Sermon Tone Analysis
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Introduction
Introduction
Did God tweak your spiritual lenses this week?
We talked about upside-down vision and how we see the Kingdom as upside-down until Jesus corrects our lenses.
You’re going to get another tweak today, just to give you fair warning…
Do you believe the Spirit of God is here today?
Do you believe Jesus is guiding this church family?
I like to plan ahead as much as possible, but God’s timing is far above anything I could do.
Today is the start of the Fresh Encounters Prayer Focus.
The message today is on prayer.
I did not plan that except in prayer asking God to lead us and to give me the messages to preach and when does He want to start the prayer focus.
I didn’t even see it until this week that all those had lined up to today.
And it has been working that way over the past six months.
Yes – we have been here for six months.
This passage is only in Luke, but fits in the same series of parables and teachings as our other recent messages on unworthy servant, faith like a child, and the rich man whose wealth was an idol.
Talking to the disciples, Jesus concludes with warnings about the end times.
Jesus then gives encouragement to not give up in their prayers.
Studying
Two stories on prayer.
First, faith and persistence.
Second, humility and confession.
Persistent Prayer
Persistent Prayer
Read
v.1 them = likely disciples from c.17
them = likely disciples from c.17
Purpose of parable stated clearly – pray always, never give up
Judge and widow.
Widow had no representation before judge.
Seeking justice (something to be made right)
vv.4-5 judge not willing but gives in after her persistence
Jesus goes to extremes – poor widow pestering godless/unjust judge, elect/chosen petitioning the faithful/just God.
luke 18:If the unjust judge will answer the least, how much more our Father with His children.
If the unjust judge will answer the least, how much more our Father with His children.
Elect = chosen, children
v.7.
cry out to God day and night – not pestering but persistent in bringing a concern to God
delay?
Swiftly grant them justice = make the situation right
luke 18:v.8
Nevertheless = however = even so…
v.8 Nevertheless = however = even so…
Will Jesus find faith when He returns?
Faith, persistence.
Point of first story – here is the character of God, what is your character?
God is faithful, do you also have faith?
Pray always, don’t give up.
Like the widow, stay faithful until Jesus returns.
(previous chapter)
Humble Prayer
Read
v.9 Jesus changes his focus – directs this parable to the self-righteous (usually Pharisees)
v.9 Jesus changes his focus – directs this parable to the self-righteous (usually Pharisees)
v.10 praying in the temple
again with contrast of extremes – Pharisee and tax collector
v.11
So glad I’m not like that scum
v.12 Does he really need to remind God how good he has been?
v.12 Does he really need to remind God how good he has been?
Who is the focus of the Pharisee’s prayer??? Boasting on himself
Pharisee went beyond normal requirement of fasting and tithing, so he considered himself to be better than good.
Comparison to others less spiritual – is that healthy or helpful?
We do this often, as individuals, as groups, as churches… Political comparison = democrat vs. republican.
Polar stance on any issue, theme, cause, position.
With the Pharisee, there is no sense of sin, or need, or humble dependence on God.
v.13 But the Tax collector
humble posture – standing far off, wouldn’t look up, mourning
– humbled at the recognition of his sin.
(divide the slide into two at ;)
v.14 result?
Humble sinner justified.
Proud bragger not.
result?
Humble sinner justified.
Proud bragger not.
Another upside-down moment – role reversal = self-righteous religious leader rejected, sinner accepted.
Exalt, be humbled.
Humble, be exalted.
vv.15-17 Jesus goes on to say be humble like this child.
When we recognize our true standing in the face of our Father, admit failure and confess our sin, He lifts us up and makes us right (justified).
What To Pray
Begin with Have mercy on me a sinner
james 5:13-18
healing, forgiveness, praises, end suffering
(highlight words in verses)
healing, forgiveness, praises, end suffering
wisdom, in faith, otherwise double-minded and don’t receive anything
(combine 7-8)
wisdom, in faith, otherwise double-minded and don’t receive anything
unity with Jesus and each other, as the Father and Son are one.
unity with Jesus and each other, as the Father and Son are one.
workers in the harvest, now go.
(just 3a Go Now)
workers in the harvest, now go.
Pray for the souls of men, women, and children around us.
Another example – The Lord’s prayer.
Conclusion
In both stories – humility, faith, faithfulness.
Seeking justice, seeking forgiveness.
Prayer – communication with God through Jesus.
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