Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
What was the main goal of the Church here? Paul says “Pray for us, that the word of The Lord may have free course or spread quickly” The Church was sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, this was the command giving us by our Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19) This should be the mission statement for every Church, the gospel needs to be spread by whatever means possible
Sounds like an easy job, right? Wrong, anytime you share the gospel, heavy opposition usually follows. Paul says “That we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men” doesn’t that sound like today’s society also? Wicked and unreasonable, these are the type of people usually you face when trying to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. However it’s our calling and duty
But even though it’s a struggle, we always have hope because as Paul says “The Lord is faithful, who shall establish you and keep you from evil” God will never leave or forsake us, Jesus is faithful. Whatever Christ promised us, we can count it as a guarantee, we never have to wonder and hope that God will save us, it is already finished! We may not always understand the plan or the path, but we should know God will always use things for our good and his glory (Romans 8:28)
So how do we know what to do as the Church? Paul says “May The Lord directs your hearts”, follow the will of God being filled and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Whatever you are doing for your Church or your daily life, ask “Is Jesus Christ leading my heart”? Again what is the mission of the Church? Doing the will of God, being led by the Holy Spirit, having Jesus Christ lead your heart to fulfill the Great Commision, Amen!