Our Lord Teaching His Disciples to Pray Through Luke 18:1-8
God is long-suffering and hears the prayers of His people, and He will avenge His elect if they cry day and night to Him.
R.A. Torrey emphasizes the importance of persistent prayer as taught by Jesus in Luke 18:1-8, illustrating the need for believers to continually seek God, especially in times of injustice and oppression. The parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow serves to highlight God's readiness to hear and avenge His elect, contrasting His character with that of the judge. Torrey encourages the faithful to remain steadfast in prayer, even when answers seem delayed, and to trust in God's ultimate justice. He challenges the congregation to reflect on their faith and commitment to prayer, questioning whether Christ would find such faith upon His return.
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DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS
On what subject had our Lord been speaking in the verses immediately preceding our lesson? (17:20-37.)
What is it He sought to teach by the first parable in this chapter (v. 1)? What is it especially that we ought always to pray for as indicated by this lesson (v. 8)? (22:20.) Are we to understand that we are to keep on praying for the same thing if we do not get it for some time? Is there any other parable in which this same lesson is taught? (11:5-8.) Are there other passages in the Bible in which the same lesson is taught? (Eph. 6:18, 19; Col. 4:2, 12.) Why does not God give us at the first asking the things we seek of Him? What is it that this verse tells us we ought not to do? There are two things the Bible teaches us not to faint in,--what are they? (Compare Gal. 6:9--Greek of "be weary" same as "faint" here.) Are we tempted to faint in these things? Why? What should hold us up from fainting in either?
Who are the two characters of the lesson? What was the character of the judge? Do we ever find such judges nowadays? Why do men have such bad judges? Does our Lord mean to teach that God is like this judge, and that by persistently badgering Him we can get what we want? What then is the point of the parable? Of whom is this widow a representation (v. 7)? In what respects? How did the widow gain her suit? How will the elect of God gain their suit from Him? If we desire anything from Him what should we do then? (Phil. 4:6.) Is this doctrine very popular nowadays? Why not?
What is the conclusion that our Lord draws from the parable (vv. 7, 8)? What is the point of the argument? If we are wronged and injured by adversaries, what is the best thing to do about it? If they keep on wronging us and we get no deliverance in answer to prayer, what is the best thing to do about it? What about the character of prevailing prayer as indicated by the use of the word "cry"? What will the Lord do if we cry day and night to Him? Do you really believe it? Is there any need of going to law then? How will He avenge us?
What question does our Lord ask in closing the parable? What faith does He mean? If the Lord should come today would He find much of this sort of faith?
CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS
1. God
Long suffering, 7; hears prayer, 7, 8; avenges His elect, 8; His judgments--delayed, swift, sure, 7, 8.
2. The Church in the Present Dispensation
A widow, oppressed, 3; crying to God, waiting for the Lord, 7; corrupted with unbelief, avenged at last, 8.
3. Prevailing Prayer
Unto God, by the elect, 7; persistent, untiring, 1; unceasing--day and night, earnest, 7.
Sermon Outline
- God's Nature and Character
- Long-suffering
- Hears Prayer
- Avenes His Elect
Key Quotes
“What is it especially that we ought always to pray for as indicated by this lesson (v. 8)?” — R.A. Torrey
“What will the Lord do if we cry day and night to Him?” — R.A. Torrey
“If the Lord should come today would He find much of this sort of faith?” — R.A. Torrey
Application Points
- We should pray persistently and unceasingly to God, trusting in His character and promises.
- God will avenge His elect and bring justice to those who are wronged and injured.
- We should have faith in God's character and promises, even when we face delays or difficulties.