Finally, Brethren, Pray for Us (Originally written November 17, 2009)

Currently, we are all sitting at the airport in Memphis awaiting our flight. Unlike this country, men do not have the freedom to preach the Gospel in all areas overseas (although, it can be argued that this freedom is disappearing in America as we speak). India is one such country without that freedom. To my understanding, it is illegal to preach the gospel in India. God’s law superseding the laws of man, we will preach regardless (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 4:19). For those reading this, I have one request. It is the same request Paul made to those in his final letter to those in Thessalonica.

“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.” (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2).

Paul ends this second letter with a request for prayer concerning a number of things.

PRAY FOR US

“Us” would consist of Paul, Silas, and Timothy. At this time, these three preachers were in Corinth laboring for the Lord. It is not a selfish thing to ask for prayer, especially when the work of the Lord is involved. In fact, it is always encouraging to know that there are those who are praying for you in trying times.

PRAY FOR THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST

They were requested to pray that the gospel is able to be spread where he travels without restraint. The idea is that the gospel might be able to “run” freely across the world with no opposition. Paul had endured many hardships in his lifetime while spreading the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). He was well aware of the trials and tribulations which could occur. There are many men who will do their best to hinder the work of sound, faithful gospel preachers. Paul requested his brethren pray that these hindrances be removed so the gospel could be heard. God is the only one who can remove these obstructions. Prayer was needed that this would occur. This “running” of the Gospel would result in the glorification of God’s Word. This glorying of the Gospel would come from the obedience of men and women - those who were willing to obey God’s Will and become His children. This was evident in the fact that many in Thessalonica had glorified the Word by this very action.

PRAY FOR DELIVERANCE

Paul asked his brethren to pray for deliverance from wicked men. During the time of this writing he was experiencing troubling times (Acts 18). In fact, it seems that physical danger may have seemed so close that God told Paul that he would be safe (Acts 18:10). There are those who would stir up the masses and/or government in the hopes of stopping the gospel because they have no use for it. Paul had to contend with Judaizers and Gnostics. He requested that his brethren pray for deliverance from these who had no use for the faith.

As Paul asked the Thessalonian church for prayers, I ask for the same. “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.” (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2). Thank you, and may God bless you.