2. WHEN IN DOUBT…JUST TELL THE TRUTH!
This morning we are going to read a parable about prayer.
Before I get into the story Jesus told I’d like us all to reflect on our own personal prayer life.
What do we pray about?
How often do we pray?
Do we keep a list of things to pray about, or do we just pray as we think about things?
Do we have a strategy in prayer, or does it feel more aimless?

3. What is a Parable?
A short story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson that conveys a meaning indirectly by the use of comparison, analogy, or the like.

4. Matthew 21:28-32
28 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’

5. Matthew 21:28-32
29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. 30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.

6. Matthew 21:28-32
31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and

7. Matthew 21:28-32
the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him,

8. Matthew 21:28-32
but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

9. Take Away #1– God expects our obedience to His call and His direction

10. Psalm 84:11-12
11For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. 12 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.
1) To show them that they should always pray and not give up. Jesus knew He was going to die. He knew that they would question their belief, their faith. They would be so confused. He wanted them to know how to pray and never give up. He wanted to give them hope!
2) The widow represents us. Why a widow? Understanding the culture of the day where a woman had no voice, a widow who didn’t have a man to protect her was particularly vulnerable.
3) Let’s note the description of the judge: He did not fear God, or cared about people! What image comes up in your mind when you think about a guy like that? Arrogant, self centered, jerk. We need more information…
4) So why does the judge relent?  Let’s hold on answering this question too
5) Why do we need to keep praying? Let’s hold on this… there is more to the story!

11. Jude 1:22-23
“Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear— hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”

12. Passion breeds obedience – Obedience breeds passion

13. Take Away #2 – Repentance is key in our walk with the Lord
3) Who does the judge represent? Even though:
- He did not fear God, or cared about people!
- He is an arrogant, self centered, jerk.
- Even though this guy is NOTHING like God
- Jesus is dialing up the contrast and comparing the judge to God to make a point.
4) So why does the judge relent?  What’s the point?
‘I don’t fear God or care about people, 5 but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’”
The judge doesn’t act because he feels the widow is deserving
The judge doesn’t act because he has compassion or God changes his heart
He only acts for one reason – her persistence!
How much more will your heavenly Father give justice if you cry out to him day and night. He will not put you off
5) Why do we need to keep praying? (Invite Pam Huntress up if time)
Vs. 8 - But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?”

14. Isaiah 30:15
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…”
As we pray, something changes
- Have you ever persevered in prayer for weeks, months, years, or even decades… and then seen God’s answer?
- It seems like when the answer takes longer, when it finally comes, it is even sweeter!
- When God answers our prayers quickly, it just isn’t as impactful to us
What happens as we pray?
2nd bullet: Our faith grows and is tested as we continue to pray
Pam’s testimony

15. 1John 1:9
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness”
Are you facing a situation that really needs a break-through?
Is there something you’ve been praying for and God’s answer hasn’t come yet?
Why did Jesus tell his disciples this parable? Because he wanted to show them that they should always pray and never give up!
What is it? Is it a broken relationship? A marriage that needs to be healed? A physical infirmity that is getting worse and not better? Are you asking God for help in your job or finances and you’re growing weary as it seems He is not answering?
We know need – God knows our need – so why do I have to keep praying about it? Why can’t I pray once and its done? Don’t we see miracles in the Bible? I want a miracle!
I want you to have a miracle too – but it is God who does them, not me.
God also put this parables in the Bible so we would know that His desire is ALSO that we be persistent in prayer. That is a good thing. It is a Godly thing. Our faith is tested and grows as we continue to pray without seeing a result.
This is the hope we have… God will surely give justice to his people who cry out to him day and night!
We need to keep praying and believing. It changes us, it causes our faith to grow, honors him.
We do so in agreement with his word!
We need to encourage one another in shameless, persistent, prayer!

16. Take Away #3 – Lying is a sin always accompanied by bad results
3) Who does the judge represent? Even though:
- He did not fear God, or cared about people!
- He is an arrogant, self centered, jerk.
- Even though this guy is NOTHING like God
- Jesus is dialing up the contrast and comparing the judge to God to make a point.
4) So why does the judge relent?  What’s the point?
‘I don’t fear God or care about people, 5 but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’”
The judge doesn’t act because he feels the widow is deserving
The judge doesn’t act because he has compassion or God changes his heart
He only acts for one reason – her persistence!
How much more will your heavenly Father give justice if you cry out to him day and night. He will not put you off
5) Why do we need to keep praying? (Invite Pam Huntress up if time)
Vs. 8 - But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?”

17. John 8:44
“For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth,
Luke 11:5-8 5 Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him,6 ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ 7 And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’8 But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.

18. John 8:44
because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
Luke 11:5-8 5 Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him,6 ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ 7 And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’8 But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.

19. Jude 1:24-25
“To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—
Luke 11:9-13 MSG 9 “Here’s what I’m saying: Ask and you’ll get; Seek and you’ll find; Knock and the door will open  “Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing—you’re at least decent to your own children. And don’t you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?”

20. Jude 1:24-25
to the only God and Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”
Luke 11:9-13 MSG 9 “Here’s what I’m saying: Ask and you’ll get; Seek and you’ll find; Knock and the door will open  “Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing—you’re at least decent to your own children. And don’t you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?”