(Luke 11:5-13)

I. The parable of persistence delivered in contrasts (11:5-8)

A. A request made at an inconvenient time (cf. Psalm 74:16)
B. The request initially denied (cf. 1 Peter 3:12)
C. The reluctance of the friend (cf. 1 John 5:14-15)

II. Our responsibility in prayer (11:9-13)

A. Ask (James 1:5-8)
B. Seek (Deuteronomy 4:29; Matthew 6:33)
C. Knock (Matthew 9:37-38; Galatians 6:10)
D. The contrast between evil men and God (11:11-13)

III. Praying for the Holy Spirit (11:13)

A. The Bible is its own best interpreter!
B. The Holy Spirit stands for the “good things” He does (Matthew 7:11)
C. The background of Jesus’ words is Joel 2:28-32, looking forward to Pentecost (John 16:7-8; Mark 9:1; Acts 1:8; 2:4; 8:16-19)

Luke 11:14-23

I. Reactions to the miracle

A. “The multitudes marveled” (Luke 11:14)
B. “Others…sought a sign from heaven” (Luke 11:16, 29-32)
C. “He casts out demons by Beelzebub” (Luke 11:15; cf. 23:2)

II. Christ responds to the slander

A. Exposing absurdity (Luke 11:17-18)
B. Exposing inconsistency (Luke 11:19)
C. “The kingdom of God has come upon you” (Luke 11:20; cf. Exodus 8:16-19)

III. A parable showing superiority and strength

A. The strong man = Satan (Luke 11:21)
B. The stronger man = Jesus Christ (Luke 11:22)

IV. In spiritual warfare, there can be no neutrality

A. We must be engaged and united in the fight for the faith (Luke 11:23)
B. Attitudes of apathy and indifference are deadly (Revelation 3:14-19; 1 Corinthians 15:58)