BEING MENTIONED IN PRAYER - PART 2

TUESDAY 12 JULY 2022

When the work of God is engaged aright, it means that it is accomplished according to God's will, which equally indicates that it's in line with the dictates of God's Word. Therefore, functioning in faith, from the standpoint of love, and in hope, through the strength of Christ are a necessity while serving God. Moreover, by depending on the Holy Spirit with a view of increasing in God's glory, labouring for the glorious gospel and interceding for others, become our proper response.

Reference : 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 New International Version (NIV) "We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."

In his prayers, Paul called to mind before God our heavenly Father, the Thessalonian saints' work of faith, labour of love, and patience of hope in following the Master, Jesus Christ. And today, we are discussing the second point, labour of love. Labour prompted by love is the demonstration of a faithful service to God with a keen and willing heart. The Greek terminology for labour of love is "ergasía agápis." It is a productive and fruitful work carried out heartily, willingly and voluntarily without any ulterior motive and less of expecting reward or compensation. They are loving deeds because its prompted by a sincere love for God.

As labourers of love in God's vineyard, we are expected to be more fervent in our commitment to His service. However, our labour of love towards God is always an effect of God's love towards us. It's a divine affection we respond to, through getting involved in godly deeds and ministering to the saints. It is also an inspired work of grace, which can never go unrewarded by God, even if we don't expect reward for rendering such services. On account of this, Hebrews 6:10 (NLT) says, "For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do." Simply put, God is forever faithful, true and constant, and will always reward the faithful according to His promises.

Beloved, whether or not you're expecting any reward from God, He does not forget your work and labour of love which you show towards His name, by serving Him faithfully, by ministering to the saints and by doing good. So in general, let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up (Galatians 6:9 NLT). God owns all things and we are sure to experience His abundant fullness, plus His inexhaustible ability to supply all our needs, if we don't give up in our labour prompted by love for His Kingdom.

Apostle Paul's insight into revealing the idea of mentioning these saints in prayer, was to demonstrate the reason for his belief that the Christians at Thessalonica were exemplary because of their faith, hope, love and perseverance in the face of persecution. Therefore as their spiritual father, Paul knew that they needed his unceasing prayers in order to continue to excel in running the race set before them, evidenced by their complete confidence in Christ. Stay tuned for part 3. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Ecclesiastes 1:3; Colossians 3:23-24; Philippians 4:13; Romans 12:11.

Guided Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, I thank you because I enjoy your grace every day and I'm careful never to neglect my service in promoting the gospel. By interceding for fellow saints and mentioning their spiritual and physical needs before you, including their labour prompted by love, they are continually blessed and enriched by your Spirit with all spiritual blessings. How glorious are the hopes of such a privilege to remember the saints in prayer, which keeps them strong and vibrant in faith by the power of Christ. With joyful exuberance, I thank you for all who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints and for our access to all the blessings of salvation in Jesus' Name, Amen!