Title: Troubleshoot God
Luke 18:1~8 Troubleshoot God Topic: 14. Prayer 2006. 3. 12.
◎ Introduction: The secret of prayer is persistence. This is the great lesson Jesus wants to teach through this verse.
1. The great task of continuing prayer (1)
2. Parable of continuous prayer (2-5)
3. Lessons on persistent prayer (6-7)
4. Great tragedy (8)
1. The great task of continuing prayer (1)
※ Jesus is strongly and powerfully emphasizing the task of continuing the prayers of believers.
One). Until the Lord comes again, we need to continue to pray so as not to be overcome by evil.
2). It means “always” at any time. A state of constant prayer must be maintained.
3). “Never be discouraged” means not to be discouraged, not to be cowardly, not to give up, or to be defeated by evil.
(1 Chronicles 16:11, Jer 29:13, Matthew 7:7-8, 26:41, Ephesians 6:18, Philippians 4:6, Col 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:17)
2. Parable of continuous prayer (2-5)
※ This parable clearly shows the power of persistence in business between people and even in matters related to the law.
One). There was an unjust judge.
※ He was not afraid of God and did not pay attention to what people said.
He has no interest in conscience, law, morality or justice. only from power, position, wealth, and influence, respect, status, and recognition
try to get (Compare 3:16 before)
2). There was a poor widow.
※ The widow was poor and could not pay bribes, had no one to defend or advise, and had no rights, status, or authority. Rather, they are persecuted, deceived by their enemies, and abused.
※ Despite all the circumstances, he did not sit still. He went to the judge and asked to avenge her grudge, and demanded that her enemies be put to death.
3). The judge remained silent.
※ The judge has no interest in helping the widow. The judge's heart was cold and harsh.
※ The widow had no interest in the judge's career or anything that would not serve her pocket.
4). Bottom line: the judge succumbed.
※ “He did not listen for a while,” because the poor widow kept coming and pleading.
※ The judge did not (1) fear God and (2) ignored the will of the people.
But she succumbed to the widow and released her grudge against her enemies. Because she kept coming.
※ “This widow is bothering me~” The widow was tenacious and refused to let the judge pass by.
The judge could not shake her from the constant visitation.
3. Lessons on persistent prayer (6-7)
One). Listen to the lesson. (6)
※ The unjust judge listens to the great lessons of those who believe. Think of what a judge teaches.
2). God avenges His elect who continue to pray. (7)
① “Elect” means the chosen ones, the elect.
The elect are believers (disciples of Christ and truly of God).
* Purpose of Election: Not for salvation or status, but for service (John 15:16).
Believers were chosen to bear fruit. (John 15:1~8) -Answer to prayer-
② God will avenge His elect.
* They imply that they are in tribulation. Therefore, we need God's reward and salvation.
(Mocked, despised, slandered, cursed, criticized, abused, ignored, persecuted, hurt)
③ The reason God takes revenge is because they keep praying.
* They acknowledge that they have a great need and that only God can provide.
So they keep pleading with God day and night.
※ They keep pleading with God about their story. They do not allow God to be silent, nor to deny His seeking power.
(Matthew 26:41, Luke 21:36, John 15:7, Psalm 91:15, Isaiah 65:24, Jeremiah 33:3, Zechariah 13:9)
3). God waits a long time.
※ God is patient with unbelievers. so that no one perishes (2 Peter 3:9).
※ God does not always immediately respond to the cry of believers.
He allows the believer to be tempted.
① A believer's suffering is permitted so that he may become a strong witness to others.
The presence and power of Christ are sufficient to help the believer endure faithfully.
(2 Pet 3:9, 1 Pet 1:7, 2 Cor 1:4, 1 Pet 3:1~2)
(2) A believer's suffering is permitted to make him stronger in his trusting in God and his hopes.
(Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4)
4). God will quickly avenge his chosen ones.
※ God will perform the remuneration suddenly, quickly, and without delay in God's time.
※ God will avenge his chosen ones without fail. Wrath will come upon the world.
(Romans 12:19-20, 2 Corinthians 1:10-11, 2 Tim 4:18, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8, Hebrews 2:15, Psalm 22:5, 71:1, Proverbs 10:28, Isaiah 46:4 )
4. Great tragedy (8)
※ There will be very few people who will continue to pray and believe in the end times.(8) Most will apostate.
One). Faith is the only thing Christ seeks. (Believing and trusting the words, promises, and warnings of Christ)
2). The greatest evidence of faith is continuous prayer. (Conversation day and night, intimate fellowship, living and moving in Him)
3). There will be very few people of faith and prayer when He comes again.
(1 Tim 4:1, 2 Tim 3:1-5, 2 Pet 3:3-4, 1 John 2:18, Jude 18, Psalm 14:2-3, Isaiah 41:28, 63:5, Ezekiel 22:30)
◎ Conclusion: