The Parable of the Unjust Judge (Lu. 128:1-8) (Part 5)

Conclusions:

• What you think about God matters more than anything else.
• In context, persistent praying is part of the “faith” Jesus will be looking for.
  
• The more urgent your request, the more likely you will keep praying about it.
  
• Persistent prayer requires determination, diligence and discipline.
  
• Jesus isn't asking you to do what He doesn't do.
• Jesus prays persistently for you.  He “lives to make intercession” for you (Heb. 7:25).

Application:

• Why have you stopped praying about a particular thing?
• Has God told you to stop praying? 
• Did he answer with a clear “no”
• If He didn't, why not hit the reset button right now?
• Pray until Jesus comes. When He does, let Him find faith.

The Parable of the Unjust Judge (Lu. 18:1-8) (Part 4)

NOTICE THE NATURE OF THE LORD.

• His DECISION is made.  
• “...will not God bring about justice...” (v. 6)
• The question is worded to expect a “yes” answer.
• He FAVORS you.  
• “...elect...” (v. 6)
• He “has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.” (Eph. 1:3-4)
• He HEARS you.  
• “...elect who cry to Him day and night...” (v. 7).
• “The righteous cry, and the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” (Psa. 34:17)
• His DELAY is short.  
• “...will He delay long over them?” (v. 7).
• The question is worded to expect a “no” answer.
• “..He will bring about justice...” (v. 8a)
• His DELIGHT is faith.       
• “...will He find faith on the earth?” (v. 8b)
• Heb. 11:6a

The Parable of the Unjust Judge (Lu. 18:1-8) (Part 3)

NOTICE THE NARCISSISM OF THE JUDGE.

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder is “a condition in which people have an excessive sense of self-importance, an extreme preoccupation with themselves, and a lack of empathy for others.” (National Library of Medicine)
• Notice his INSISTENCE.  
• “...he was unwilling...” (v. 4). (stubbornness)
• Notice his INSURRECTION. 
• “...I do not fear God...” (v. 4). (rebellion)
• Notice his INDEPENDENCE. 
• “...I do not...respect man...” (v. 4).
• Notice his INCONVENIENCE. 
• “...this widow bothers me...” (v. 5)
• “...she will wear me out” (v. 5).
• Just give it long enough and man will disappoint you.
• It is in man's nature to be selfish.
• Though man disappoints you, stands in your way and doesn't help though he could, God is never this way.
• God is one hundred percent interested, one hundred percent capable and one hundred percent reliable.
• Don't project onto God the pain, disappointment, abandonment and neglect you might have received from human beings.

The Parable of the Unjust Judge (Lu. 18:1-8) (Part 2)

NOTICE THE NEED OF THE WOMAN.

• Notice her POSITION.
• "There was a widow in that city...” (v. 3).
• Notice her PETITION.  
• “Give me legal protection...” (v. 3).
• Notice her PERSISTENCE. 
• “...she kept coming...” (v. 3)
• “...she will wear me out” (v. 5).     
• How could the judge not help this poor woman?
• Her need was genuine.
• Her request was simple.
• The widow could easily be you or me today.
• You have a complex, draining, high-pressure situation that can be alleviated by one decision from our Judge.
• Our Judge is God.
• “Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly?” (Gen. 18:25)
• What stops you from coming to Him again?

The Parable of The Unjust Judge (Lu. 18:1-8) (Part 1)

Does anyone recall the theme song from the “Dudley Do-Right" cartoon?  Here is a quick summary of the show.

• The woman is named Nell, the villain is named Snidely Whiplash and the hero is named Dudley Do-Right. 
• Dudley rescues Nell from Snidely's villainous plots.

In this week's Bible story, told by Jesus Himself, we have the same three elements – a woman, a villain and a hero. 

• The woman – well, we don't know her name. All we know is that she is a widow.
• The villain – we don't know his name either. All we know is that he is a corrupt judge.
• The hero – that's easy. God Himself is the hero.

Read Luke 18:1-8.