prayer is Essential: The parable of the persistent widow teaches us the importance of continually seeking God in prayer. Just as the widow's persistence moved the unjust judge, our persistent prayers move the heart of our just and loving God. We must not give up, even when it seems like our prayers are not being answered immediately. God hears us and will respond in His perfect timing. [07:50]
2. Recognize and Cry Out to Jesus: The blind man's story illustrates the power of recognizing who Jesus is and persistently crying out to Him. Despite the discouragement from those around him, the blind man continued to call out to Jesus, resulting in his healing. This teaches us to remain steadfast in our faith and to seek Jesus with all our hearts, regardless of external pressures. [18:14]
3. Pray with Humility: The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector highlights the importance of humility in our prayer life. The tax collector's humble plea for mercy was heard and justified by God, unlike the Pharisee's self-righteous prayer. We must approach God with a humble heart, acknowledging our need for His grace and mercy. [12:00]
4. Faith in Action: The blind man's faith led to his healing, and his immediate response was to glorify God. Our faith should not only be persistent but also active. When God answers our prayers, our response should be to glorify Him and testify of His goodness. This not only strengthens our faith but also encourages others to trust in God. [20:49]
5. Prayer as a Participatory Activity: Just as physical training requires consistent effort and participation, so does our spiritual life. Prayer is a participatory activity where we engage with God and align ourselves with His will. By committing to a disciplined prayer life, we prepare ourselves for the spiritual battles we face and participate in advancing God's kingdom. [25:34]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:49] - Introduction and Personal Story
[05:01] - Participating in the Kingdom
[06:20] - Context of Luke 18
[07:50] - Parable of the Persistent Widow
[10:19] - Examples of Persistent Prayer
[12:00] - Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
[17:37] - Story of the Blind Man
[20:49] - Faith and Glorifying God
[23:13] - Importance of Prayer and Fasting
[25:34] - Prayer as a Participatory Activity
[27:12] - Invitation to Join God's Kingdom
[28:35] - Prayer for New Believers
[29:09] - Closing Remarks and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Participating in the Kingdom
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 18:1-8 - Parable of the Persistent Widow
2. Luke 18:9-14 - Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
3. Luke 18:35-43 - The Healing of the Blind Beggar
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the widow's approach to the unjust judge in the parable of the persistent widow? How did the judge eventually respond? ([07:50])
2. In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, how did each man pray, and what was Jesus' conclusion about their prayers? ([12:00])
3. How did the blind man address Jesus, and what was his reaction when people told him to be quiet? ([18:14])
4. What was Jesus' response to the blind man's request, and what was the immediate outcome? ([19:27])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus use the example of an unjust judge to teach about persistent prayer? What does this tell us about God's character in comparison? ([07:50])
2. How does the humility of the tax collector in his prayer contrast with the self-righteousness of the Pharisee? What does this teach us about the attitude we should have in prayer? ([12:00])
3. The blind man’s persistence in calling out to Jesus despite being told to be quiet is significant. What does this teach us about the nature of faith and persistence in seeking Jesus? ([18:14])
4. When Jesus healed the blind man, the man immediately began to glorify God. How does this response illustrate the relationship between faith, answered prayer, and worship? ([19:27])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like giving up on prayer. How can the parable of the persistent widow encourage you to keep praying? ([07:50])
2. The tax collector approached God with humility, recognizing his need for mercy. How can you cultivate a similar attitude of humility in your daily prayers? ([12:00])
3. The blind man recognized Jesus as the "Son of David" and persisted in calling out to Him. Is there an area in your life where you need to persistently seek Jesus despite discouragement? ([18:14])
4. When God answers your prayers, how do you respond? Do you take time to glorify Him and share His goodness with others? Think of a recent answered prayer and how you can testify about it. ([19:27])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of consistent and disciplined prayer, likening it to physical training. What practical steps can you take to make your prayer life more consistent and disciplined? ([25:34])
6. How can you create a sense of urgency in your prayer life, similar to how people urgently seek pain relief? What specific changes can you make to prioritize prayer daily? ([14:59])
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of praying with faith, even when answers are delayed. How can you maintain and strengthen your faith during times when it feels like God is silent? ([20:06])
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of persistent prayer, humility, faith, and active participation in God's kingdom as discussed in the sermon. Use these questions to foster meaningful discussion and personal reflection.
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Persistent Prayer
Persistent prayer is essential for engaging with God's kingdom. The parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18 illustrates the importance of continually seeking God in prayer. The widow, despite facing an unjust judge, persistently sought justice until her request was granted. This parable teaches us that if an unjust judge can be moved by persistence, how much more will our just and loving God respond to our persistent prayers. We must not give up, even when it seems like our prayers are not being answered immediately. God hears us and will respond in His perfect timing. [07:50]
Luke 18:1-8 (ESV): "And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, 'In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, "Give me justice against my adversary." For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, "Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming."'"
Reflection: Think of a prayer request you have been bringing to God for a long time. How can you renew your commitment to persist in prayer for this request, trusting in God's perfect timing?
Day 2: Recognizing and Crying Out to Jesus
The story of the blind man in Luke 18 demonstrates the power of recognizing who Jesus is and persistently crying out to Him. Despite being told by those around him to be quiet, the blind man continued to call out to Jesus, resulting in his healing. This teaches us to remain steadfast in our faith and to seek Jesus with all our hearts, regardless of external pressures. When we recognize Jesus' identity and persistently cry out to Him, we open ourselves to His transformative power. [18:14]
Luke 18:35-43 (ESV): "As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, 'Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.' And he cried out, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!' And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!' And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, 'What do you want me to do for you?' He said, 'Lord, let me recover my sight.' And Jesus said to him, 'Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.'"
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you feel discouraged by others? How can you persistently cry out to Jesus for help and healing in that area today?
Day 3: Approaching God with Humility
The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18 highlights the importance of humility in our prayer life. The Pharisee, full of self-righteousness, boasted about his deeds, while the tax collector, in humility, pleaded for mercy. Jesus highlighted that it was the humble tax collector who went home justified. We must approach God with a humble heart, acknowledging our need for His grace and mercy. This humility allows us to receive God's justification and aligns us with His will. [12:00]
Luke 18:9-14 (ESV): "He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 'Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: "God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get." But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.'"
Reflection: Reflect on your recent prayers. Are there areas where you have approached God with pride? How can you cultivate a more humble heart in your prayer life?
Day 4: Faith in Action
The blind man's faith in Luke 18 led to his healing, and his immediate response was to glorify God. Our faith should not only be persistent but also active. When God answers our prayers, our response should be to glorify Him and testify of His goodness. This not only strengthens our faith but also encourages others to trust in God. Active faith involves recognizing God's work in our lives and responding with gratitude and praise. [20:49]
James 2:14-17 (ESV): "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: Think of a recent prayer that God has answered. How can you actively glorify God and share His goodness with others today?
Day 5: Prayer as a Participatory Activity
Just as physical training requires consistent effort and participation, so does our spiritual life. Prayer is a participatory activity where we engage with God and align ourselves with His will. By committing to a disciplined prayer life, we prepare ourselves for the spiritual battles we face and participate in advancing God's kingdom. This consistency in prayer strengthens our relationship with God and equips us to be effective in His service. [25:34]
1 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV): "Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
Reflection: Consider your current prayer habits. What steps can you take to make your prayer life more consistent and disciplined, thereby deepening your participation in God's kingdom?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Friends, imagine that if you went throughout the summer, continually praying over time, continually praying with humility, continue to pray with faith that, when you got to prayer and fasting, or when you got to the next big moment that God was calling you, that you were ready to run the race. Paul gives many illustrations of being prepared, of running the race in a way as to which to win the prize. You and I were called to participate in God's kingdom. You and I were called to participate in his plans for your life, to go out, to share the gospel, to share the good news of Jesus Christ to each and every person that we encounter." [25:34]
2. "Training is a participatory activity. Let me explain. With training, there are two people involved, or there are two parties involved, and both parties either have or share responsibilities. So me, as a coach, I went to school, studied exercise science, earned my degree, got my strength and conditioning certification, some nutrition certifications, internships, got a job, learned under some phenomenal coaches, and then it got to the point where I was starting to train. I trained some athletes, and they would come up to me, and I would get to know them, and get to know their goals, and where they're at. They're like, hey, this is where I am now. This is where I want to be come next season or by the end of the offseason." [01:49]
3. "I believe that many of you woke up today, got ready, came to church, because you know that God has a purpose and a plan for your life. And when you come together to worship with fellow believers, when you come together to receive the word with other believers, you know that you are participating in what God has for your life. Preaching is a participatory activity. So if you're taking notes today, the title of today's message is, Participating in the Kingdom." [05:01]
4. "We forget about taking them. There's no sense of urgency in taking our vitamins until we start getting a little runny nose, until we get this sore throat coming on and it's, oh no, where's my vitamin C? Where are my multivitamins? I don't want to get sick. At that point, it's too late. But you know what people don't forget to take? When people are in pain, when people are in need of healing, when people are in need of relief, people do not forget to take their painkillers. Now, for this illustration, ignore all the negative side effects from painkillers. When people are in pain, when people are in need of healing, when people are in need of relief, people know exactly where the ibuprofen is." [14:29]
5. "I know a lot of times in my own walk, in my faith with the Lord, that there's been times I pray once, I pray twice, pray three, and then after that, I'm like, ah, I kind of haven't seen God or haven't heard God answer this prayer yet. But friends, we should continue to pray, continue to cry out to him day and night because we know that his word says he will not delay in helping. Pray over time." [10:52]
### Quotes for Members
1. "And then if you've been here for a while, you know we have prayer and fasting in January and usually again in August. And I love these weeks and I love these times where we as a church get to come together and silence all the distractions and silence all the noise, silence the rest of the world that is telling us to keep quiet. But we choose to come together in this place and to worship and to pray and to seek that God's will be done and not ours." [23:51]
2. "You see, no matter how badly I want them to run faster, to jump higher, or to throw harder, they have to do the sprints. They have to pick up the weight. They have to do the work necessary in order for them to get from where they are today to where they want to be. Training is a participatory activity. And I haven't been doing this for very long. When I say this, I'm talking about preaching. In fact, next week or two weeks from now is going to be my one year here working at High Ridge and working in the ministry. But I've come to learn, I've come to believe that preaching is a participatory activity." [03:36]
3. "There was an urgency in his heart for God to have mercy on me. You see, when it comes to our prayer life, I believe that many of us today treat our prayer life like we treat our vitamins and minerals. You didn't know you were getting the health guide today, sir. You're getting all these health illustrations, but I believe that many of us treat prayer like we treat our vitamins and minerals. And you might be thinking, well, I thought vitamins and minerals were good for us, but I'm kind of saying it like it's a bad thing. You're right. Vitamins and minerals are great for us. If you take them consistently, whether it's through a whole complete diet or some supplements, if you take your vitamins and minerals consistently over a long period of time, you will see long-term health benefits. Many of us know that, but what ends up happening is we don't care. We don't care about taking them." [14:01]
4. "And then one Sunday afternoon, I believe he confirmed that word. And once he confirmed it in my heart, I began preparing, began studying, began getting ready for this day to deliver and to share this word with you, which I will get to eventually. But once I share that word with you, now that is where this shared responsibility comes. Now you must take what you have heard. You must take what you have received. Take it outside of these four walls. Apply it and meditate it on your mind. Apply it to your heart so that it can help you. It can help you get from where you are today to where God wants you to be." [05:01]
5. "And Jesus goes on to say, he says, will not God grant justice to his elect who cry out to him day and night? And I don't believe that this parable is just a one-time event or just a one-time instance where Jesus is telling us that we need to be consistent or that we need to be persistent in our prayer life or persistent in our prayer life. We need to be consistent in our pursuit of the Lord and of the Lord's will for our life. But if you read throughout the Bible, if you read throughout the scriptures, I believe that there is a theme, there's a repeated pattern throughout the Bible where we as believers are called to continuously and to persistently follow after what God has for our lives." [09:35]
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