Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2
I continue my pause of my study of 1 Corinthians as I participate in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church. This morning, on week 3-day 4, my focus is a deeper review of 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 with the assistance of DesiringGod.com's Look at the Book (Lab) "Offense and Defense in Prayer for the Word 2 Thessalonians 3:1–5, Part 1" to unpack the text. In the lab, John Piper looks at how Paul seeks prayer. The lab starts with John Piper looking back at 2 Thessalonians 3:16-17 and how Paul prays for the Thessalonians. Piper then explores how Paul pivots to seeking prayer in two ways in 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2:
- Piper notes that Paul first seeks prayer not for himself but for the Word of the Lord to "speed ahead and be honored; Piper uses a translation that describes how the Word must run, using the analogy of an athlete running a race to get a crown and to outrun all opponents (opposition to the Word); see also 1 Corinthians 9, 2 Timothy 2:9, James 4:2; Piper shares a convicting thought - that the world is different when you pray, then when it does not - we MUST pray; on this prayer Piper describes that when the word wins (over suffering/affliction/persecution) for us personally - we experience joy; see also 1 Thessalonians 1:4-6); this is described as a prayer that is positive or offense
- Paul then prays that he be delivered from wicked and evil men, specifically opposition to their efforts to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ; see also Romans 15:30-31); the reason Paul acts for this prayer for protection is that "faith is not of all" and Piper suggests that can be understood not simply as not everyone has faith (true of course) but that God appoints some with faith (election) and not others; see also 1 Thessalonians 1:4 and Acts 13:48-49 where this "appointment" or "choosing" (election) is used; Piper concludes the Lab but referring us to Acts 13:48-49 as he shares that this and here in 2 Thessalonians 3:1 are the only two places in the New Testament where the Word is described as running or spreading and being glorified/honored; the prayer for protection is described as a prayer that is negative or defense
Thank You God for this convicting message on prayer!
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus - You are so good! Thank You for this message for how You provide Yourself through Your Word and for the Holy Spirit, my brothers and sisters in Christ, etc. - all to keep me close to You. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love and blessings. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
