The Power of Persistent Prayer

Selective Parables: Lessons from Jesus

Message Nine

Luke 18:1-8.

ETS: Jesus taught the disciples to not give up on praying.

ESS: Powerful results are produced when we are persistent in prayer.

OSS: [Devotional] {I want the hearers to commit to faithful, persistent prayer.}

PQ: What points of emphasis are found in the parable?

UW: Points

Intro.: [AGS]: Have you ever watched a baby learning to walk? They try hesitantly at first, and they fall. They try again, and they fall. Time and time again they fall, but they are persistent. Thus, eventually, they build confidence, learn balance, gain strength, and walk. [TS]: Jesus taught the disciples that it was important for them to commit to praying persistently, committing to not give up. [RS]: We need to commit to praying persistently, understanding that persistent prayers produce powerful products.

TS: Let us examine together a few points of emphasis observed in the parable:

The widow was helpless regarding her request. [vv. 1-3]

The persistence of the widow produced results regarding her request. [vv. 4-5]

The Lord is faithful to answer the cries of His people. [vv. 6-8]

CONCLUSION:

[1] What hinders you from persistent prayer?

Lack of confidence?

Lack of interest?

Lack of investment?

Disappointment?

Lack of surrender?

Bibliography and Consulted Sources:

[1]A. Boyd Luter, “Luke,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017).

[2]Thabiti Anyabwile, Exalting Jesus in Luke, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2018).

[3]Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament: Luke & John, ed. Robert Frew (London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885).

[4]Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition. (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2014).

[5] Adam Clarke, The Holy Bible with a Commentary and Critical Notes, New Edition., vol. 5 (Bellingham, WA: Faithlife Corporation, 2014).

[6]Thomas R. Schreiner, “Luke,” in Evangelical Commentary on the Bible, vol. 3, Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1995).

[7]Michael Wilcock, The Savior of the World: The Message of Luke’s Gospel, The Bible Speaks Today (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1979).

[8] Leon Morris, Luke: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 3, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988).