Bible Study Luke 18: The Power of Persistent Prayer and Humble Faith (Part 1)

Welcome to Part One of today’s Bible study of Luke Chapter 18.

1. There is something to learn from the widow in this chapter. It is her consistent demand for justice. With the judge’s nonchalance, she should have gotten tired, but she did not, and she did not give up. It was rather the judge who gave in to her demand, vs. 4–5, for fear that she would wear him out with her consistency. We should learn from the widow the art of consistency in prayer. Many of us pray once and get tired. We get tired of praying the same prayer, whereas the solution might just be in our consistency. Jesus also points out that God will bring justice in vs. 7 to His chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night. God will not only answer His people, but He would do so quickly. Jesus asks a final question: “Will He find faith on earth when He returns?” vs. 8. Will Jesus find us praying and trusting that He will answer us, no matter how long it takes? Will our faith wear out, or will our prayer fire die out?

2. God wants us to increase in faith and not pride. God wants us to increase in faith and not self-righteousness. The Pharisee exemplified self-righteousness against the tax collector before God, vs. 11. How many times have we acted like the Pharisee? It is time for us to retrace our steps. It is our faith in God that should increase, not our pride, not self-aggrandisement, or arrogance. Jesus says in vs. 14, “Those who humble themselves will be exalted.” It is time for us to introspect and change our heart’s posture towards God.

Prayer Points

a. Gracious Father, help me to never get tired of praying.

b. Father, increase my faith in You.