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That the word of the Lord would move like lighting

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At the Paris Olympics this summer, people cheered on their nation’s athletes as they took part in many different sports, disciplines, and events. It was a great gathering of men and women from all tribes and tongues and nations.

At Great Truths, we long to see God’s word run rapidly all around the world.

In a letter to Christians facing persecution, the Apostle Paul wrote:

‘Brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honoured.’
2 Thessalonians 3:1

Having urged Christians to press on with God’s gospel until Christ’s return in chapter 2, Paul now urges them to pray for the gospel to advance.

1. Who are we to pray for?
Paul wants prayer for those who speak God’s word, including all Christians sharing Biblical truth with family, friends, and colleagues. But it will also doubtless include those whom Great Truths seeks to serve – preaching pastors, and other leaders around the world with special evangelistic and Bible-teaching responsibilities.
2. What are we to pray for?
The Apostle wants prayer that God’s word would move forward as fast and as far as possible. Notice that it is ‘the word of the Lord.’ The word is from the Lord, with Divine authority and reliability. And the word is about the Lord, explaining who Jesus Christ is and what he achieved by his life, death, and resurrection. Paul wants the gospel to advance quickly, to impact greatly, and to be considered extremely valuable by those who receive it. So let us think especially of nations around the world where pastors and people have few resources and little training. And, aware (1) that what God has to say about Christ meets our eternal need, and (2) that today’s communications environment enables distribution on an almost unimaginably vast scale, let us pray that we will do everything we can to serve as many pastors and people as possible, so that the gospel progresses as quickly and effectively as possible.
3. How are we to pray?

Paul expects us to pray realistically yet confidently. Realistically, because we live in a wicked world that is hostile to God and his word and where not everyone has faith (3:2). Many Christian believers will need the Lord’s protection that Paul speaks of in this passage (3:3). So, let us pray realistically. But the Apostle says we can also pray confidently because, although not everyone has faith, the Lord is faithful (3:3-4). He promises to strengthen and guard his people, and points us ‘to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ’ (3:5).

Friends, please join us in praying for the word of the Lord to speed ahead and be honoured in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.