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Luke 18:1
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Leonard RavenhillLeonard Ravenhill
Paul WasherLeonard RavenhillPaul Washer
B.H. Clendennen
A.W. TozerSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Men ought always to pray - Therefore the plain meaning and moral of the parable are evident; viz. that as afflictions and desolations were coming on the land, and they should have need of much patience and continual fortitude, and the constant influence and protection of the Almighty, therefore they should be instant in prayer. It states, farther, that men should never cease praying for that the necessity of which God has given them to feel, till they receive a full answer to their prayers. No other meaning need be searched for in this parable: St. Luke, who perfectly knew his Master's meaning, has explained it as above.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
This parable has its key hanging at the door; the drift and design of it are prefixed. Christ spoke it with this intent, to teach us that men ought always to pray and not to faint, Luk 18:1. It supposes that all God's people are praying people; all God's children keep up both a constant and an occasional correspondence with him, send to him statedly, and upon every emergency. It is our privilege and honour that we may pray. It is our duty; we ought to pray, we sin if we neglect it. It is to be our constant work; we ought always to pray, it is that which the duty of every day requires. We must pray, and never grow weary of praying, nor think of leaving it off till it comes to be swallowed up in everlasting praise. But that which seems particularly designed here is to teach us constancy and perseverance in our requests for some spiritual mercies that we are in pursuit of, relating either to ourselves or to the church of God. When we are praying for strength against our spiritual enemies, our lusts and corruptions, which are our worst enemies, we must continue instant in prayer, must pray and not faint, for we shall not seek God's face in vain. So we must likewise in our prayers for the deliverance of the people of God out of the hands of their persecutors and oppressors. I. Christ shows, by a parable, the power of importunity among men, who will be swayed by that, when nothing else will influence, to do what is just and right. He gives you an instance of an honest cause that succeeded before an unjust judge, not by the equity or compassionableness of it, but purely by dint of importunity. Observe here, 1. The bad character of the judge that was in a certain city. He neither feared God nor regarded man; he had no manner of concern either for his conscience or for his reputation; he stood in no awe either of the wrath of God against him or of the censures of men concerning him: or, he took no care to do his duty either to God or man; he was a perfect stranger both to godliness and honour, and had no notion of either. It is not strange if those that have cast off the fear of their Creator be altogether regardless of their fellow-creatures; where no fear of God is no good is to be expected. Such a prevalency of irreligion and inhumanity is bad in any, but very bad in a judge, who has power in his hand, in the use of which he ought to be guided by the principles of religion and justice, and, if he be not, instead of doing good with his power he will be in danger of doing hurt. Wickedness in the place of judgment was one of the sorest evils Solomon saw under the sun, Ecc 3:16. 2. The distressed case of a poor widow that was necessitated to make her appeal to him, being wronged by some one that thought to bear her down with power and terror. She had manifestly right on her side; but, it should seem, in soliciting to have right done her, she tied not herself to the formalities of the law, but made personal application to the judge from day to day at his own house, still crying, Avenge me of mine adversary; that is, Do me justice against mine adversary; not that she desired to be revenged on him for any thing he had done against her, but that he might be obliged to restore what effects he had of hers in his hands, and might be disabled any more to oppress her. Note, Poor widows have often many adversaries, who barbarously take advantage of their weak and helpless state to invade their rights, and defraud them of what little they have; and magistrates are particularly charged, not only not to do violence to the widow (Jer 21:3), but to judge the fatherless, and plead for the widow (Isa 1:17), to be their patrons and protectors; then they are as gods, for God is so, Psa 68:5. 3. The difficulty and discouragement she met with in her cause: He would not for awhile. According to his usual practice, he frowned upon her, took no notice of her cause, but connived at all the wrong her adversary did her; for she had no bribe to give him, no great man whom he stood in any awe of to speak for her, so that he did not at all incline to redress her grievances; and he himself was conscience of the reason of his dilatoriness, and could not but own within himself that he neither feared God nor regarded man. It is sad that a man should know so much amiss of himself, and be in no care to amend it. 4. The gaining of her point by continually dunning this unjust judge (Luk 18:5): "Because this widow troubleth me, gives me a continual toil, I will hear her cause, and do her justice; not so much lest by her clamour against me she bring me into an ill name, as lest by her clamour to me she weary me; for she is resolved that she will give me no rest till it is done, and therefore I will do it, to save myself further trouble; as good at first as at last." Thus she got justice done her by continual craving; she begged it at his door, followed him in the streets, solicited him in open court, and still her cry was, Avenge me of mine adversary, which he was forced to do, to get rid of her; for his conscience, bad as he was, would not suffer him to send her to prison for an affront upon the court. II. He applies this for the encouragement of God's praying people to pray with faith and fervency, and to persevere therein. 1. He assures them that God will at length be gracious to them (Luk 18:6): Hear what the unjust judge saith, how he owns himself quite overcome by a constant importunity, and shall not God avenge his own elect? Observe, (1.) What it is that they desire and expect: that God would avenge his own elect. Note, [1.] There are a people in the world that are God's people, his elect, his own elect, a choice people, a chosen people. And this he has an eye to in all he does for them; it is because they are his chosen, and in pursuance of the choice he has made of them. [2.] God's own elect meet with a great deal of trouble and opposition in this world; there are many adversaries that fight against them; Satan is their great adversary. [3.] That which is wanted and waited for is God's preserving and protecting them, and the work of his hands in them; his securing the interest of the church in the world and his grace in the heart. (2.) What it is that is required of God's people in order to the obtaining of this: they must cry day and night to him; not that he needs their remonstrances, or can be moved by their pleadings, but this he has made their duty, and to this he has promised mercy. We ought to be particular in praying against our spiritual enemies, as St. Paul was: For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me; like this importunate widow. Lord, mortify this corruption. Lord, arm me against this temptation. We ought to concern ourselves for the persecuted and oppressed churches, and to pray that God would do them justice, and set them in safety. And herein we must be very urgent; we must cry with earnestness: we must cry day and night, as those that believe prayer will be heard at last; we must wrestle with God, as those that know how to value the blessing, and will have no nay. God's praying people are told to give him no rest, Isa 62:6, Isa 62:7. (3.) What discouragements they may perhaps meet with in their prayers and expectations. He may bear long with them, and may not presently appear for them, in answer to their prayers. He is makrothumōn ep' autois - he exercises patience towards the adversaries of his people, and does not take vengeance on them; and he exercises the patience of his people, and does not plead for them. He bore long with the cry of the sin of the Egyptians that oppressed Israel, and with the cry of the sorrows of those that were oppressed. (4.) What assurance they have that mercy will come at last, though it be delayed, and how it is supported by what the unjust judge saith: If this widow prevail by being importunate, much more shall God's elect prevail. For, [1.] This widow was a stranger, nothing related to the judge; but God's praying people are his own elect, whom he knows, and loves, and delights in, and has always concerned himself for. [2.] She was but one, but the praying people of God are many, all of whom come to him on the same errand, and agree to ask what they need, Mat 18:19. As the saints of heaven surround the throne of glory with their united praises, so saints on earth besiege the throne of grace with their united prayers. [3.] She came to a judge that bade her keep her distance; we come to a Father that bids us come boldly to him, and teaches us to cry, Abba, Father. [4.] She came to an unjust judge; we come to a righteous Father (Joh 17:25), one that regards his own glory and the comforts of his poor creatures, especially those in distress, as widows and fatherless. [5.] She came to this judge purely upon her own account; but God is himself engaged in the cause which we are soliciting; and we can say, Arise, O Lord, plead thine own cause; and what wilt thou do to thy great name? [6.] She had no friend to speak for her, to add force to her petition, and to use interest for her more than her own; but we have an Advocate with the Father, his own Son, who ever lives to make intercession for us, and has a powerful prevailing interest in heaven. [7.] She had no promise off speeding, no, nor any encouragement given her to ask; but we have the golden sceptre held out to us, are told to ask, with a promise that it shall be given to us. [8.] She could have access to the judge only at some certain times; but we may cry to God day and night, at all hours, and therefore may the rather hope to prevail by importunity. [9.] Her importunity was provoking to the judge, and she might fear lest it should set him more against her; but our importunity is pleasing to God; the prayer of the upright is his delight, and therefore, we may hope, shall avail much, if it be an effectual fervent prayer. 2. He intimates to them that, notwithstanding this, they will begin to be weary of waiting for him (Luk 18:8): "Nevertheless, though such assurances are given that God will avenge his own elect, yet, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" The Son of man will come to avenge his own elect, to plead the cause of persecuted Christians against the persecuting Jews; he will come in his providence to plead the cause of his injured people in every age, and at the great day he will come finally to determine the controversies of Zion. Now, when he comes, will he find faith on the earth? The question implies a strong negation: No, he will not; he himself foresees it. (1.) This supposes that it is on earth only that there is occasion for faith; for sinners in hell are feeling that which they would not believe, and saints in heaven are enjoying that which they did believe. (2.) It supposes that faith is the great thing that Jesus Christ looks for. He looks down upon the children of men, and does not ask, Is there innocency? but, Is there faith? He enquired concerning the faith of those who applied themselves to him for cures. (3.) It supposes that if there were faith, though ever so little, he would discover it, and find it out. His eye is upon the weakest and most obscure believer. (4.) It is foretold that, when Christ comes to plead his people's cause, he will find but little faith in comparison with what one might expect. That is, [1.] In general, he will find but few good people, few that are really and truly good. Many that have the form and fashion of godliness, but few that have faith, that are sincere and honest: nay, he will find little fidelity among men; the faithful fail, Psa 12:1, Psa 12:2. Even to the end of time there will still be occasion for the same complaint. The world will grow no better, no, not when it is drawing towards its period. Bad it is, and bad it will be, and worst of all just before Christ's coming; the last times will be the most perilous. [2.] In particular, he will find few that have faith concerning his coming. When he comes to avenge his own elect he looks if there be any faith to help and to uphold, and wonders that there is none, Isa 59:16; Isa 63:5. It intimates that Christ, both in his particular comings for the relief of his people, and in his general coming at the end of time, may, and will, delay his coming so long as that, First, Wicked people will begin to defy it, and to say, Where is the promise of his coming? Pe2 3:4. They will challenge him to come (Isa 5:10; Amo 5:19); and his delay will harden them in their wickedness, Mat 24:48. Secondly, Even his own people will begin to despair of it, and to conclude he will never come, because he has passed their reckoning. God's time to appear for his people is when things are brought to the last extremity, and when Zion begins to say, The Lord has forsaken me. See Isa 49:14; Isa 40:27. But this is our comfort, that, when the time appointed comes, it will appear that the unbelief of man has not made the promise of God of no effect.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:1-8 The parable of the persistent widow follows naturally from Jesus’ teaching about coming troubles (17:20-37). Believers can face trials and persevere through persistent prayer.
Luke 18:1
The Parable of the Persistent Widow
1Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart:2“In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men.
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The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 3 (Compilation)
By Leonard Ravenhill19K20:14CompilationPSA 100:4MAT 6:6LUK 18:1ACT 2:42ACT 2:46ROM 8:261TH 5:17In this sermon transcript, the speaker, Brother Ravenhill, engages in a conversation with a man named Brother Singh about the procedure in his church service. Brother Singh describes a unique and intense worship experience where the first three hours are dedicated to praise, worship, and adoration, followed by three hours of prayer and intercession, and then three hours of breaking bread and sharing testimonies. He mentions that sometimes the meetings can last for 11 to 14 hours, as they allow the Holy Spirit to move and direct the gathering. Brother Ravenhill expresses his longing for a sovereign move of the Holy Spirit in the church today and highlights the importance of spending more time in prayer.
Intercessory Prayer - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill8.5K29:23Intercessory PrayerISA 40:31MAT 6:6MAT 23:15LUK 18:1ACT 2:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being zealous and passionate in spreading the word of God. He criticizes those who claim to have the best thing in the world but do not fully commit to it. The speaker shares examples of individuals in history who fervently prayed for revival and saw results. He also highlights the disruptive nature of revival, causing discomfort and dislocation in people's lives. The sermon encourages listeners to be dedicated and willing to sacrifice for the cause of spreading the gospel.
Pray and Be Alone With God
By Paul Washer6.4K52:18Alone With GodEXO 31:18MAT 6:33LUK 4:14LUK 11:1LUK 18:1ACT 1:8GAL 5:16In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a Bible conference in the Andes Mountains where he brought a physician. Despite the lack of medicine and tools, the desperate people fought to get to the doctor for healing. The speaker then shifts the focus to Jesus Christ, emphasizing his complete submission to the will of the Father. He highlights the importance of persevering in prayer and not losing heart, using a parable to encourage the listeners to have faith in God's faithfulness. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the urgency of bringing people to Jesus and the need to make the most of the time we have.
Interview of Leonard Ravenhill by David Mainse
By Leonard Ravenhill6.0K12:07RevivalInterviewPrayer in MinistryMAT 21:13LUK 18:1ACT 6:4ROM 12:12EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:171TI 2:1JAS 5:16Leonard Ravenhill, in an interview with David Mainse, emphasizes the critical need for prayer in ministry, arguing that a lack of prayer life among preachers leads to a spiritually stagnant church. He reflects on the early church's commitment to prayer and contrasts it with the modern church's focus on organization and performance. Ravenhill calls for a revival of genuine prayer and intercession, suggesting that the church must return to its roots of seeking God earnestly. He also highlights the importance of preachers dedicating time to prepare spiritually, not just intellectually, for their messages. Ultimately, Ravenhill urges ministers to prioritize their prayer life to foster a vibrant and impactful church.
Pray and Not Lose Heart
By Paul Washer5.0K1:05:23GEN 2:16PSA 84:11ISA 62:5JER 32:40LUK 18:1JHN 19:30ROM 8:28In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the limitations of a brief encounter with people at a conference and expresses a desire for a conference solely focused on fellowship. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a frustrating encounter with someone that led to a moment of revelation from God. The speaker then transitions to discussing the importance of prayer and references Luke 18:1, emphasizing the need to pray continually and not lose heart. The speaker also highlights the deceptive nature of Satan, who portrays himself as an advocate but ultimately seeks to accuse and deceive.
Prayer Is a Warfare
By B.H. Clendennen4.4K1:10:04Spiritual WarfarePrevailing PrayerPrayerNEH 4:9PSA 141:2MAT 26:41LUK 18:1ROM 12:1EPH 6:181TH 5:17JAS 5:16B.H. Clendennen emphasizes that prayer is a form of spiritual warfare, drawing parallels between the distinctiveness of prayer and the evening sacrifice in the Old Testament. He reflects on his experiences in Vietnam, illustrating how prayer can rise above the chaos and darkness of life, much like the fragrance of incense amidst the stench of a fish market. Clendennen argues that true prayer requires total surrender and is essential for spiritual victory, as it is the primary battleground against the forces of evil. He warns that the enemy's greatest strategy is to undermine the prayer life of believers, as effective prayer is crucial for manifesting the life of Christ in the world. Ultimately, he calls for a return to fervent prayer as the means to combat spiritual darkness and fulfill the mission of the church.
Praying Church
By A.W. Tozer4.3K1:03:56PrayingMAT 6:9MAT 6:33LUK 18:1LUK 19:46JAS 1:6JAS 4:2JAS 5:16In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the power and importance of prayer. He references three Bible verses that emphasize the significance of prayer in the life of a believer. The preacher highlights the need for a renewed vision of God and emphasizes the importance of hallowing God's name in a sinful world. He also criticizes the use of manipulative methodologies in the church and emphasizes the need for a genuine spiritual revival. The preacher concludes by stating that evangelism is simply an extension of the kind of religion one already has, and that true transformation and revival are necessary for effective evangelism.
A Holy Remnant (Clip)
By David Wilkerson4.3K08:481SA 2:271SA 3:11ISA 1:11ISA 6:8LUK 18:1JHN 10:272TI 2:21REV 3:16REV 3:20
God is quietly preparing a powerful army of dedicated Christians, more devoted than any before, to do exploits and shake hell. This remnant will be made up of ordinary believers who lay hold of God, ushering in a new realm of the Holy Spirit's moving. Just as in 1 Samuel, God is raising up a holy remnant to replace old religious systems with a new program of the Holy Ghost, judging and forsaking compromised churches. This remnant, birthed in prayer and intercession, will be wholly committed to God, seeking His righteousness and glory in these last days.
Where Are the Men?
By Paul Washer3.8K1:19:10CallingMAT 6:33MRK 1:32LUK 18:1LUK 18:6In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a passage from the Bible where Jesus speaks to his disciples about the importance of faith and prayer. Jesus tells a parable about an unrighteous judge to illustrate his point. He assures his disciples that God will bring about justice for his elect who cry out to him day and night. However, Jesus questions whether he will find faith on earth when he returns. The speaker emphasizes the need for believers to commune with God and have unwavering faith in his promises.
(Titus - Part 25): The Christian and Good Works I
By A.W. Tozer3.7K38:32TitusMAT 6:33LUK 18:1JHN 14:2ACT 20:241TI 1:152TI 4:7TIT 3:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of a faithful saying, which is a phrase often used by Paul in his writings. There is some debate among commentators about whether Paul meant the preceding or following statements to be the faithful saying. The preacher emphasizes the importance of believers being diligent in maintaining good works and being actively involved in serving God, even if they may not have certain talents like singing. He shares a testimony of a photographer who was converted by listening to a tape recording of one of his sermons.
The Heaven Side of Unyielding Prayer
By Carter Conlon3.5K58:13Prevailing PrayerJER 29:11LUK 18:1LUK 18:6JHN 15:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of not losing heart in prayer, even when we don't see immediate results. He shares the parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow to illustrate this point. The unjust judge, who had no regard for God or people, eventually grants the widow's request because she continually comes to him. Jesus uses this parable to emphasize that if an unjust judge would answer a persistent plea, how much more will God answer the prayers of His people. The preacher encourages believers to have faith and continue praying, trusting that God will avenge them speedily.
(Audio) Lord Teach Us to Pray
By Leonard Ravenhill3.0K06:34LUK 18:1EPH 6:18PHP 4:61TH 5:16JAS 5:16
This sermon emphasizes the importance of learning how to truly pray, focusing on the heart posture and disposition rather than mere words or physical positions. It shares powerful examples of individuals like Payson who dedicated themselves to fervent prayer, demonstrating a lifestyle of continuous communion with God. The message challenges believers to prioritize prayer, highlighting the transformative impact of a deep and consistent prayer life on individuals and communities.
New Covenant Living
By Zac Poonen2.7K57:01New CovenantLUK 18:1ROM 3:4HEB 8:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the New Covenant and the concept of Sabbath rest for God's people. He encourages the audience to study Hebrews chapter 4, which speaks about this rest. The speaker also highlights God's will for believers, which includes rejoicing always and praying without ceasing. He warns against allowing the devil to rob Christians of their inheritance in Christ and references biblical examples of inconsistency in the lives of men of God.
Constant, Instant, Expectant
By C.H. Spurgeon2.5K49:54GEN 32:26PSA 55:17MAT 7:7LUK 18:1ROM 12:121TH 5:17JAS 5:16In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a bird and a hunting dog to illustrate the importance of fervent and expectant prayer. The bird, when hungry, cries out for its mother because it knows it will be fed. Similarly, our ardor in prayer should be in proportion to our understanding of the value of God's grace and the blessings it brings. The speaker emphasizes the need to meditate on our own poverty and undeservingness, as well as the consequences of not receiving God's mercy. Additionally, the power of collective prayer is highlighted, as the supplications of two or three believers can support and encourage each other. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the necessity of expectation and belief in God's ability and willingness to answer our prayers.
A Monument Before God
By Jim Cymbala2.5K17:10Prayer1KI 8:22MAT 6:19MAT 6:33MAT 10:42MAT 14:30LUK 18:1ACT 10:2In this sermon, the preacher talks about a widow who demonstrated unwavering faith and generosity. He emphasizes the importance of acts of kindness and helping those in need, as they hold more value than worldly possessions. The preacher encourages the congregation to trust in God's provision and not give up on their prayers, using examples from the Bible to illustrate this point. He concludes by urging the congregation to persevere in their faith and continue to pray for their needs, drawing inspiration from the story of Cornelius.
Ambassadors for Christ - Part 1
By Zac Poonen2.1K55:26EvangelismMAT 6:33LUK 18:1JHN 14:62CO 4:12CO 4:16HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not giving up in various aspects of life. He references Luke 18:1, where Jesus encourages believers to always pray and never lose heart. The speaker also highlights the example of Paul, who walked in constant victory through God's leading. He emphasizes the need to live and labor in the will of God, as Paul did, and warns against doing Christian work without being in God's will. The speaker encourages believers to examine their motives and ensure that their actions align with their public image and private life.
Barrenness (High Quality)
By David Smithers2.1K52:36BarrennessLUK 18:1In this sermon, Frank Bartleman discusses the topic of barrenness and the need for revival in the church. He emphasizes that the church has been sanctified for a holy union with Jesus Christ, with the purpose of reproducing Christ-like character in our lives and the lives of others. Bartleman highlights the danger of taking shortcuts and trying to make meetings entertaining, stating that true joy and revival can only be found through repentance and prayer. He calls for the priests and ministers to gird themselves, lament, and cry out to the Lord, emphasizing the need for consecration, fasting, and gathering together in sacred assembly. Bartleman concludes by warning of the impending day of the Lord and the destruction that will come if the barrenness and lack of fruitfulness in the church is not addressed.
(Pdf Book) Stepping Into the Breach
By Basilea Schlink2.0K00:00The Power of PrayerEbooksIntercessionLUK 18:1JAS 5:16Basilea Schlink emphasizes the transformative power of earnest prayer, illustrating how persistent intercession can bring about miraculous changes in the lives of others. She highlights the responsibility of believers to step into the breach for those in need, using the example of John Hyde's fervent prayers that led to a powerful revival. Schlink encourages the faithful to recognize the reality of spiritual warfare and the importance of invoking the name of Jesus in prayer, asserting that true prayer can break the chains of sin and release souls from bondage. She calls for a renewed commitment to earnest prayer, urging believers to intercede with passion and perseverance for the salvation of others.
The Man Under the Stage
By Eric Ludy2.0K1:01:302CH 7:14MAT 6:6LUK 18:1ACT 1:14ROM 12:12EPH 6:18COL 4:21TH 5:17HEB 4:16JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and the power of prayer in bringing about revival and transformation. It highlights the role of individuals like Father Nash and the need for men and women to go under the stage in prayer, sacrificing comfort and reputation for the sake of the gospel. The message challenges the church to be a praying church, willing to fill gaps with their lives and bodies, and to be unstoppable in advancing the kingdom of God.
Four Steps in Fellowship With God
By Zac Poonen1.9K1:00:19PSA 73:25ISA 6:3HAB 3:17LUK 18:1JHN 4:23ACT 20:351TH 5:17
This sermon emphasizes the importance of communion with God through prayer, thanksgiving, praise, and worship. It highlights the need to have a deep, intimate fellowship with God, focusing on listening to Him, being thankful for His blessings, praising Him for who He is, and ultimately worshiping Him above all else.
The Situation Is Desperate!
By Vance Havner1.9K32:30Desperation in PrayerSeeking GodDesperation2CH 7:142CH 20:12PSA 34:18JER 29:13MAT 7:7MRK 5:27LUK 18:1HEB 11:6JAS 5:161PE 5:7Vance Havner emphasizes the desperate situation faced by King Jehoshaphat of Judah, who, confronted by overwhelming enemies, turned to God in prayer, acknowledging his inability to cope. He draws parallels to modern America, suggesting that while the nation is in crisis, many remain complacent, relying on human solutions rather than seeking divine intervention. Havner calls for genuine humility and repentance in prayer, stressing that true desperation for God is necessary to experience His power. He challenges the church to recognize its own spiritual apathy and to engage in fervent prayer, likening it to the desperate faith of those who sought Jesus for healing. Ultimately, he urges believers to acknowledge their need for God and to act with urgency in their spiritual lives.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
By Paul Washer1.8K48:09ExpositionalMRK 1:35LUK 18:11TH 5:151TH 5:23In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of prayer and rejoicing always. He emphasizes that even in difficult circumstances, believers should find joy because it is God's will for them. The speaker also highlights the need to be devoted to prayer and to have a discerning attitude through careful study of the Word. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the importance of praying at all times and not losing heart.
Crying Out
By Denny Kenaston1.8K1:24:09Crying OutMAT 6:33LUK 18:1JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ROM 10:13REV 5:9REV 7:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power and significance of John 3:16, which states that God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son for the salvation of all who believe in Him. The speaker highlights the importance of truly understanding the depth of this verse and its implications for all nations and peoples. The sermon also addresses the need for prayer and support for missionaries who are sent to preach the Gospel to those who have not heard. The speaker acknowledges the overwhelming and despairing nature of the task, but reminds the audience that God longs to save even the most lost and sinful individuals.
Faith That Faints Not
By Manley Beasley1.7K1:13:43FaithLUK 18:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing their love for God and how encouraging it is to see a part of Him. They then discuss the concept of God avenging His elect who cry out to Him day and night, emphasizing that He will do so speedily. The speaker shares that they are currently facing challenges and relying on the Lord to help them accomplish His will. They then delve into the parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow, highlighting the importance of having a faith that refuses to give up, even when faced with opposition.
A Shocking Message on Prayer
By Shane Idleman1.6K26:00The Power of PrayerHumility and RepentancePrayer2CH 7:14PSA 34:18MAT 21:22LUK 18:1ACT 3:19EPH 6:18PHP 4:61TH 5:17JAS 5:161JN 5:14Shane Idleman delivers a powerful sermon on the necessity of prayer, emphasizing that true revival and spiritual authority stem from a deep, broken, and humble relationship with God. He challenges the church to move beyond mere doctrine and to embrace the transformative power of prayer, which has historically led to significant moves of God. Idleman laments the current state of the church, where many are unprepared to surrender fully to God, and calls for a return to genuine prayer and repentance. He highlights biblical examples of prayer's effectiveness and urges believers to seek God's face rather than His hand. Ultimately, he stresses that a prayerless church is a powerless church, and that true change begins with humility and sincere prayer.
- Adam Clarke
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Men ought always to pray - Therefore the plain meaning and moral of the parable are evident; viz. that as afflictions and desolations were coming on the land, and they should have need of much patience and continual fortitude, and the constant influence and protection of the Almighty, therefore they should be instant in prayer. It states, farther, that men should never cease praying for that the necessity of which God has given them to feel, till they receive a full answer to their prayers. No other meaning need be searched for in this parable: St. Luke, who perfectly knew his Master's meaning, has explained it as above.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
This parable has its key hanging at the door; the drift and design of it are prefixed. Christ spoke it with this intent, to teach us that men ought always to pray and not to faint, Luk 18:1. It supposes that all God's people are praying people; all God's children keep up both a constant and an occasional correspondence with him, send to him statedly, and upon every emergency. It is our privilege and honour that we may pray. It is our duty; we ought to pray, we sin if we neglect it. It is to be our constant work; we ought always to pray, it is that which the duty of every day requires. We must pray, and never grow weary of praying, nor think of leaving it off till it comes to be swallowed up in everlasting praise. But that which seems particularly designed here is to teach us constancy and perseverance in our requests for some spiritual mercies that we are in pursuit of, relating either to ourselves or to the church of God. When we are praying for strength against our spiritual enemies, our lusts and corruptions, which are our worst enemies, we must continue instant in prayer, must pray and not faint, for we shall not seek God's face in vain. So we must likewise in our prayers for the deliverance of the people of God out of the hands of their persecutors and oppressors. I. Christ shows, by a parable, the power of importunity among men, who will be swayed by that, when nothing else will influence, to do what is just and right. He gives you an instance of an honest cause that succeeded before an unjust judge, not by the equity or compassionableness of it, but purely by dint of importunity. Observe here, 1. The bad character of the judge that was in a certain city. He neither feared God nor regarded man; he had no manner of concern either for his conscience or for his reputation; he stood in no awe either of the wrath of God against him or of the censures of men concerning him: or, he took no care to do his duty either to God or man; he was a perfect stranger both to godliness and honour, and had no notion of either. It is not strange if those that have cast off the fear of their Creator be altogether regardless of their fellow-creatures; where no fear of God is no good is to be expected. Such a prevalency of irreligion and inhumanity is bad in any, but very bad in a judge, who has power in his hand, in the use of which he ought to be guided by the principles of religion and justice, and, if he be not, instead of doing good with his power he will be in danger of doing hurt. Wickedness in the place of judgment was one of the sorest evils Solomon saw under the sun, Ecc 3:16. 2. The distressed case of a poor widow that was necessitated to make her appeal to him, being wronged by some one that thought to bear her down with power and terror. She had manifestly right on her side; but, it should seem, in soliciting to have right done her, she tied not herself to the formalities of the law, but made personal application to the judge from day to day at his own house, still crying, Avenge me of mine adversary; that is, Do me justice against mine adversary; not that she desired to be revenged on him for any thing he had done against her, but that he might be obliged to restore what effects he had of hers in his hands, and might be disabled any more to oppress her. Note, Poor widows have often many adversaries, who barbarously take advantage of their weak and helpless state to invade their rights, and defraud them of what little they have; and magistrates are particularly charged, not only not to do violence to the widow (Jer 21:3), but to judge the fatherless, and plead for the widow (Isa 1:17), to be their patrons and protectors; then they are as gods, for God is so, Psa 68:5. 3. The difficulty and discouragement she met with in her cause: He would not for awhile. According to his usual practice, he frowned upon her, took no notice of her cause, but connived at all the wrong her adversary did her; for she had no bribe to give him, no great man whom he stood in any awe of to speak for her, so that he did not at all incline to redress her grievances; and he himself was conscience of the reason of his dilatoriness, and could not but own within himself that he neither feared God nor regarded man. It is sad that a man should know so much amiss of himself, and be in no care to amend it. 4. The gaining of her point by continually dunning this unjust judge (Luk 18:5): "Because this widow troubleth me, gives me a continual toil, I will hear her cause, and do her justice; not so much lest by her clamour against me she bring me into an ill name, as lest by her clamour to me she weary me; for she is resolved that she will give me no rest till it is done, and therefore I will do it, to save myself further trouble; as good at first as at last." Thus she got justice done her by continual craving; she begged it at his door, followed him in the streets, solicited him in open court, and still her cry was, Avenge me of mine adversary, which he was forced to do, to get rid of her; for his conscience, bad as he was, would not suffer him to send her to prison for an affront upon the court. II. He applies this for the encouragement of God's praying people to pray with faith and fervency, and to persevere therein. 1. He assures them that God will at length be gracious to them (Luk 18:6): Hear what the unjust judge saith, how he owns himself quite overcome by a constant importunity, and shall not God avenge his own elect? Observe, (1.) What it is that they desire and expect: that God would avenge his own elect. Note, [1.] There are a people in the world that are God's people, his elect, his own elect, a choice people, a chosen people. And this he has an eye to in all he does for them; it is because they are his chosen, and in pursuance of the choice he has made of them. [2.] God's own elect meet with a great deal of trouble and opposition in this world; there are many adversaries that fight against them; Satan is their great adversary. [3.] That which is wanted and waited for is God's preserving and protecting them, and the work of his hands in them; his securing the interest of the church in the world and his grace in the heart. (2.) What it is that is required of God's people in order to the obtaining of this: they must cry day and night to him; not that he needs their remonstrances, or can be moved by their pleadings, but this he has made their duty, and to this he has promised mercy. We ought to be particular in praying against our spiritual enemies, as St. Paul was: For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me; like this importunate widow. Lord, mortify this corruption. Lord, arm me against this temptation. We ought to concern ourselves for the persecuted and oppressed churches, and to pray that God would do them justice, and set them in safety. And herein we must be very urgent; we must cry with earnestness: we must cry day and night, as those that believe prayer will be heard at last; we must wrestle with God, as those that know how to value the blessing, and will have no nay. God's praying people are told to give him no rest, Isa 62:6, Isa 62:7. (3.) What discouragements they may perhaps meet with in their prayers and expectations. He may bear long with them, and may not presently appear for them, in answer to their prayers. He is makrothumōn ep' autois - he exercises patience towards the adversaries of his people, and does not take vengeance on them; and he exercises the patience of his people, and does not plead for them. He bore long with the cry of the sin of the Egyptians that oppressed Israel, and with the cry of the sorrows of those that were oppressed. (4.) What assurance they have that mercy will come at last, though it be delayed, and how it is supported by what the unjust judge saith: If this widow prevail by being importunate, much more shall God's elect prevail. For, [1.] This widow was a stranger, nothing related to the judge; but God's praying people are his own elect, whom he knows, and loves, and delights in, and has always concerned himself for. [2.] She was but one, but the praying people of God are many, all of whom come to him on the same errand, and agree to ask what they need, Mat 18:19. As the saints of heaven surround the throne of glory with their united praises, so saints on earth besiege the throne of grace with their united prayers. [3.] She came to a judge that bade her keep her distance; we come to a Father that bids us come boldly to him, and teaches us to cry, Abba, Father. [4.] She came to an unjust judge; we come to a righteous Father (Joh 17:25), one that regards his own glory and the comforts of his poor creatures, especially those in distress, as widows and fatherless. [5.] She came to this judge purely upon her own account; but God is himself engaged in the cause which we are soliciting; and we can say, Arise, O Lord, plead thine own cause; and what wilt thou do to thy great name? [6.] She had no friend to speak for her, to add force to her petition, and to use interest for her more than her own; but we have an Advocate with the Father, his own Son, who ever lives to make intercession for us, and has a powerful prevailing interest in heaven. [7.] She had no promise off speeding, no, nor any encouragement given her to ask; but we have the golden sceptre held out to us, are told to ask, with a promise that it shall be given to us. [8.] She could have access to the judge only at some certain times; but we may cry to God day and night, at all hours, and therefore may the rather hope to prevail by importunity. [9.] Her importunity was provoking to the judge, and she might fear lest it should set him more against her; but our importunity is pleasing to God; the prayer of the upright is his delight, and therefore, we may hope, shall avail much, if it be an effectual fervent prayer. 2. He intimates to them that, notwithstanding this, they will begin to be weary of waiting for him (Luk 18:8): "Nevertheless, though such assurances are given that God will avenge his own elect, yet, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" The Son of man will come to avenge his own elect, to plead the cause of persecuted Christians against the persecuting Jews; he will come in his providence to plead the cause of his injured people in every age, and at the great day he will come finally to determine the controversies of Zion. Now, when he comes, will he find faith on the earth? The question implies a strong negation: No, he will not; he himself foresees it. (1.) This supposes that it is on earth only that there is occasion for faith; for sinners in hell are feeling that which they would not believe, and saints in heaven are enjoying that which they did believe. (2.) It supposes that faith is the great thing that Jesus Christ looks for. He looks down upon the children of men, and does not ask, Is there innocency? but, Is there faith? He enquired concerning the faith of those who applied themselves to him for cures. (3.) It supposes that if there were faith, though ever so little, he would discover it, and find it out. His eye is upon the weakest and most obscure believer. (4.) It is foretold that, when Christ comes to plead his people's cause, he will find but little faith in comparison with what one might expect. That is, [1.] In general, he will find but few good people, few that are really and truly good. Many that have the form and fashion of godliness, but few that have faith, that are sincere and honest: nay, he will find little fidelity among men; the faithful fail, Psa 12:1, Psa 12:2. Even to the end of time there will still be occasion for the same complaint. The world will grow no better, no, not when it is drawing towards its period. Bad it is, and bad it will be, and worst of all just before Christ's coming; the last times will be the most perilous. [2.] In particular, he will find few that have faith concerning his coming. When he comes to avenge his own elect he looks if there be any faith to help and to uphold, and wonders that there is none, Isa 59:16; Isa 63:5. It intimates that Christ, both in his particular comings for the relief of his people, and in his general coming at the end of time, may, and will, delay his coming so long as that, First, Wicked people will begin to defy it, and to say, Where is the promise of his coming? Pe2 3:4. They will challenge him to come (Isa 5:10; Amo 5:19); and his delay will harden them in their wickedness, Mat 24:48. Secondly, Even his own people will begin to despair of it, and to conclude he will never come, because he has passed their reckoning. God's time to appear for his people is when things are brought to the last extremity, and when Zion begins to say, The Lord has forsaken me. See Isa 49:14; Isa 40:27. But this is our comfort, that, when the time appointed comes, it will appear that the unbelief of man has not made the promise of God of no effect.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:1-8 The parable of the persistent widow follows naturally from Jesus’ teaching about coming troubles (17:20-37). Believers can face trials and persevere through persistent prayer.