Gospel Advancement in Prayer3/17/2024 ![]() 2 Thessalonians 3:1 ~ "Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you." There are great advancements of the Word of God that launch into the world, and much of the advancement begins in the prayers of God's people. Consider, for a moment, the great saints of bygone days who, in courageous effort, spoke boldly the word of God and found the hearts of their hearers open to the power of the gospel. If you look, you might discover that those great saints were upheld in their endeavors through the faithful prayers of God's people. On this day, one such man of God is honored--Patrick of Ireland, a servant of the Lord and missionary to the people of that island. And though a legendary figure to some, Patrick was truly just a faithful and courageous evangelist who brought the gospel to the Celtic people. And now, dear ones, what has happened with the word of God among you? As Paul addressed the Thessalonian believers, he reflected on the truth that God's word was received with honor among them. And now he seeks the prayers of the people of that church that the message should speed along and be honored among others as well. Has the word of God found its rightful place of honor in your heart? Consider the courageous soul who first told you of the saving grace of Christ. Think of those who, in faithfulness, watered that first planted seed of truth and prayed for you that you should find the salvation of the Lord. And now, beloved, think of all those who never met you--and yet prayed for that person who introduced you to Christ that the word of God would speed its way to your heart and be honored because you came to believe. And now, dear friends, look ahead to those who have yet to hear of the saving grace of Jesus. Are there those, like the Apostle Paul, who are striving against the wind and tide of resistance to the message of Christ? Then you owe it to that person to lift them up in prayer. Even as Paul asked for prayer, so these saints who go forward with the gospel seek the prayers of the church as well. But what should you pray? Even as the apostle sought--pray that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored. Consider another request for prayer from Colossians 4:3, "At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison." And, as all good servants of Christ, the Apostle Paul does not ask of the church what he is also not willing to do--as he prays for his friend Philemon, "And I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ" (Philemon 1:6). You may not be one who is on the "front lines" of the spiritual battle to advance the gospel of Jesus, but you are called upon to pray for those who are. So let us do as the word entreats--pray for the advancement of the word of God, and that it will be honored by others as it is with us. In His Grace, Pastor Michael
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply.From the Mountains to the SeaEvery step we take on this journey called life ought to be used for greater understanding. I've lived from the mountains to the sea, and this blog is my personal thoughts and observations with a desire for Biblical understanding. Welcome. Featured BookArchives
December 2024
Categories
All
|
|
© COPYRIGHT 2023. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
|