This is a message from Dr. Anthony George's Wednesday night Bible study. Here's the link to the audio message from FBA's website. My notes are only meant to be a guide to assist in your Bible study. Enjoy! :)
Luke 18:1-8
Luke starts off the story by telling us the meaning and point of the story so that we don't have to guess about it. Luke 18:1
- Parables: are fiction, invokes things from the physical realm to illustrate the spiritual realm, are general.
- The widow was persistent but the judge was resistant.
- The judge was listening to the widows pleas, as God listens to our prayers.
- God hears us when we pray.
- The judge had he power to intervene, as God has the power to intervene in our lives.
- It doesn't mean that He will, but He has the power to do so.
- Most powerful words of a prayer warrior: GOD IS ABLE.
- The judge responded to persistence; God responds to persistence.
- Jesus is telling us that God will respond to us when we keep on keeping on.
- How persistent are you in prayer?
- Perhaps it's time for you to beseech the gates of heaven!
Differences with the judge and God:
- The judge did not fear God or respect people. The Father IS God and He loves people.
- Why would God use an example of an unrighteous judge to parallel to a righteous God? So that we can contrast the amazing Good Father we have in Heaven.
- The judge's delay was based on indifference. God's delays are based on His infinite wisdom.
- You can know prayers are working in your life when you notice your prayers are changing.
- A sign of spiritual maturity is when you can look back and thank God for making you wait.
- The judge acted out of exasperation. God acts out of love and wisdom.
- The judge is unrighteous. God is righteous.
- Righteousness is being consistent in doing what is right, even when it doesn't feel right.
- Living a sinful life is so much easier in the world we live in.
- God is so righteous, He does not answer our prayers that would cause us to be unrighteous.
The widow is the symbol for us.
- The widow's persistence was fueled by desperation.
- Sometimes it takes the most desperate situations to bring us closer to God.
- Deep down in her heart, she believed in her heart that the judge would act on her behalf.
- While I am waiting, God is working.
- Isaiah 64:4
Jesus concludes the parable with a few key points:
- God brings justice for His children. Luke 18:7a
- You receive favor through persistent prayer. Luke 18:7b
- His delays are temporary. Luke 18:7c
- God desires to find faith. Luke 17:26-30
Faith is our lifeline in these last days. 1 John 5:4 NASB
How do you never give up? How do you continue to worship when everything is abandoned? How do we keep having hope? BY HAVING FAITH.
pray pray pray and keep on praying!
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