Message 20 - 1thessalonians Chapter 5:25-28: The Final Comments To The Thessalonians – Pray, Greeting, And Closing Grace Series

MESSAGE 20 - 1THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 5:25-28: THE FINAL COMMENTS TO THE THESSALONIANS – PRAY, GREETING, AND CLOSING GRACE

[A]. PAUL’S REQUESTED PRAYER

{{1Thessalonians 5:25 “Brethren, pray for us.”}}

This is only a short verse, a short request, and Paul does not elaborate on prayer points, but at this time in his ministry - this being the earliest letter - there were lots of points to pray for. He was active in the proclamation of the gospel; his enemies were prolific; his needs often were not met; his health may not have been good. We know from his letters that Paul prayed daily for all the churches. This was a man sold out for God. His own prayer was for all the saints. In this very letter, just two verses back, he prayed for those at Thessalonica.

Surely, is it too much to ask that prayer be made for him? Paul, in all the strength of his gifts and his office, still felt his dependence on the prayers of the Church, and through this means, he had fellowship with brethren in Christ however distant. Paul expressed this again in {{Hebrews 13:18 – “Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honourably in all things.”}}

Barnes wrote the following – [[“He was a man of like passions as others: liable to the same temptations; engaged in an arduous work; often called to meet with opposition, and exposed to peril and want, and he especially needed the prayers of the people of God. A Christian worker, surrounded as he is by temptations, is in great danger if he has not the prayers of his people. Without those prayers, he will be likely to accomplish little in the cause of his Master. His own devotions in the sanctuary will be formal and frigid, and the word which he preaches, will be likely to come from a cold and heavy heart, and to fall also on cold and heavy hearts. There is no way in which a people can better advance the cause of piety in their own hearts, than by praying much for Christian workers.”]]

Paul does not request prayer just for himself. He petitions on behalf of his fellow labourers with the word “us”. If we go back to the opening verse of this letter we read – {{1Thessalonians 1:1 “Paul and Silvanus and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.”}} Silvanus and Timothy were with Paul when writing this letter. When he evangelised among the Thessalonians in the first instance, he was accompanied by Silas. We know at other times he also had as companions Barnabas, Mark, Luke, Epaproditus, possibly Titus, and probably others.

I would think there is an example in this that we should pray for those actively engaged in Christian service, especially those who labour wholeheartedly for the Lord. We must pray for one another. Pray for God’s blessings on each other. Pray for Christian growth in each other. Pray for God’s protection and His will in each life. These are the days we need to support each other in prayer because we are under attack and we need to be strengthened by our Lord. Demonic power is rising.

I found the following three descriptions of prayer on an internet site –

(a). Prayer is asking and receiving. According to E.M. Bounds, “Prayer is the outstretched arms of the child for the Father’s help. Prayer is the child’s cry calling to the Father’s ear . . . Prayer is the seeking of God’s greatest good, which will not come if we do not pray.”

(b). Prayer is approaching God’s throne. According to Spurgeon, “True prayer is an approach of the soul by the Spirit of God to the throne of God.” It could be said it this way: “it is the approach of the Holy Spirit in our soul that drives us to the throne.”

Again Spurgeon writes, “True prayer is a spiritual business from beginning to end, and its aim and object end not with man but reach to God Himself.” Yes, we enter into the courts of heaven to do business, spiritual business with God. Thus prayer should be regarded as a spiritual business meeting in the heavenly places with God.”

(c). Prayer is our service due Him. According to E. M. Bounds, “Prayer is not a duty which must be performed, to ease obligation and to quiet conscience . . . [it is rather] a solemn service due to God, an adoration, a worship.”

{{1Thessalonians 5:27 “I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren.”}}

[C]. PAUL’S LETTER HAD TO BE READ TO ALL

Some versions have “I charge you” but adjure is a lot stronger and is definitely the correct word. It is as much as to say, “I put you on your oath before the Lord to do this,” an extraordinary expression, and one dearest to Paul’s heart. Paul regarded the contents of his Epistle of importance for all without exception. The Apostle felt a closeness to these Thessalonians and he was disappointed that he was unable to return when he wanted to.