2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: I. THE GREAT OBJECT OF CHRISTIAN DEVOTION. 1. The free and unimpeded circulation of the gospel. (1) There are impediments — the spirit of persecution, the prevalence of idolatry, superstition, and infidelity, the inconsistency and corruptions of the Church — all of which are resolved into the opposition of the human heart. (2) The allusion is to the stadium or racecourse — in which it was necessary that every obstacle should be removed, crooked places made straight, etc. The Son of God is riding forth in the chariot of His gospel, and the prayer is that nothing may be allowed to stop His progress. 2. The removal of hindrances was only a means to the end of the glorification of the gospel. (1) It would not be enough if in every part the most unrestricted freedom were enjoyed, that all obstacles to evangelism were removed, that spacious churches were everywhere raised, and that all rank and authority were made subservient to the progress of truth. (2) The word of God is glorified only when it is the medium of spiritual renovation, when its supreme authority is acknowledged by its professors, when its discoveries are cordially received, its injunctions practised, its holy influences exemplified. II. THE DUTY OF FERVENT PRAYER IN ORDER TO ITS ACCOMPLISHMENT. The connection between prayer and the success of the gospel involves many important principles. 1. Prayer honours the agency of God. If we have the ear of God we are sure of His hand. If the spirit of supplication be poured out upon us, that itself is a pledge of success. And God honours prayer because prayer acknowledges that "it is not by might, nor by power," etc. 2. Prayer is expressly enjoined. "Ask, and it shall be given you." "For all these things I will be inquired of," etc. 3. All history demonstrates that the spirit of prayer is invariably connected with success. No one ever prayed for himself that did not succeed. Let this encourage the anxious inquirer. Can you refer to any praying church that was not a successful church? 4. Those engaged in promoting this object have especial claims on you. "Pray for us." It is the prayer of the Christian minister. Like Moses of old, he is upheld in the hands of prayer. 5. In proportion to the spirit of prayer shall we cherish the spirit of activity, liberality, and zeal. III. KNOWN INSTANCES OF SUCCESS ARE GROUNDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT. "As it is with you." Not that we are to be satisfied with success; on the contrary, notwithstanding it, we have much cause for humiliation. Still humiliation is not incompatible with thanksgiving for what has been done in and by us. The apostle quotes the case of the Thessalonians as an illustration of what God can do and a pledge of what He will do. Look upon the history of your own conversion. What God can do for you He can do for every one. Conclusion: The subject — 1. Demands inquiry. 2. Encourages hope. 3. Enjoins activity. (J. Fletcher, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: |
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