Pray for Us

by Franklin L. Kirksey

Title:	Pray for Us
Bible Book:	2 Thessalonians 3 : 1-5
Author:	Franklin L. Kirksey
Subject:	Prayer; Pastor; Praying for the
Objective:	Those who preach God’s Word and serve as under-shepherds of God’s Church have a need that the church members can easily supply – it is the need of prayer. Dr. Franklin Kirksey addresses this issue clearly and succinctly in his sermon, “Pray for Us.” Indeed, praying for one another is a divine mandate and a Christian need.
File:

Introduction
I. A Desperate Request for Help
II. A Definite Revelation of Hurt
III. A Deliberate Refocusing on Hope

Introduction

Dr. Gardiner Spring (1785-1873) states, “Let the thought sink deep into the heart of every church, that their minister will be such a minister as their prayers make him. … How perilous is the condition of that minister ... whose heart is not encouraged, whose hands are not strengthened, and who is not upheld by the prayers of his people! … It is at a fearful expense that ministers are ever allowed to enter the pulpit without being preceded, accompanied, and followed by the earnest prayers of the churches. It is no marvel that the pulpit is so powerless, and ministers so often disheartened when there are so few to hold up their hands. … When the churches cease to pray for ministers, ministers will no longer be a blessing to the churches.”

Dr. John Henry Jowett (1864-1923) explains, “All vital praying makes a drain on a man’s vitality. True intercession is a sacrifice, a bleeding sacrifice.”1

On April 22, 1997, I attended a seminar called “Clergy Under Siege: Dealing With Criticism, Conflict and Antagonists in the Church”, led by Dr. Edwin Chase, director of the Clergy Resource Center of the Pastoral Institute. During the first session called “A Biblical Understanding of Conflict” I shared two verses related to conflict, which read, “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.” Dr. Chase asked, “Where did you read that?” I shared the reference, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2, and he asked me to read it from my Bible. After I read it he stated, “That is an example of ‘radical evil’ in the church.”2

The Bible records many times when pastors request prayer in their behalf. For example, Paul asks the church in Ephesus to pray that he will boldly proclaim the gospel (Ephesians 6:18-20). Here Paul writes, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” He also enlists the prayer support of believers in Colosse related to the clarity of his presentation of the gospel (Colossians 4:2-4). Paul writes, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”

Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:25, “Brethren, pray for us” and in our text 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5, Paul writes, “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. / But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. / And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.”

I. A Desperate Request for Help

(2 Thessalonians 3:1a)

We find the following memorable line in the hymn “Brethren We Have Met To Worship”, “will you pray with all your power while we try to preach the word?” Similarly Paul writes, “Finally, brethren, pray for us. . .” (2 Thessalonians 3:1a). Paul the Apostle understands that his help comes from the Lord as the psalmist expresses in Psalm 121:1-8. As we read, notice the repetition of “the LORD” (vv. 2, 5, 5, 7, 8) and “He” (vv. 3, 3, 4, 7), “I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, / Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; / He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel / Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; / The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, / Nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; / He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in / From this time forth, and even forevermore.”

The prophet Jeremiah writes, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man / And makes flesh his strength, / Whose heart departs from the LORD. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, / And shall not see when good comes, / But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, / In a salt land which is not inhabited. ‘Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, / And whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, / Which spreads out its roots by the river, / And will not fear when heat comes; / But its leaf will be green, / And will not be anxious in the year of drought, / Nor will cease from yielding fruit. ‘The heart is deceitful above all things, / And desperately wicked; / Who can know it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, / Even to give every man according to his ways, / According to the fruit of his doings” (Jeremiah 17:5-10). Note Jeremiah presents the contrast between trusting in “the LORD” and trusting in “man” or the “flesh”.

Just because someone says, “Pray for us” or “Pray for me”, it does not automatically mean they are trusting in God. Remember Simon Magus as we read in Acts chapter 8, verse 9 and following, “But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, ‘This man is the great power of God.’ And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ But Peter said to him, ‘Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.’ Then Simon answered and said, ‘Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.’ So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans” (Acts 8:9-25).

James warns, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures” (James 4:3).

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) was once asked about the secret of his power in the pulpit. He simply replied, “My people pray for me.”

We find the following biographical account of D.L. Moody (1837-1899): “Moody continued to hunger for a deepening of his own spiritual life and experience. He had been greatly used of God, but felt that there were much greater things in store for him. The year 1871 was a critical one with him. He realized more and more how little he was fitted by personal acquirements for his work, and how much he needed to be qualified for service by the Holy Spirit's power. This realization was deepened by conversations he had with two ladies who sat on the front pew in his church. He could see by the expression of their faces that they were praying. At the close of the service they would say to him, ‘We have been praying for you.’ ‘Why don't you pray for the people?’ Mr. Moody would ask. ‘Because you need the power of the Spirit,’ was the reply. ‘I need the power! Why,’ said he, in relating the incident afterwards, ‘I thought I had power. I had the largest congregation in Chicago, and there were many conversions. I was in a sense satisfied. But right along those two godly women kept praying for me, and their earnest talk about anointing for special service set me thinking. I asked them to come and talk with me, and they poured out their hearts in prayer that I might receive the filling of the Holy Spirit. There came a great hunger into my soul. I did not know what it was. I began to cry out as I never did before. I really felt that I did not want to live if I could not have this power for service.’"3

As Aaron and Hur held up the arms of Moses, the children of Israel were victorious (Exodus 17:8-13). In a similar way, spiritually, when you hold up the pastor in prayer, the church is victorious.

II. A Definite Revelation of Hurt

(2 Thessalonians 3:1b-2)

Paul reveals his hurt in the following requests for prayer, “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 3:1b-2).

In 2 Timothy 4:14-16 Paul writes, “Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words. At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.” This is the heart of a God called preacher.

A spiritual man or woman is hurt when the Lord’s work is harmed or hindered. For example, someone prayed, “Let the joy of your heart be the joy of my heart. Let that which breaks your heart, break my heart. May my focus, the focus of my heart, the intention of my eyes, be for your glory.”

Paul writes to those in Rome, “that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe [are disobedient] and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you” (Romans 15:31-32).

Paul explains, “But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me” (2 Timothy 3:10-11). Similarly the psalmist reminds us in Psalm 34:19, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, / But the LORD delivers him out of them all.”

On 2 Thessalonians 3:2, William MacDonald (1917-2007), former president of Emmaus Bible College, explains, “The third request is that the apostle and his co-workers might be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men. He seems to be referring to some specific opposition, probably from Jews in Corinth (Acts 18:1-18).” MacDonald continues, “The choice of the word unreasonable is appropriate; there is nothing more irrational than people’s opposition to the gospel and its messengers. It is something that baffles explanation. They may talk reasonably about politics, science, or a host of other subjects, but when it comes to the gospel, they lose all sense of reason.”4

From the life of Jesus we find two passages to illustrate how unreasonable men can be who reject the gospel. First in Matthew 10:16 and following, Jesus states, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. ‘Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. ‘A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known” (Matthew 10:16-26).

We find another illustration of how unreasonable people who reject the gospel can be. From Matthew 12:22 and following we read, “Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the multitudes were amazed and said, ‘Could this be the Son of David?’ Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, ‘This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.’ But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. ‘Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come” (Matthew 12:22-32).

III. A Deliberate Refocusing on Hope

(2 Thessalonians 3:3-5)

“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. / And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3-5).

The faithfulness of God is mentioned in verse three and in the following passages (1 Corinthians 1:9, 10:13 and 1 John 1:9).

Dr. Adrian Rogers (1931-2005), pastor emeritus of Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, Tennessee, shares the following advice in a message titled “How to Intercede for Your Loved Ones”, “as you pray, glance at your problems but gaze at God's power.”5

We have the sacred record in 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5 that the Apostle Paul deliberately refocused on hope in a desperate situation.

Conclusion

Justin Childers pastor of Christ Baptist Church, Wilson, North Carolina, shares the following in his blog titled “Pray for Those Who Preach”: “Here are a few suggestions of what to pray for those who preach:

1) During the week, pray for God to reveal the burden of the text to him.

2) During the week, pray that God would grip the preacher’s heart with His glory revealed in the text.

3) On Sunday morning, pray that God would free him from distractions.

4) On Sunday morning, pray that he would proclaim the truth boldly and clearly.

5) On Sunday morning, pray for God to powerfully speak through him.

6). On Sunday morning, pray that Christ would be treasured by all gathered.”6

Nancy Leigh DeMoss of Revive Our Hearts suggests even more ways to pray for your pastor, namely, “31 Days of Praying for Your Pastor” at the following URL: http://www.reviveourhearts.com/pdf/31DaysPrayingPastor.pdf .

In the words of Paul to the Thessalonians, “Finally, brethren, pray for us.”

1J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer (Chicago: Moody Press, 1967, 1980, 1994), p. 87

2“Clergy Under Siege: Dealing With Criticism, Conflict and Antagonists in the Church, led by Dr. Edwin Chase, director of the Clergy Resource Center of the Pastoral Institute, Columbus, Georgia, sponsored by Christ United Methodist Church, Mobile, Alabama, April 22,1997, 9:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

3J. Gilchrist Lawson, Deeper Experiences of Famous Christians (Anderson, Ind.: Warner Press, 1911)

4William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989), p. 2058

5Adrian P. Rogers, “How to Intercede for Your Loved Ones” available from: http://www.theprayerlife.com/RogersIntercede.html Accessed: 08/17/09

6Justin Childers Wilson, “Pray for Those who Preach” (North Carolina, Monday, March 31, 2008) Available from: http://justinchilders.blogspot.com/2008/03/pray-for-those-who-preach.html Accessed: 09/01/09

By Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, pastor First Baptist Church of Spanish Fort 30775 Jay Drive Spanish Fort, Alabama 36527

Author of Sound Biblical Preaching: Giving the Bible a Voice Available on Amazon.com and WORDsearchbible.com

http://www.amazon.com/Sound-Biblical-Preaching-Giving-Bible/dp/1594577684

http://www.wordsearchbible.com/products/Sound_Biblical_Preaching_1476.html

http://www.webspawner.com/users/franklinlkirksey / fkirksey@bellsouth.net / (251) 626-6210