That the Word would run vigorously...

Normal Christianity in Extreme Times – 2 Thessalonians Series – Part 8

An Urgent Word

(2 Thessalonians 3:1-5, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, February 16, 2014)

[3:1] Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, [2] and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.

Paul wrote at least two letters to the church in Thessalonica when he was in Corinth. After persecution thrust him out of Thessalonica, he went on to Berea, only to have angry Jews from Thessalonica come after him there. Then he was sent by sea to Athens, and finally made his way to Corinth where he stayed for many months. “Brothers, pray for us.” Paul wanted to see the Word of the Lord presented and honored everywhere, and especially where he was at that time.

“Not all have faith.” Paul knew well about the enemies to the gospel in Corinth. He knew that his life was in danger, but that was not his primary concern in seeking prayer. He said in another place, “I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24) He was not panicking, but he was praying and asking other Christians to pray. Many sought to stop the Word. Paul was praying that it would run ahead vigorously.

[3] But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. [4] And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. [5] May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

We still want a speedy work in our day. Our time on this earth is brief and we have a job to do. When we have gospel liberty we need to use it. We are asking the Lord to do a good work. What is our confidence in this prayer? “The Lord is faithful.” He is faithful to His own plan, and His plan is to use His church in every place and time. Yes, there is an angelic adversary and there are human adversaries who are on the devil's side. Fear not. The Lord will hear your prayers.

Paul believed that God would use the prayers of the persecuted Christians in Thessalonica to make a difference in the work in Corinth. He believed that the Lord would direct the hearts of His people to the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ. The same determination that kept Jesus at His post during three hours of darkness would keep the Thessalonian church faithful in prayer and Paul solid in preaching, and the Lord would do a great work in Corinth. And He did.

Put the Word to Work: Pray for the Word to run effectively all over the world with confidence in Christ's ability to work through His church. There is a race to be run. Consider the steadfastness of Jesus, and keep praying that the Word would speed ahead. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Singing Psalm 27:10-11 from Trinity Psalter

Though parents may betray, / The Lord will care for me. / Teach me, O LORD, Your way; On level path lead me. / For me my foes in ambush wait; / My way is lined with those who hate.

A Second Thessalonians Hymn – Verse 8 (Louisville, SM)

We speak an urgent Word—

A Word from God Most High.

Though enemies would still our voice,

The Lord will hear our cry—

The Lord will hear our cry.