Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

Having traveled to third world country to preach, knowing the challenges of such work, Paul’s prayer request touches a chord with me.  There are wonderful families who are willing to sacrifice the comforts of America to live under extreme hardship to preach in foreign lands.  I can think of times when I have doubted my own work because it was obvious the prospect was more interested in my American money than the gospel of Christ.  Yet, I have also been inspired by the faithful remnant who continues to serve the Lord in extremely difficult circumstances.

Paul reminds the Thessalonians that their part in his work is prayer.  Prayer is a mighty power and we must use it.  The success of the missionary also depends upon the prayers of the faithful. Those who offer such petitions are also helpers in the work.

First, Paul asks them to pray that the gospel might “have free course”.  There were grave hindrances presented by the Jews and their prejudices, or the Romans and their jealousy.  Paul commands the saints to pray for the gospel to run the race unimpeded.  Saints must continue to pray that such great opportunities might continue and doors opened in all parts of the World.  Pray for the spread of the gospel.  Pray for God to open the way!  

Next, Paul commands them to pray that God be glorified.  The gospel is God’s power to salvation (Rom.1:16).  It is glorified when it is accepted and obeyed.  God is honored by the well-ordered lives and joyful hearts influenced by the gospel.  The gospel is exalted when a saint dies with the assurance of eternal life.

Finally, we must pray for God’s servants.  Pray for their deliverance from unreasonable and wicked men who are God’s enemies.  Unruly men used the judgment seat, physical pain and other serious threats to destroy the life of Paul.  He bids the Thessalonians to pray for his release! 

Pray constantly for the success of the gospel.  Christ bids you. His apostles bid you.  The missionary needs your supplications.

By George Slover


 

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. (Hebrews 11:13)

Several years ago I was working with a prospect having serious problems with alcohol.  Several studies led them to baptism.  However, it was not long after their baptism that old habits raised their ugly head.  The result was two years of trying to counsel this person in how to overcome their addiction.  

There were times when things went smoothly for this person.  However, there were moments when they would confess:  “I messed up again”.  Then they would ask:  “Why do I keep messing up?”  Ultimately, the decision to abstain from the world or to yield to temptation is a faith issue.

I encouraged this new Christian to develop daily habits that would help them with their addiction.  Habits such as daily Bible reading, daily prayer, and frequent connection with someone “spiritual” (Galatians 6:1) to whom they were accountable can benefit the addict.  Learning to stay away from places where they are tempted, and staying busy with things that are productive is also helpful.  But, if one is to really change, they must change their perspective.  They must develop a heavenly perspective!

The heavenly perspective means we must learn to deny ourselves.  (Galatians 2:20)  Self-denial is hard.  How does one say “no” to self in a world that says “no” to nothing?  Jesus provides an answer.

In Luke 9:19 Jesus asked his disciples: “who do you say that I am?" (Luke 9:20)
Peter answered and said, "The Christ of God." (Luke 9:20)  Thoughts of Jesus being the anointed of God may have prompted thoughts of exaltation and glory.  However, this was not to be the fate of Jesus: "The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day." (Luke 9:22)   Jesus followed this prediction by saying: "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)   The very life of Jesus was the model of true discipleship.  The cost is high, but we must learn to deny our self.

The heavenly perspective also includes saying “yes” to God’s final reward.  It is easier to have a greater confidence in the tangible (the bottle of alcohol) than in an invisible heaven.  We are so easily motivated by what we touch and feel- by instant gratification. The true disciple embraces (Hebrews 11:13) and seeks (Hebrews 11:14) a home they’ve never seen.  Thus, gratification is deferred for the moment.  They acknowledge they are sojourners in this world.  For the time being they must endure the pain and wait for heavenly bliss.

Paul says:  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)  What about you?  Do you believe?

By George Slover

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)

A disciple must not be satisfied until he does all and becomes all his master wishes.  In the fifth chapter of Galatians, we are instructed to put away the works of the flesh.  However, if we think that putting away worldly things is all Jesus requires, we are sorely mistaken.  The follower of Christ must also learn to be a servant. (Galatians 5:13, 14), and he must emulate the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22)

In chapter 6 Paul continues these thoughts with the principle of sowing and reaping. (Galatians 6:9)  We must not sow the seeds of fleshy desires.  But, we must sow seeds that will reap the fruit of goodness in others.  Sowing to the Spirit involves “doing good to all men”.  Consider some of the features of this command.

The adjective “good” is commonly used to designate what is morally excellent.  Here this word is qualified by the context.  Thus, “doing good” would involve restoring an erring brother. (Galatians 6:1)   It would involve sharing the load when the burden becomes too heavy. (Galatians 6:2)  We often think of “good’ in the sense of physical benevolence.  However, the emphasis in this context is “soul good”.  The greatest gift the disciple of Christ can give is not bread for the table (John 6:27), but bread for the eternal soul. (John 6:35)

Paul says this command is to be executed when opportunity arises.  The imperative is to be obeyed while we have the “season” for doing so, for the time will come (Galatians 6:9) when there will be no more sowing, only reaping.  Thus, while we have life with our mental and physical capacities, we must be vigilant in seeking opportunities to “do good”.  Our objective must not be prompted by when it is convenient for us, but by an obligation to meet the spiritual needs of others.

We are commanded to “do good to all men”.   Here Paul means both saints and non-saints alike.  We know this because he includes the saints with the phrase:  especially to those who are of the household of faith.  We must be interested in the spiritual welfare of all men, but especially of those of our spiritual household.

There are many discouragements in well-doing.  We may not care for the discomforts it brings.  There are times when a solution seems impossible, or it appears that others are not cooperating, but we must not be weary.  This present life is the season for well-doing.  In the next life, we will no longer be reclaiming sinners.  In the morning let us sow generously.  In the evening we will reap, if we do not lose heart.

By George Slover

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14) Modern cooperations and organizations often use mission statements to motivate its team members.  The New Testament is full of such statements for disciples of Christ.  The verses above contain thoughts that should inspire us.   Paul states that his “calling” (vs. 14) is a “heavenly calling”. Paul’s mission statement is marked by strong “purpose words”: “I press on”(vs.12); and “this one thing I do”. (vs.13). A magnifying glass when used to focus the rays of the sun on a flammable object is potent.  Such a concentration of power is able to start a forest fire!  Here Paul with, one specific, single goal in his mind, is pressing on, hastening to run the race.  He is determined to remove all of the distractions, and to aim all his energy toward the goal. What is Paul’s goal?  In verse 14 he calls it the “mark”.  We might think of the “mark” as a target or moral end.  In verse 12 he tells us his target is complete maturity in Christ.  A previous verse (vs.10) spells out the specific goals: “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death”.  In summary, Paul’s mission was to grow in Christ-likeness.  It is the mark of perfect holiness.  Every thing else in life must be subservient to this goal. Every step must bring us closer to Christ in character and fellowship. Just how does Paul plan to reach his goal?  First, he must forget the past. Past attainments can give one a false sense of security.  Past regrets can discourage one from persevering. Thus, one must not look back, but forge on.  Second, he must reach forward.  It is like an athlete stretching toward the goal with all of his energy.  Any growth in holiness and self-denial will require such persistence. Paul’s heavenly calling is our calling as well.  His mission must be our mission.  Print out this verse and post it on the refrigerator door.  God is calling us to heavenly things.  In the end our pursuit of such attainments will make life worth living and God will give us the crown. By George Slover

Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

As America approaches another election year, I’ve thought about the above verses.  In the context, Jeremiah is forecasting the Chaldean invasion of Judah and the total destruction that would accompany this invasion.  Judah cannot boast in her wisdom, might, or riches.  She can only boast in God.

These verses remind us of how we are inclined to over value all of the wrong things.  The world would have us to believe that wisdom, might, and riches are sources of security.  All of them are valuable servants, but they do not save.  By wisdom one thinks he can elevate his status among men.  By might one may try to bully his way to the goal.  With riches one may buy much.  None of these could prevent an invasion from Babylon.  They cannot buy off sickness, disappointment, or punishment for sin.

The knowledge of God is the true glory of man.  Such knowledge leads to an understanding of three attributes of God: lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness.  Jehovah exercises his tender mercy toward those who are weak and in need.  He is a king who judges impartially.  By his righteousness, he leads his people to a heavenly rule of conduct.  Those who know him will seek to practice these virtues toward others.  Any strength we have will rest upon our spiritual values, our character and our purpose.  Our strength is in knowing God and obeying his will.

There is a natural tendency for one to rejoice unduly in carnal things- education, power, prestige, or wealth.  None of these have real value, for they are temporary.  Our strength is not in a “brain trust” in Washington or in Wall St.  They can be removed at any time.  But, fellowship with God is absolute and eternally satisfying.  In Him there is no insecurity, no fear of disappointment.

George Slover