Expository Outlines Luke 11:5-8 And he said to them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves;… I. A CASE SUPPOSED. If reluctant and hard-hearted men thus yield to the influence of importunity, how much more will the blessed God, who delights in bestowing benefits upon the needy, grant the requests of those who call upon Him! II. AN EXHORTATION ADDRESSED. 1. The true nature of prayer. It is simply a matter of asking and receiving. There are some who view prayer altogether in reference to its influence upon the minds of those who engage in it. That it has such an influence is undoubted; but over and above its soothing, elevating, purifying effects, there are direct and positive blessings to be looked for in answer to our requests. The labour of the husbandman is beneficial to him; in itself it is so; being conducive to his health and strength — to the invigoration of his powers both of body and mind. But it is not on that account that he labours. He expects an actual crop; and he goes forth and sees, first the blade, then the ear, and then the full corn in the ear. And so with prayer. 2. The proper spirit of prayer. Earnestness and importunity. "If the arrow of prayer is to enter heaven, we must draw it from a soul full bent." 3. The certain success of prayer. III. A TOUCHING ARGUMENT EMPLOYED. "HOW much more?" As much more as God is higher than man; as much more as God is holier than man; as much more as God is better than man — so much more will He give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him. (Expository Outlines.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; |
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