Bible Study- Gospel According to Luke Chpt 11: 4-26 Ask, Seek, Knock plus Drives out demon

Hello everyone, Ryan here, and welcome back to our podcast series on the Gospel according to Luke! We’re excited to dive into Chapter 11 today, starting at verse 5. Last time, we explored the Lord’s Prayer as recorded in Luke, so if you missed that, I encourage you to check out the previous episode to get caught up.

Today, I’ll be reading from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). Feel free to grab your Bible or mobile app as we explore these powerful verses together.

A Persistent Request

Let’s jump right in at Luke 11:5:

“He also said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend and goes to him at midnight and says to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I don’t have anything to offer him.”’”

The scenario Jesus presents highlights the importance of persistence in prayer. The friend, though initially reluctant, responds to the bold request, emphasizing that sometimes it’s our shamelessness in asking that prompts a response. Jesus continues, encouraging us to ask, seek, and knock, assuring that those who do will receive.

The Nature of Good Gifts

Jesus further illustrates his point with a relatable analogy:

“What father among you, if his son asked for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? Or if he asked for an egg, will give him a scorpion?”

This analogy serves to remind us of God’s desire to give good gifts to His children. Despite our imperfections, we know how to give meaningful gifts, so how much more will our heavenly Father provide for us? When we ask with the right intentions, grounded in faith, God delights in responding to our needs.

The Call for Boldness

In our spiritual journeys, it’s crucial to ask boldly and not shy away from prayer, thinking we’re bothering God. Some may feel their requests are trivial, especially when faced with the world's bigger problems. However, God is capable of handling everything—both our small worries and global crises. He desires to hear from us and be involved in every aspect of our lives.

As we grow in faith, our desires often align more closely with His will. I’ve learned that the more I pray and engage with God, the better I understand His plans for me.

The Authority of Christ

Shifting gears, let’s look at Luke 11:14, where Jesus drives out a demon from a mute man. The crowd reacts with amazement, yet some accuse Him of doing so by the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of demons. Jesus counters this accusation by asserting that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, making a clear distinction that He acts by the power of God.

“If I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.”

This powerful assertion not only reinforces His divine authority but also challenges us to recognize who stands with us in our spiritual battles.

The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance

Continuing in verse 24, Jesus teaches about an unclean spirit that returns to a person it left. It finds the house swept clean and then brings back more evil spirits, resulting in a worse condition. This serves as a sobering reminder that simply cleaning up our lives isn’t enough; we must actively fill our hearts with God’s presence.

As believers, we face spiritual warfare daily. The enemy waits to exploit any unguarded moments, and it’s crucial to remain vigilant and rooted in God’s Word. Engaging with Scripture equips us to combat the lies and doubts that may arise.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our discussion of Luke Chapter 11, I hope you’ve gained insights that inspire you on your journey of faith. Don’t hesitate to reach out with your thoughts and comments. If you’re enjoying this series, please like, subscribe, and share with family and friends!

Remember, God desires an active relationship with you, welcoming your requests and prayers. May you find inspiration and peace as you engage with Scripture in your daily life. Until next time, may God's peace fill your day!