BRBC Bible Notes
Week by week, we post notes based on the theme of the Sunday service, so that people can follow them in their own personal devotions, in prayer triplets, or in the church life groups.
Parables Bible Studies
Bible Study # 9 : "Persistent Prayer and a Just God"
– Never Give Up
Main Passage:
Luke 18:1–8 (The Parable of the Unjust Judge)
---
Purpose of the Study
This Bible study is designed to:
· Encourage the church to remain faithful in prayer.
· Strengthen believers’ confidence in God’s justice and timing.
· Challenge our patience and perseverance in a culture of instant answers.
---
Opening Prayer
“Lord, teach us to pray with faith, boldness, and perseverance. Stir in us a holy determination to seek Your justice, trust Your heart, and never give up. Strengthen us as we wait on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
---
1. Read the Passage: Luke 18:1–8
Have someone read the passage aloud. Ask the group to reflect on the widow’s persistence and the judge’s indifference.
---
2. Context and Summary
Jesus tells this parable to encourage His disciples to always pray and not give up. A widow seeks justice from an unjust judge who doesn’t fear God or care about people. But her persistence wears him down, and he gives her what she wants. Jesus contrasts this with God’s character—He is not unjust, and He delights in answering His people’s cries. The real question is: “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”
---
3. Key Themes and Reflections
A. The Power of Persistent Prayer
· The widow is vulnerable, poor, and powerless—but she refuses to be silent or side-lined.
· Persistence in prayer is not nagging—it’s a sign of faith.
· Reflection Question: What does your prayer life say about your belief in God’s justice and goodness?
· Quote: “Pray hardest when it’s hardest to pray.” — Unknown
· Related Scripture:
o 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.”
o Colossians 4:2 – “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
---
B. God Is Not Like the Unjust Judge
· Jesus uses a contrast: if even a corrupt judge gives justice, how much more will a righteous God do for His people?
· God is not reluctant—He is willing, loving, and attentive.
· Reflection Question: What lies or doubts about God’s character might be holding you back from praying boldly?
· Quote: “God is never late, but He is rarely early.” — Corrie ten Boom
· Related Scripture:
o Psalm 145:18–19 – “The Lord is near to all who call on Him… He hears their cry and saves them.”
o Isaiah 30:18 – “The Lord longs to be gracious to you…”
---
C. Faith That Endures
· Jesus connects prayer with faith—those who trust God keep praying, even when answers delay.
· The parable ends with a searching question: “Will He find faith?” This implies that persistent prayer is a mark of living faith.
· Reflection Question: Are we more interested in instant results or in long-term faithfulness? Do we keep our faith hidden?
· Quote: “The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer.” — F.B. Meyer
· Related Scripture:
o Hebrews 11:6 – “Without faith it is impossible to please God…”
o Luke 11:9–10 – “Ask… seek… knock…”
---
4. A Word to the Church: Keep Knocking
This parable reminds the church to never give up:
· Prayer is a declaration of dependence on God.
· Justice may be delayed, but it is not denied.
· The Church must be a community of intercession, not just activity.
Challenge:
· Are we a church that prays first—or as a last resort?
· Do we persevere in prayer for justice, revival, healing, deliverance and the lost?
Group Discussion:
· What are some areas where we’ve grown weary in prayer?
· How can we support one another in persistent, believing prayer?
· Where might God find ‘faith’ in our fellowship?
---
5. A Call to Action: “He Will See That They Get Justice”
Jesus promises that God will act—not always in our time, but always in His perfect way.
Personal Application:
· Write down one area where you’ve been tempted to stop praying.
· Commit this week to bring it before God daily, with renewed faith.
· What size would you measure your faith? Why? How might it grow greater from there?
Church-Wide Application:
· Consider setting aside a time weekly for corporate prayer focused on justice, salvation, and breakthrough.
---
Closing Scripture Meditation
Romans 12:12 – "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
---
Final Prayer
“Father, thank You that You hear every cry and honour every prayer. Forgive us when we grow weary or doubtful. Renew our faith to believe You for great things. Teach us to persevere like the widow, and to trust like children in the care of a loving Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
---
To reflect on …
In Matthew 17:20 and Luke 17:6 the Greek phrases it “faith as a mustard seed” not “faith as small as a mustard seed” – there is no Greek word for ‘small’ there.
In other words, our faith is to be just like a mustard seed which though it may start off small, it grows and grows to ‘achieve’ bigger and bigger ‘results’ (ie. mountains and mulberries uprooted).
Faith is meant to grow.
For a printable version of this, and previous editions, please click here.
| |
Suggestions to help us pray this week |
|
| |
Updates on what's going on in our church |
|
| |
Inspiration and food for thought |
|