2 THESSALONIANS 3:1-6 - PAUL PLEADS FOR PRAYER AND PRAYS FOR THE PRAY-ERS

2 THESSALONIANS 3:1-6

PAUL PLEADS FOR PRAYER

AND PRAYS FOR THE PRAY-ERS

2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

As dynamic as Paul was, he still needed to implore intercession for his work. How much more should we as believers seek out those who we know are true intercessors to pray for us as we minister on behalf of the Lord. Note that Paul’s requests are always that the Lord be glorified and not for his own fame or gain. Paul was not a self-proclaimed gospel superstar. It was his intention to always brag on the Lord and his fellow believers. In his mind, he was just background support.  God was the superstar. Paul also acknowledged that the Lord was working mightily through the testimony of the believers at Thessalonica.

2 Thessalonians 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

Paul was praying for deliverance from or through the persecution from those without faith, the unbelieving. Again, what we see in Paul’s prayers regarding persecution is not a plea for his own ease but that the gospel would not be hindered in any way.  His prayer was for the preservation and unlimited proclamation of the Gospel, the good news that Jesus was the Son of God who died for our sins and was raised on the third day.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

Paul proclaimed God’s faithfulness to the Thessalonians believers. You can put your entire trust in the Lord Jesus Christ because He is the One who will not and cannot disappoint. He is the totality of God in a human body. He gave the same message to the Philippians:

Philippians 1:6 (KJV) Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

2 Thessalonians 3:4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

Paul expressed his certainty that the Thessalonian believers were obeying all he had taught them and would continue to follow and obey the Lord Jesus.  God keeps us on track by the prompting of the Holy Spirit, but we must be faithful to obey all He teaches us through His word.

2 Thessalonians 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

The church at Thessalonica was anxious for the return of Jesus, to see God move in grace and mighty power. Paul prayed the Lord would keep them centered in His love as they waited patiently for the fulfillment of His promises.

QUESTIONS:

1.               Paul asked the Thessalonians to pray for him as he preached. Do we remember to ask believers to intercede for us as we share the good the news?

2.               Do you pray for your pastoral staff? Missionaries? Other ministers you know?  Your prayers are even more valuable and essential than your monetary donations.

3.               The Lord has given us the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us. Are we following His promptings obediently?