BEYOND WORDS: THE PROMISE OF GOD’S PROMISE

Pastor Jonathan Falwell 

Luke 18:1-8 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ” 6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

1. The Importance of Prayer

Vs 1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart

• Unlike most parables, the Bible makes it clear the meaning of this parable before we even read it
• This passage is in response to the “last days” narrative Jesus gave at the end of chapter 17
• People quickly forget to run after God and get distracted by the world

1. The Burden of Oppression

Vss 2-5 There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’

• This widow continued to “cry out” to the judge for help yet he would not help.
• When the judge became tired of hearing her cries and feared what she might do, he relented.
• In our lives, there is no question we often step into the role of the widow.

1. The Promise of Deliverance

Vss 6-7 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?

• Jesus made it clear; God is not like the unjust judge. He wants to hear from us.
• He will ALWAYS answer our cries for help.

1. The Gift of God’s Timing

Vs 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

• God will take care of us in His timing, not ours.
• Jesus made a clear plea for all of us to faithfully trust Him, no matter the circumstances.

Action Points:

1. Prayer is not a “good” thing to do, it’s the ONLY thing to do

Phil. 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus

1. Don’t allow the pressures of life to drown out the promises of God
2. Trust Him and His timing completely

Prov. 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.