Luke 17:30-37; 18:1-8: Prayer Instead of Fainting.

Luke 17:30-37; 18:1-8

A. Praying Instead of Fainting (v.1)

1. Ought (1163) (dei from deo = to bind or tie objects together, br>

put in prison and also root of doulos, bond-servant) refers to what is not optional but needful (binding) out of intrinsic necessity or inevitability. Dei refers to inward constraint which is why it is often translated "must.” Dei describes that which is under the necessity of happening or which must necessarily take place and as stated above conveys a sense of inevitability. To express the sense of necessity dei is translated "one ought,” "one should,” "one has to," or "one must.”

2. Richards writes that “Always” in the Bible does not link time with eternity. It is a word that focuses attention on experience within the world of time and space. “Always” may direct our attention to that which is stable over a period of time or to that which is to be experienced continually. When the issue is God’s relationship with us, “always” reminds us powerfully that God is present at every moment in time and thus is with us constantly. When the issue is our relationship with God, “always” calls us to continual commitment and to consistent holiness." (Expository Dictionary of Bible Words: Regency)

a. Lose heart ("not to faint" = KJV)(1457)(egkakeo/enkakeo from ek = out of or an intensifier + kakos = bad, evil) means to grow weary (especially in the spiritual sense), to become tired and it is interesting that it always is used in the NT in a negative construction, to not grow weary or lose heart, which in essence is really a "positive" admonition to keep on keeping on, to endure, to persevere despite obstacles, setbacks and adversaries. Some lexicons add it means to become a coward, to lose courage or to lose the motivation to accomplish a valid goal or to continue in a desirable pattern of conduct. To become discouraged and give up. To give in to evil. Real courage requires that we leave the problem with God (J. M. Derrett, “Law in the New Testament: The Unjust Judge,” NTS 18 [1972]: 191). In the most desperate circumstances, they must continue to ask doggedly and intensely and never desist. It is not so much a matter of omission as of relaxing one’s efforts, giving up rather than continuing the fight (TLNT, 1:398-99).

3. Pray without ceasing--Out of approximately 667 recorded prayers in the Bible, there are about 454 recorded answers. This should encourage and motivate us to pray without ceasing!

4. LUKE 18:1-8 A PARABLE OF CONTRASTS

Luke 18:1: Praying. losing heart.

Luke 18:2-5. The Widow. God's Elect.

Luke 18:6-8. Widow was a stranger. We are God's children.

Luke 18:6-8. Widow did not have open access (in that culture). God's children have open access (Ephesians 2:18 + Ephesians 3:12 + Hebrews 4:16 + Hebrews 10:19-22+)

Luke 18:6-8. Widow did not have an advocate. We have an Advocate (1 John 2:1), a continual Intercessor (Romans 8:34 + Hebrews 7:25 + a High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-15+).

Luke 18:6-8. Widow had no promises she could claim. We have promises of God in His Word to claim (Luke 11:9-10+).

Luke 18:6-8. Widow had no internal helper. We have the Spirit Who helps us pray (Romans 8:26-27+).

Luke 18:6-8. Widow came to a court of law. We come to a throne of grace (Hebrews 4:14-16+).

Luke 18:6-8. Widow pled out of her poverty. We plead from perspective of God's plenty (Philippians 4:19+).

Luke 18:6-8. The judge was unrighteous. God is righteous.

Luke 18:6-8. The judge could be bribed (common in that time). God cannot be bribed or argued with.

Luke 18:6-8. Judge answered for fear of her forever wearying him. God answers for His glory and our good.