Going the Distance
Mark Spurlock
Part of Truth Stories—Parables of Jesus
August 14, 2022

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Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1 
 
He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’” Luke 18:2-3
 
“For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming!’” Luke 18:4-5
 
And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?” Luke 18:6-7
 
“I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8
 

Three Applications

 
1. Find your

Reveal Answer

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer…
1 Peter 3:12a (See also: Matthew 6:6)

 
2. Remember

Reveal Answer

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 1 Peter 4:19

 
3. Live

Reveal Answer
in light of
Reveal Answer

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. Please read Luke 18:1-8. What’s one thing that stood out to you in last weekend’s sermon and why? Do you have a “prayer closet”? If not, where and when can you find one?
  2. Please read Psalm 6:9 and 1 Peter 3:12. How would you describe your prayer life right now? How are you struggling to know that God hears? What motivates you to ask God for help?
  3. Please read 1 Peter 4:19. How does our view of God affect our prayers and outlook on life? Take a moment to write down some words that describe God’s nature and then take a moment to pray and thank God for who He is. Ask Him to help you remember His character in the midst of your struggles.
  4. Please read 1 Peter 4:12-13. The Bible is full of reminders for us to live in anticipation of when Jesus returns. How can keeping this perspective motivate your faith? How might the promise of the Lord’s return encourage you today?

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