Don't Give Up

Don’t Give Up

Luke 11:5-10

April 24, 2005

Luke 11:5-6(NLT)

Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this illustration: "Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You would say to him, [6] ’A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’

A Need Identified

• Company’s coming

– Hospitality was valued

• Hebrews 13:2

Hebrews 13:2 (NLT)

Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!

A Need Identified

• Company’s coming

– Hospitality was valued

• Hebrews 13:2

• The need is beyond your means

– No quick fix

– No resources

– Your inability is revealed

The Help of a Friend

• Friendship defines the nature of your relationship

– Are you God’s friend?

• James 2:23

James 2:23 (NLT)

And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: "Abraham believed God, so God declared him to be righteous." He was even called "the friend of God."

The Help of a Friend

• Friendship defines the nature of your relationship

– Are you God’s friend?

• James 2:23

• 24 hour accessibility

– Help sought at the hour of need

– Freedom to ask based on relationship

Luke 11:7 (NLT)

He would call out from his bedroom, ’Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and we are all in bed. I can’t help you this time.’

Delayed Provisions

• 3 outcomes to prayer

– Yes

– No

– Wait

• God knows your needs

– Matthew 10:29-31

– Your need doesn’t catch Him off guard

Matthew 10:29-31 (NLT)

Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. [30] And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. [31] So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.

Luke 11:8 (NLT)

But I tell you this—though he won’t do it as a friend, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you what you want so his reputation won’t be damaged.

The Changing Power of Persistence

• Persistence overcomes our insensitivity and apathy

– Creates passion

– Makes us more aware of God’s working

• Persistence purifies motives

Luke 11:9 (NLT)

"And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened.

The Process of Prayer

• Prayer is a continuous and ongoing process

– Prayer is rooted in the confidence that God will meet the need of His friend

• God promises that He will be found by those who diligently seek Him

– Deuteronomy 4:29

– Isaiah 65:1

Deuteronomy 4:29 (NLT)

From there you will search again for the Lord your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.

Isaiah 65:1 (NLT)

The Lord says, "People who never before inquired about me are now asking about me. I am being found by people who were not looking for me. To them I have said, ’I am here!’

Luke 11:10 (NLT)

For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.

Promises to Live By

• God has already made provision for you

– Luke 12:24

Luke 12:24 (NLT)

Look at the ravens. They don’t need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!

Promises to Live By

• God has already made provision for you

– Luke 12:24

• God wants to hear about your problems

– Philippians 4:6

Philippians 4:6 (NLT)

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Promises to Live By

• God has already made provision for you

– Luke 12:24

• God wants to hear about your problems

– Philippians 4:6

• No request is too big or too small

– Philippians 4:19

Philippians 4:19 (NLT)

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

**Powerpoint available on request