Sermon 131

📖 Sermon 131 – The Importunate Widow

Date: [no date given]
Text: Luke 18:1–8

Introduction

Jesus gives a parable “to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” The story of a helpless widow and an unjust judge teaches perseverance in prayer and confidence in God’s justice.

I. The Characters in the Parable

A. The judge
He “feared not God, neither regarded man.” No conscience, no compassion.

B. The widow
Weak, defenseless, without earthly resources. A picture of the believer’s dependence on God.

C. Her plea
“Avenge me of mine adversary.” A cry for justice.

II. The Widow’s Persistence

A. “She came unto him continually”
She refused to give up.

B. The judge’s hesitation
He ignores her, but her perseverance wears him down.

C. His decision
“I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.” Persisting prayer prevails even with unjust men.

III. The Lord’s Application

A. “Hear what the unjust judge saith”
If persistence moves a wicked judge, how much more will it move a righteous God?

B. God will avenge His elect
He hears their cry day and night.

C. “He will avenge them speedily”
Not necessarily immediately — but suddenly, decisively, in His time.

IV. The Question of Faith

A. “When the Son of Man cometh…”
His return is certain.

B. “…shall He find faith on the earth?”
Persevering prayer is the evidence of living faith.

C. True faith continues asking, seeking, knocking

Conclusion

This parable encourages weary saints to pray on and not lose heart. God is nothing like the unjust judge — He loves, He hears, and He will answer in perfect time. Let us persevere in prayer until the Lord returns.