It's the Word that Establishes

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. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3: 1-3

As Paul ends this epistle, he turns to the essentials. His first request in closing is for prayer from the church. Paul believes the power of prayer, that prayer changes things. Therefore, he regularly requests prayer on his behalf.

In 1 John 5: 14-15, we are reminded that God will grant us our requests when we ask according to His will: Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. When we call out to God for the sake of our children, grandchildren or friends, as we align ourselves with God’s will, He will move on our behalf.

Paul asks for prayer that the Word of God would run swiftly and accomplish what it is meant to do. God’s Word is alive and active. It equips us for all things.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Everything that we need, comes from the pages of the Word of God. If we follow carefully in the truths of the Gospel, then we will prosper in the decisions we make and character we build. When God’s Word goes forth, it takes root and produces life with the character of an oak tree, life with strength that will endure. God’s Word is so powerful. No wonder the validity of the Bible is always criticized. I believe we could spend the rest of our lives studying each word in the pages of Scripture and continue to glean truths and treasures that will endure. It just has a depth that is beyond all we could imagine.

Many times, I receive books, emails or podcasts on church growth. Sadly, the advice many give readily is not to establish the people in the church in the Word of God, but rather some other key. Small groups, media, coffee shops are all good in the church, but that is not what establishes and grows the church. God is the one who establishes the church as we turn to Him in His Word.

Oh that God’s Word may run swiftly through our lives. God’s Word and prayer is that which establishes us. May we be rooted and established in the enduring Word:

His delight is in the law of the Lord,

    And in His law he meditates day and night.

 He shall be like a tree

    Planted by the rivers of water,

    That brings forth its fruit in its season,

    Whose leaf also shall not wither;

And whatever he does shall prosper. ~ Psalm 1:2-3

Blessings,
Robert Furrow