DON’T LOSE HEARTLuke 18: 1-8

DON’T GIVE UPBishop Flynn

Johnson

1Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart,

Luke 18: 1 NASB

2saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man.

3“There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’

Luke 18: 2,3 NASB

4“For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man,

5yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’ ”Luke 18: 4,5 NASB

6And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge said;

7now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?

8“I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

Luke 18: 6-8 NASB

1Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit.

2He said, “There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people.

Luke 18: 1,2 MESSAGE

3A widow in that city kept after him: ‘My rights are being violated. Protect me!’

4“He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, ‘I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people thinkLuke 18: 3,48 MESSAGE

5But because this widow won’t quit badgering me, I’d better do something and see that she gets justice—otherwise I’m going to end up beaten black-and-blue by her pounding.’ ”

6Then the Master said, “Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? Luke 18: 5,6 MESSAGE

7So what makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won’t he stick up for them?

8I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?”Luke 18: 7,8 MESSAGE

Don’t Lose Heart: PUSH (Pray Until Something Happens)

Don’t Lose Heart: PUSH (Pray Until Something Happens)DON’T:

a. Succumb to feelings of failureb. React negatively to unanswered

prayerc. Procrastinate in response to the

Lord’s commands d. Cease praying when the answers to

prayer do not appear immediatelye. Return to the old ways of sin when

you are frustrated with God

How Do We Interpret This Parable?1. The widow is the church praying for protection and justification against her adversary.

21“You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. 22“You shall not afflict any widow or orphan. 23“If you afflict him at all, and if he does cry out to Me, I will surely hear his cry; 24and My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.

Exodus 22:21–24

How Do We Interpret This Parable?2. The widow’s adversary is Satan who takes

advantage of the weak and the ignorant.

10Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. 11“And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.

Revelation 12:10–11

How Do We Interpret This Parable?3. The unjust Judge is the tool of Satan who abuses authority over souls and resources.

1The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.

Proverbs 21:1

How Do We Interpret This Parable?4. Justice for God’s elect who cry out day and night against our adversary is answered prayer for the lost and for resources.

How Do We Interpret This Parable?5. “Quickly” is the manifestation of answered prayer 

a. God’s definition of speedy is not the same as ours.

b. God’s delay does not represent God’s reluctance.

c. Desperation produces change.

At the 15-year mark I said, “This is absurd.” At the 19- year mark I said, “I’m just a fool.” But

I just kept trying, kept praying. Even with weak faith

I kept praying. Then she gave here life to Christ, and she was baptized today. I will

never doubt the power of prayer again.”

PERSISTANCE:She said, ‘My mom was baptized today. I prayed for her every day for almost 20 years. The reason I’m crying is because I came so close to giving up on her. At the 5-year mark I said, “Who needs this? God isn’t listening.” At the 10-year mark I said, “Why am I wasting my breath?”

Don’t Lose Heart; Never Give Up!1. God is a God of Mercy; He knows how much

you can take.

1Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart,

2 Corinthians 4:1

Don’t Lose Heart; Never Give Up!2. Do not be afraid of your outward situation. Listen to the Word of the Lord.

16Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:16

Don’t Lose Heart; Never Give Up!3. Keep doing the right thing! Your refusal to

quit will bring about your due season.

9Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

Galatians 6:9

Don’t Lose Heart; Never Give Up!4. When you see your leaders suffering, keep

believing and praying for them. Their pain will end up being a blessing for you.

13Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory. Ephesians 3:13

Don’t Lose Heart; Never Give Up!5. Keep working, planning, and praying.

13But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.

2 Thessalonians 3:13

10For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.

11For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.

12Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. 2 Thessalonians 3:10–12

13But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.

14If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame.

15Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

2 Thessalonians 3:13–15

DON’T LOSE HEARTLuke 18: 1-8

DON’T GIVE UPBishop Flynn

Johnson