God's Faithfulness: Divine Justice in Answering Prayer

Introduction

A. Opening Illustration: Highlighting a situation of human injustice contrasted with the assurance of God's faithfulness in answering prayer.

B. Establishing the Theme: Emphasize the contrast between the flawed nature of human authority and the unwavering faithfulness of God.

C. Thesis Statement: In Luke 18, Jesus contrasts the unjust judge with the character of God, teaching us about the nature of divine justice and the assurance we have in God's faithfulness to answer our prayers.

Main Points

A. Because God is Just: You Must Persist in Prayer

1. Explanation: The parable highlights the persistence of the widow in seeking justice from the unjust judge.

2. Scriptural Support: "And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night?" (Luke 18:7a)

3. Application: Knowing God's justice, we are encouraged to persist in prayer, trusting that He will bring about justice according to His perfect timing.

B. Because God is Merciful: You Must Persist in Prayer

1. Explanation: Unlike the unjust judge, God is compassionate and merciful towards His children.

2. Scriptural Support: "I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" (Luke 18:8)

3. Application: Understanding God's mercy, we should persist in prayer, believing that He will respond to our petitions with compassion and grace.

C. Because God is Sovereign: You Must Persist in Prayer

1. Explanation: The parable underscores God's sovereignty over all things, including the fulfillment of His promises.

2. Scriptural Support: "Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" (Luke 18:8b)

3. Application: Recognizing God's sovereignty, we are called to persist in prayer, trusting that He is in control and will act according to His divine will.

Conclusion

A. Summary of Key Points: Reiterate the importance of persistence in prayer based on the character of God.

B. Closing Challenge: Encourage the congregation to maintain faithfulness in prayer, knowing that God is just, merciful, and sovereign.

C. Call to Action: Invite the congregation to commit to a lifestyle of persistent prayer, trusting in God's unwavering faithfulness to answer according to His perfect wisdom and timing.

FCF: The tendency to lose hope in God’s faithfulness and sovereignty when faced with human injustice or delays in receiving answers to our prayers.