Tenth Sunday After Pentecost (Series C)
July 24th, 2016
Gospel: Luke 11:1-13
Epistle: Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19)
Lesson: Genesis 18:(17-19) 20-33
Psalm: Psalm 138
CLB Commentary – Dr. David Veum
CLICK HERE to download Dr. Veum’s sermon on this text
After the request of the disciples to be taught to pray and the giving of the model prayer, this pericope gives two major teaching points about prayer.
1. God loves that we ask him.
It’s important to get right the meaning of anaideia (verse 8), which is translated “boldness” in the NIV, 1984 with the footnoted alternate reading, “persistence.” The alternate reading has led some to press the point that we must keep begging God persistently to answer our prayers. The translation “shamelessness” or “shameless persistence” demonstrates what Jesus is really teaching. The man in need went to his friend at night, and his friend responded because of the high value which the man placed on their relationship. The man needing bread knew that his friend would respond because he was his friend. When we go to God and ask, we are demonstrating that we trust our heavenly Father and that we think enough of our relationship to ask him. To pray is an expression of faith.
2. God always gives us what we need most.
What is it that we most need? Is our greatest need included in one of the petitions of the Lord’s Prayer? Do we need God’s will, God’s forgiveness, our daily bread, or protection from the evil one above all else? The answer is found in the last phrase of the text. God gives us his Holy Spirit when we pray. The Holy Spirit gives us faith to trust the promises of God and to boldly ask for what we need. The Holy Spirit teaches us to pray all of the petitions of the Lord’s Prayer.