The Shocking Example Of A Widow
July 23, 2023 Preacher: Rick Applegate Series: Stand-Alone Messages
Topic: Prayer Scripture: Luke 18:1–8
- Watch
- Downloads
The Shocking Example of a Widow
Text: Luke 18:1-8
Focus Point: We should be persistent in prayer and never lose heart BECAUSE of who God is.
The Judge & The Widow
3 “P’s” About Judges
P - Prestige
P - Power
- Prosperity
2 Specific Things About This Judge
- Did not fear God.
- Did not respect man.
3 “P’s” About Widows
P – Place (humility)
P – Powerless
P – Poor
3 Ways To Get A Favorable Ruling
- Bribe the judge.
- Threaten the Judge.
- Persist in pleading your case.
Phone Tower in Your Back Yard
You come home to find a cellphone tower in your back yard. City Commission passed a law allowing it. Your only recourse is to petition the City until they agree to take the tower down.
The Widow & The Elect
How Do We Identify with the Widow?Status – 3 things
- We are in a humble state (in and of ourselves).
- We are weak and powerless (in and of ourselves).
- We are spiritually bankrupt (in and of ourselves).
- Activity – 1 Thing
We are to be persistent
-1st bit of irony
Jewish people did not pray more than 3x a day. They feared it would be seen as pestering God. Jesus is teaching the opposite.
- Attitude – 1 Thing
Do not lose heart in your prayers!
The Judge & God
Comparison – 2 Ways They are Alike
- Both have all the power.
- Both answer petitions.
Contrast – 3 Ways They are Not Alike
Judge
- Judge is unholy – God is holy.
- Judge is indifferent to his reputation – God does care about His reputation.
- Judge does not care about people – God does care for His people.
God
- God is holy.
- God does care about His reputation.
- God does care for His people.
God - Biggest Components of Irony
- HOW MUCH MORE will God answer our prayers!
- BECAUSE of who He is!
The Judge & God (cont’d)
Timing
Three answers to prayer:
- Yes
- No
- Wait
The Warning
The Issue of Justice
When Jesus returns, what will be the attitude on earth towards Him concerning prayer and justice?
We pray because something is wrong.
Unbeliever
Outside of Jesus, God’s wrath for all your sins and injustices will be dealt with. You will spend eternity under His wrath, separated from him.
Believer
All injustices from unbelievers towards you and others, will be dealt with, God will make all things right.
For all injustices committed against you by other believers, have already been dealt with, punished, paid for on the Cross when Jesus received the penalty for their sins, just like He received the penalty for your sins!
Application:
- Are you being persistent in prayer?
- Have you lost heart in your prayers?
- What causes/caused you to stop praying or lose heart?
- What things do you pray for?
- What things are worth fighting for in prayer?
- Do you view God as being reluctant to answer your prayers? Why or why not?
More in Stand-Alone Messages
October 13, 2024
The God of ALL ComfortSeptember 22, 2024
Hope For The Hopeless - Rick ApplegateMarch 31, 2024
Resurrection Sunday