PRAYER FOR PAUL
Scripture Reading - 2 Thessalonians 3:1,2
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:
2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. KJV
In these two verses of scripture the Apostle Paul is speaking about prayer. The Apostle is requesting prayer for himself and his fellow ministers. The request was not for general prayer but rather specifically that God’s Word would pour out of them unhindered. This has a twofold meaning because it usually takes at least two factors for the Word of God to flow freely. The first is that the minister must be bold in speaking forth their revelations from God’s Word. We are ministers of God’s Word as Disciples of Christ, therefore we too must be bold to speak or teach God’s Word to who ever can receive from us. Secondly, another major factor is the physical (natural) freedom of speech to project the message of Jesus without outward opposition. In the days of the Apostle Paul the Holy Bible notes of many Christians suffering great persecution because of their personal stand for Jesus. This is still going on in certain nations of the world where the gospel of Jesus is forbidden. The knowledge of Jesus is the Salvation of our soul and for that reason we are compelled and encouraged to share these truths with anyone who is open to receive us. The Apostle points out the main purpose of every message preached or taught is for the glorification of God. This would be a lot easier if we did not have an enemy resisting our advances. The major hindrance that the enemy uses is still the deceitfulness of the world’s system. Knowing this fact reveals to us that we should pray for deliverance from government officials and religion leaders that are unreasonable and void of faith. Many of the unreasonable are wicked and choose not to have faith in God because of their own pride and deception of heart. Since the Body of Christ knows this fact we should pray that the leadership over the land shall not stop, delay or hinder the Lord’s work in any way, shape, form or fashion. We must also include that the ministers of the Lord would boldly preach God’s Word without hesitation, reservation or fear. Believers must thank God that the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ has favor with all local, state and federal authorities. Since this scripture teaches us to seek deliverance from unreasonable and wicked men we can expect favor when we need it. All people should be able see the fruit of God’s Word living big within the ministers and members of the Body of Christ. Amen!