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Today's Little Lift
by Jim Bullington
June 19,2007; Paul, Peerless Apostle and Prophet (15 of 15)
Focus Text: 2 Thessalonians 3.1-2
As we have observed, Paul was a man of fervent and continuous prayer. He prayed for many things, thanked God for multitudes of blessings, and besought others to pray in the same vein. However, there was one thing for which he prayed and for which he instructed others to pray that is typical of his entire life as a Christian. Note the thing about which we speak: “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.” (2 Thessalonians 3.1-2).
Before speaking specifically about this text and its meaning, a brief look at one of its phrases will prove beneficial. Particularly, note the phrase “…that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified…” The word swiftly is in italics in the NKJV and thus was added by the translators to attempt to help clarify the meaning of the passage. Perhaps, however, it is just as well read without the italics, namely, pray “…that the word of the Lord may run…” The word translated run is one which Paul used in writing to the Corinthians and that three times in one verse. “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” (1 Corinthians 9.24). It is expressive of an athlete in a struggle for supremacy and personal triumph. It inherently involves competition and struggle to excel. That is the thing for which Paul asked the saints in Thessalonica to pray; pray that the gospel may run!
Further, pray that the gospel might be glorified. The word “run” as just discussed is in the present active and the phrase “be glorified” is in the present passive. Two things are significant about this. First, they were to pray, literally, that the gospel message would keep on running, and that the gospel would keep on being glorified.” The gospel was the active force in it all; within its own message resided the power to run and to excel in converting the hearts of men. Also, as the gospel ran and as men were converted to Christ, the word of God was glorified! It was in the act of subjection and obedience that the gospel was glorified; it was in the same act that God was glorified. When the word of God is glorified, so is the person of God Himself! This is not bibliolatry; it is just plain Bible! God is glorified when His word is glorified!
No passage could be any more typical of the life of Paul and of his heart’s desire than this text. His entire life was devoted to the free spread of the gospel, so much so that he was willing to spend and be spent (2 Corinthians 12.15) on behalf of those who heard its message. His work was not a “plant it and leave it” work; rather, it was a work which nurtured converts and attempted to strengthen them in whatever ways were needed. Paul’s heart, mind, body, and soul were in his work, dedicated to the proposition that the gospel ought to be able to run! Every hindrance was seen as but a challenge to try harder; walking off the field of battle was never a consideration. Paul ran so that the gospel could run, and he urged others to pray to that end!
Paul, man of prayer, was a peerless apostle and prophet of Almighty God!
Questions:
1. What do words in italics indicate in many translations?
2. How successful had the brethren at Thessalonica been in spreading the gospel? To what extent had the gospel been glorified in them?
3. According to 1 Corinthians 9.24, how ought we to run the gospel race? How about running for a “tie”?
4. In what ways had Paul demonstrated his willingness to spend and be spent for the gospel?Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Today's Little Lift" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.