Persistent Prayer: Faith Amidst Injustice and Adversity

 

Summary

In today's exploration of the Gospel According to Saint Luke, we delved into the parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow. This parable, found in Luke 18:1-8, serves as a profound lesson on the necessity of persistent prayer and unwavering faith. Jesus introduces this parable with a clear purpose: to encourage us to pray consistently and not lose heart, even in the face of adversity. The context of this parable follows Jesus' warning of impending judgment and calamity, urging believers to remain steadfast in prayer during times of darkness and suffering.

The parable presents two contrasting characters: a helpless widow and an unjust judge. The widow, representing those marginalized and powerless in society, persistently seeks justice from a judge who neither fears God nor respects people. Despite his initial reluctance, the judge eventually grants her request, not out of a sense of justice, but to rid himself of her persistent pleas. Jesus uses this story to illustrate a powerful contrast: if an unjust judge can be moved to act, how much more will our righteous and loving God respond to the persistent prayers of His people?

This parable challenges us to examine our own prayer lives. Are we persistent in our prayers, especially when faced with trials and adversities? Jesus assures us that God, unlike the unjust judge, is attentive and just, and He will vindicate His elect who cry out to Him day and night. The parable concludes with a poignant question: when the Son of Man returns, will He find faith on the earth? This question serves as a call to self-examination, urging us to ensure that our faith remains vibrant and steadfast.

Key Takeaways:

- Persistent Prayer: The parable emphasizes the importance of persistent prayer. Just as the widow continually approached the unjust judge, we are encouraged to persistently bring our requests before God, trusting in His justice and timing. [03:19]

- God's Justice vs. Human Injustice: The contrast between the unjust judge and God highlights the assurance that God, unlike flawed human judges, is perfectly just and will vindicate His people. This should encourage us to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when human systems fail us. [18:19]

- Faith in Adversity: The parable is set against a backdrop of impending judgment and calamity, reminding us to maintain our faith and not lose heart during difficult times. Our faith should be resilient, rooted in the assurance of God's faithfulness. [04:34]

- Self-Examination of Faith: Jesus' question about finding faith upon His return prompts us to examine the state of our faith. Are we living in a way that reflects a vibrant and active faith, ready to welcome Christ at any moment? [25:26]

- The Role of the Church: The parable underscores the church's responsibility to care for the marginalized, such as widows and orphans, reflecting God's heart for justice and compassion. This calls us to action, ensuring that our communities reflect God's love and justice. [15:08]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Introduction to Luke 18
- [00:29] - Reading of the Parable
- [02:09] - Purpose of the Parable
- [03:42] - Context of Impending Judgment
- [04:54] - Characters: Widow and Unjust Judge
- [06:07] - Defining Justice
- [09:18] - Modern Examples of Injustice
- [11:08] - Ligonier and Apple Incident
- [13:32] - Jesus Before Pilate
- [15:08] - The Church's Role for Widows
- [18:19] - God's Justice vs. Human Injustice
- [20:29] - Abraham's Question to God
- [22:39] - Focus on Persistent Prayer
- [25:26] - Will Jesus Find Faith?

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 18:1-8

Observation Questions:
1. What are the two main characters in the parable, and how are they described? ([00:43])
2. What is the judge's initial reaction to the widow's plea, and what eventually causes him to act? ([01:00])
3. How does Jesus introduce the purpose of the parable before telling it? ([03:04])
4. What question does Jesus pose at the end of the parable, and why is it significant? ([25:26])

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the parable illustrate the contrast between human injustice and God's justice? What does this tell us about God's character? ([18:19])
2. In what ways does the parable encourage believers to persist in prayer, especially during difficult times? ([03:19])
3. How does the parable challenge believers to examine their faith in light of Jesus' question about finding faith upon His return? ([25:26])
4. What role does the church have in caring for the marginalized, as highlighted by the parable? How does this reflect God's heart for justice and compassion? ([15:08])

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own prayer life. Are there areas where you struggle to be persistent in prayer? What steps can you take to improve this? ([03:19])
2. Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt justice was not served? How did you respond, and how can you trust in God's ultimate justice in similar situations? ([18:19])
3. In times of adversity, how do you maintain your faith? Share a personal experience where your faith was tested and how you overcame it. ([04:34])
4. Jesus asks if He will find faith on the earth when He returns. How can you ensure that your faith remains vibrant and steadfast? ([25:26])
5. Consider the role of the church in your community. How can you actively participate in caring for the marginalized, such as widows and orphans, in a way that reflects God's love and justice? ([15:08])
6. Identify a specific person or situation in your life that requires persistent prayer. How can you commit to praying for them consistently, and what support do you need from your small group to do so? ([22:39])
7. How can you encourage others in your church or community to remain steadfast in prayer and faith, especially during challenging times? ([03:19])

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Persistent Prayer
Persistent prayer is a spiritual discipline that requires unwavering faith and trust in God's timing. The parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8 illustrates the importance of continually bringing our requests before God, even when faced with adversity. The widow's relentless pursuit of justice, despite the judge's initial reluctance, serves as a powerful reminder that God, unlike the unjust judge, is attentive and just. He hears the cries of His people and will respond in His perfect timing. This parable encourages believers to remain steadfast in prayer, trusting that God will ultimately vindicate His elect who cry out to Him day and night. [03:19]

Luke 11:9-10 (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. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened."

Reflection: What is one specific prayer request you have been hesitant to bring before God consistently? How can you commit to praying persistently for this request, trusting in God's justice and timing?


Day 2: Trusting in God's Perfect Justice
The parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow highlights the stark contrast between human injustice and God's perfect justice. While the unjust judge grants the widow's request out of self-interest, God is a righteous and loving judge who will vindicate His people. This assurance of God's ultimate justice should encourage believers to trust in Him, even when human systems fail. In times of injustice and suffering, we are reminded that God sees and hears our cries, and He will act on behalf of His people. This truth calls us to place our confidence in God's character and His promise to bring about justice in His time. [18:19]

Psalm 37:28 (ESV): "For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off."

Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you have experienced or witnessed injustice. How can you trust in God's perfect justice and respond in a way that reflects His character?


Day 3: Resilient Faith in Times of Adversity
The parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow is set against a backdrop of impending judgment and calamity, reminding believers to maintain their faith during difficult times. Jesus encourages His followers to not lose heart, even when faced with trials and adversities. Our faith should be resilient, rooted in the assurance of God's faithfulness and His promise to vindicate His elect. This parable challenges us to examine the strength of our faith and to remain steadfast, trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the darkest moments. [04:34]

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

Reflection: In what area of your life are you currently facing adversity? How can you cultivate a resilient faith that trusts in God's faithfulness, even when circumstances seem bleak?


Day 4: Examining the Vibrancy of Our Faith
Jesus concludes the parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow with a poignant question: when the Son of Man returns, will He find faith on the earth? This question serves as a call to self-examination, urging believers to ensure that their faith remains vibrant and steadfast. It challenges us to reflect on the state of our faith and to live in a way that reflects a vibrant and active faith, ready to welcome Christ at any moment. This parable invites us to consider whether our lives demonstrate a faith that is alive and growing, rooted in the assurance of God's promises. [25:26]

2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to examine and strengthen the vibrancy of your faith, ensuring that it reflects a readiness to welcome Christ at any moment?


Day 5: The Church's Call to Reflect God's Justice and Compassion
The parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow underscores the church's responsibility to care for the marginalized, such as widows and orphans, reflecting God's heart for justice and compassion. This calls believers to action, ensuring that their communities reflect God's love and justice. The church is called to be a beacon of hope and a source of support for those who are marginalized and powerless in society. By embodying God's justice and compassion, the church can make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need, demonstrating the love of Christ to a watching world. [15:08]

James 1:27 (ESV): "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

Reflection: How can you and your church community actively reflect God's justice and compassion to the marginalized in your community? What specific actions can you take to support those in need?

Quotes

"and then he spoke a parable to them that men always ought to pray and not lose heart saying there wasn't a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man now there was a widow in that City and she came to him saying get Justice for me from my adversary and he would not for a while but afterward he said within himself though I do not fear God nor regard man yet because this Widow troubles me I will avenge her lest by her continual coming she weary me" [00:36:14]

"and shall not God avenge his own elect who cry out day and night to him though he Bears long with them I tell you that he will avenge them speedily nevertheless when the son of man comes will he really find faith on the Earth again we have a parable that comes to us from the lips of Our Lord this is God incarnate speaking speaking the veritable truth of his father a truth that cannot ER nor can it fail please receive it as such this morning and be seated" [01:30:00]

"and so Jesus introduces this Parable by explaining to us that its purpose is to encourage us to pray in a certain manner and not to lose heart now the immediate context in which this Parable is given in the Gospel of Luke is that it follows precisely upon the last verse of chapter 17 which concluded Jesus warning of an impending Judgment of God's Wrath and doom surrounding his return and is talking about days of darkness and Calamity that are ahead if he was referring to that first century catastrophic Calamity of the destruction of Jerusalem" [03:26:22]

"you may understand why he would follow this message in this announcement by saying when these things happen don't give up don't lose heart you may be an affliction you may be surrounded with suffering and death but keep praying and do not faint and then to illustrate his point he tells the story of these two characters one a widow who is helpless and virtually hopeless in that Society in going up against an adversary who is not identified and also this character who is described as an unjust judge" [04:22:72]

"and shall not God vindicate his elect who cry out to him day and night though he Bears long with them Jesus is making a contrast here but much more than a contrast he's not just saying look there's a difference between God as a judge and this unjust judge as a judge it's not a mere contrast but rather the formula is one that Jesus uses frequently in his Parables it is the formula of the how much more he's saying if this crooked corrupt miserable human being who holds the office of judge" [18:19:26]

"how much more will the judge of Heaven and Earth vindicate his people who cry unto him day and night do you remember the question that Abraham raised to God when God announced his judgment against Sodom and Gomorrah Abraham said to the Lord will not the judge of all of the earth do what is right now I've always said to my students there's no such thing as a stupid question but our dear beloved patriarch Father Abraham asked his God a stupid question will not the judge of all of the earth do what is right" [19:32:46]

"what kind of a question is that the judge of all the Earth doesn't know how to do anything but what is right he's never made an unjust verdict in his eternal existence no person in this room has ever suffered unjustly at the hand of God yet most of us if not all of us at some time or another like job have shaken our fists in the face of God saying how can you do this to me how can you let this happen to me there's nobody in this room who hasn't at some time committed an injustice against another person" [20:01:38]

"and none of us have lived without receiving injustices at the hands of another that's on a horizontal plane but if I treat you unjustly or you treat me unjustly on this plane is it unjust of God to allow that to happen to me or to you I can cry to him and say God vindicate me in this case my adversaries come against me unjustly unfairly falsely please vindicate me but in the meantime what do you have in mind I know that I'm not suffering unjustly at your hand no one ever has" [21:20:88]

"even his son suffered joshly after our sins were placed upon him in and of himself of course he was perfectly innocent but once he received the imputation of sin he was the most wicked thing that was ever seen in the sight of God just does not do things unjustly and so Jesus follows the rhetorical question of Abraham will not the judge of all of the earth do what is right now Jesus saying will not God vindicate his elect who cry unto him day and night remember dear ones the focus of this parable is prayer" [22:06:12]

"and persistent prayer are there things or people that you pray for urgently and persistently just in my own experience if I could see a parallel between prayer and the answers to prayer the most dramatic answers to prayer I've ever seen have been answers to prayer that were most urgent and most persistent that most of our prayers haven't gone much beyond the infantile level that we had when we were three years old when we knelt by our beds with our mother and said God bless mommy and daddy and Uncle Frank and Aunt Janine" [22:48:90]

"make me a better boy or girl I hope our prayers have gone way beyond that that we go with our prayers with our hearts pouring with passion and our souls groaning by the holy spirit before the throne of grace every single day of my life I pray that God will bring an Awakening to this church the people who come week after week or unconverted will be born Anew by the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit that they will come under conviction of their sin not that they would be punished but that they would be free from punishment" [23:41:62]

"that they would know the glory of full forgiveness of their sins from God have you ever wrestled with God for your own soul I can't answer that for you but that's my prayer every single day God bring an Awakening to Saint Andrews where the power and presence of your spirit takes hold of people's lives and that people will have a delight for the word of God that they will love your word O Lord and they will give their lives Body and Soul to your kingdom Jesus ends the Parable with a very strange question" [24:47:79]

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Transcript
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