"men Ought always to Pray, and not to Faint" (Luke 18:1)
Introduction:
1. In Luke 18:2-8 Jesus presented His "parable of the unjust judge" [or "the persistent widow"]. 2. In vs.1 Luke explained the lesson that Jesus was teaching in His parable. 3. The lesson is that "men ought always to pray, and not to faint" [in other words, we are to pray persistently and not give up]. 4. In our study of the Scriptures we are emphasizing this important principle. Discussion: I. IN ORDER TO ALWAYS PRAY AND NOT FAINT WE MUST UNDERSTAND WHAT PRAYER IS
A. "Prayer" is the means that we have of talking to God. B. According to 1 Timothy 2:1, as we talk to God, we do so through: 1. "prayers": addresses made to God 2. "supplications": asking God to supply needs (Matthew 6:11) 3. "intercessions": making petitions on behalf of others (James 5:16a) 4. "giving of thanks": expressing our gratitude. II. UNDERSTANDING THAT PRAYER INVOLVES ALL 3 MEMBERS OF THE GODHEAD WILL HELP US TO ALWAYS PRAY AND NOT FAINT
A. Our prayers are to be addressed to the Father (Matthew 6:9). B. We pray to the Father through the Son (John 16:23) who serves as our mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). C. The Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf when we pray (Romans 8:26-27). III. THE FACT THAT GOD ANSWERS PRAYER WILL HELP US TO ALWAYS PRAY AND NOT FAINT
A. In Matthew 7:7-8 Jesus clearly taught that God answers prayer. B. However, we must understand that God answers our prayers according to His will (1 John 5:14-15). C. When we pray, God's answer may be: 1. "yes" (James 5:17-18) 2. "no" (Matthew 26:39, 42, 44) 3. different from the way we make our requests (2 Corinthians 12:8-9). D. Because God may not answer our prayers according to the way we make our requests, we must pray "patiently" (Psalm 40:1). E. Because God answers our prayers, we ought to pray with the confidence expressed in Psalm 86:7. IV. ALWAYS PRAYING AND NOT FAINTING INVOLVES MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCEPTABLE PRAYER
A. (Matthew 21:22) We must pray "believing" [in faith]. B. (John 15:7) We must abide in Christ, and His words must abide in us. C. (James 4:3) We must pray with the proper motives. D. We must be living "righteous" lives (James 5:16b). E. We must be obedient to God's commandments (1 John 3:22). V. IN ORDER TO ALWAYS PRAY AND NOT FAINT WE MUST REMEMBER TO TALK TO GOD WHEN DIFFICULTIES ARISE
A. The widow in the Lord's parable (Luke 18:2-8) faced a difficult situation -- she had an adversary. B. Let us remember God's message to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:12-15. Conclusion:
1. God's children are blessed to be able to talk to Him through prayer. 2. Are you among those who can address God as "Father?" 3. We learn from Galatians 3:26-27 how to become His children.
