The Pastor's Prayer

Introduction: Every week I ask if there are prayer requests. Usually I get several. There are no such things as a request that is too small. You all know there are others who need prayer worse than you and you may even tell yourself that, but the truth is we all need prayer. As a pastor I pray for this church daily. Usually it is a general prayer but we find here that Paul was very specific in his request to God for the needs of the people at Thessalonica.

Scripture Reading:

1 Thessalonians 3 KJV 1900

1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; 2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: 3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. 5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. 6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: 7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: 8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; 10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? 11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. 12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: 13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Proposition: There are 3 very specific prayer requests that Paul had for the people of the church at Thessalonica.

Transition: The first of these requests are

WHEN TROUBLES ARISE, YOU WILL STAND FIRM- VS 2-3

Exposition-

As Paul states “we told you…we would suffer tribulation”

He wasn’t just speaking of himself, he was speaking to them as well.

He is still speaking to us today. Christians have always and will continue to face troubles as Satan attacks the church.

Paul sent Timothy for two reasons: Strengthen and encourage them so their faith would not grow weak.

Illustration- Facing the Giants Death Crawl Video

Application-

Just like in this video, you will at times need someone there to push you to do what you didn’t think you could do.

Standing firm in the midst of a trial is exhausting, it can be overwhelming and you will want to quit. But God will not let you.

You may not think you can do it, but you are not alone!

Transition: Our first prayer for the church is that when troubles arise you will stand firm. Our second prayer for the church is

GOD WOULD REMOVE ANY STUMBLING BLOCKS IN YOUR WAY- Vs 5b

Exposition-

As Christians we have but one true enemy in this world…Satan!

He is going to try to trick you, tempt you, he will lie to you and try to do everything in his power to get you to turn from God.

Paul wanted to know how they were doing and to see if they had gone back to their old ways or not.

That is a fear of every pastor! Paul prayed that their path be cleared by God.

Application-

As for you today, Satan has plans to distract you and get you away from God.

You are in a spiritual war that you can’t fight yourself.

My prayer for you today is that God would remove those distractions from your life

Satan has a way of reminding you of what you once were. God wants to remind you of who you are now and realize you don’t have to go down the same road to prove you are different.

Illustration-Portia Nelson has written a piece titled: Autobiography in Five Short Chapters. It reads:

Chapter 1—I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost.… I am helpless. It isn’t my fault. It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter 2—I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don’t see it. I fall in again. I can’t believe I am in the same place, but it isn’t my fault. It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter 3—I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it is there. I still fall in.… It’s a habit. My eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately.

Chapter 4—I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it.

Chapter 5—I walk down another street.

Transition- So we pray that you would stand firm and we pray that your path be cleared of any stumbling blocks, but we also pray that

YOUR WALK IN THE LORD CONTINUES- VS 12-13

Exposition- As we have seen there will be ups and downs as you go through life. There will be times when you are pushed and times when you are tempted but my prayer is that you never give up. My prayer for you is also that you never remain the same. Change is a good thing, especially when it brings you closer to God. Paul prays for 3 specific blessings for them.

Their love increases, but not just increase but to abound or go above and beyond what they believe they are capable of.

this love is to be shown to each other and everyone around them

That their hearts are strengthened to live a holy life in anticipation of the return of Christ

Application-

In the midst of trials you stand firm and love the ones who are putting you through it

In the midst of temptation you remain strong and trust God for the strength to make the right choices in life.

You include the Holy Spirit in your daily activities. I want you to learn to live a more holy life, I want you to be able to say when the time comes that you are ready to see Jesus face to face.

Illustration: Philippians 4:8

Philippians 4:8 KJV 1900

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Conclusion: My prayer for you today is one that ultimately brings you closer to God. Closer in prayer, in relationship, in honor, in joy for who He is and in worship of Him for He is worthy.