Redeemer Church Mauritius
Pray and Do Not Give Up - Phil Kendon
Jesus told a parable about a woman appealing to an unjust judge for help. He was not willing, but eventually, he gave in to her persistent requests. How much more will God, who is willing, answer the cries of his people? And yet, this does not mean that God will give us whatever we ask for if we pester him long enough. The parable comes in the context of teaching about the kingdom of God and of Christ’s return. Our prayers must be anchored in the big picture of God’s plans for the world so that we are praying in line with his will.
Locations & Times
Redeemer Church Mauritius
Mauritius
Sunday 9:30 AM
1. The parable
- The woman was a model of persistent prayer.
- The judge answered her request because of her persistence even though he was unwilling to help.
- How much more will God see that we get justice and quickly for our requests?
- The woman was a model of persistent prayer.
- The judge answered her request because of her persistence even though he was unwilling to help.
- How much more will God see that we get justice and quickly for our requests?
2. The big picture
- This parable does not teach that God gives in when we pester him long enough.
- Our prayers must be anchored in the kingdom of God.
- We should pray to play a part in his story, not for him to play a part in our story.
- This parable does not teach that God gives in when we pester him long enough.
- Our prayers must be anchored in the kingdom of God.
- We should pray to play a part in his story, not for him to play a part in our story.
3. The search for faith
Luke 1:11-13,18-20 (NIV)
Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. ... Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”
- Zechariah’s prayer was anchored in God’s promise of a messiah.
- There were many reasons for Zechariah to believe, and yet, he still wanted a sign.
- Faith pleases God, and a lack of faith displeases God.
Luke 1:11-13,18-20 (NIV)
Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. ... Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”
- Zechariah’s prayer was anchored in God’s promise of a messiah.
- There were many reasons for Zechariah to believe, and yet, he still wanted a sign.
- Faith pleases God, and a lack of faith displeases God.
Let's Apply It:
Pray and do not give up!
Pray and do not give up!
