1 Timóteo 2

1 Timóteo 2

Meyer - A life is revealed here of which many of us know practically nothing. We do not feel the absolute necessity of being much alone in the presence of God, not so much for ourselves, as for others; and this sad neglect of intercessory prayer, which we all deplore, really points to a lack of the divine life, since if that were mightily within us we should inevitably feel its throb and pulse in this direction. This comes out clearly in the words that follow. Intercession is necessary that we may know the secrets of a quiet, peaceable, and godly life (1 Timothy 2:2). Such intercession for others is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior (1 Timothy 2:3). And the word translated good might be rendered beautiful. It is consonant with the Divine purpose, for God wishes to have all men saved (1 Timothy 2:4). If, then, his Spirit is within us, we, too, shall long that men should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Our hearts will be filled with a Divine tenderness of yearning which will find vent in strong cryings and tears. It is only thus we can live in harmony with the Divine purpose. One writes “When I think of this, I feel I must pray. Oh, how near it brings to God to pray in the Spirit, and leads me to see that no pressure of duty among men can free us from the absolute need of much prayer.” Such intercession is in profound union with the mediation of our Lord (1 Timothy 2:5–6). — As the great High Priest, He ever liveth to intercede; and in our little measure we, too, as members of a holy priesthood, must blend our supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks with his (1 Peter 2:5). God Can Save Anyone! Therefore I exhort … that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men. —1 Timothy 2:1 Today, as always, there is an urgent need for us to pray for "all who are in authority" (1Timothy 2:2). But does the word all include the most wicked of leaders? Are there ever people in positions of power and influence who are beyond the help of prayer? The answer to this question can be found by noting the word therefore in verse 1, which calls our attention to the immediate context. In 1Timothy 1:12-17, Paul admitted that he was once a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man (1Ti 1:13). He vigorously affirmed that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Then he added this significant phrase: "of whom I am chief" (1Ti 1:15). Paul explained that he received God's mercy so that Christ would display His limitless grace in him as a pattern for those who are going to believe on Him in the future (1Ti 1:16). In effect, Paul was saying, "If I, the worst of sinners, can be saved, anyone can." Paul therefore exhorted us to pray for all in authority, because God our Savior desires all to be saved and to embrace His truth (1Ti 2:4). No leader is beyond God's grace When righteous people pray; For when God's children intercede, The Lord will have His way. —D. De Haan To influence leaders for God, intercede with God for leaders. Prayer Evangelism I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men. --1 Timothy 2:1 Over the centuries since Jesus died for our sins and rose victorious from the grave, many methods have been used to spread the gospel. From Peter's first sermon, when 3,000 were saved, to great preaching campaigns of men like Charles Spurgeon and Billy Sunday, to friendship evangelism, many ways of influencing others to accept Jesus' free gift have been tried. In a major city in the midwest, another method has been launched: prayer evangelism. In the campaign to reach the populace of this city, organizers have set out to pray for every individual. They have divided the city into sections, and all cooperating churches have been assigned the names of the people in those sections. Of course, it will also take other kinds of contacts, such as literature or face-to-face visits, but prayer is the major component. In 1 Timothy, Paul explained that God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1Ti 2:4). And the method suggested for beginning the work of evangelization is "supplications, prayers, intercessions … for all men" (1Ti 2:1). For Whom Can I Pray Today? Talk to God about people before you talk to people about God. The Power of Prayer in Evangelism After our son had left home and set out on his own, he visited Mardi Gras in New Orleans with friends. He had been struggling with substance abuse, and my wife, Cari, and I worried about the trip and choices he might make. We prayed for him constantly. The first night he was there, our phone rang. His number popped up on the caller ID. Our worst fears rushed in. Was he in trouble? Had something happened to him? But when we answered the phone, his voice was clear and cheerful. “Dad,” he said, “the coolest thing just happened. We were walking through the French Quarter and came to one corner where some religious people were holding up signs and shouting at us. We kept on walking. Then we got to the next corner when another group from a church came up to us. They were really nice. They welcomed us and asked if there was anything they could pray for us about. Then we prayed together right there on the street. It was pretty cool. I thought you might like to know.” Although it would be two years before God set our son free from drug addiction, that night marked a special moment for Cari and me. We caught a glimpse of the power of God to move in our son’s heart and were reminded of something the prophet Isaiah wrote: “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear” (Isaiah 59:1). Even when our son was on a prodigal path in “a far country” (Luke 15:13 NKJV), through our prayers, God mercifully met him there in the kindness of others. Jack Hayford - Praying for Leaders Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority. 1 Timothy 2:1, 2 Since the purpose of God our Savior is that all be saved through the ransom of His Son, Paul urges prayer for all men, especially those in authority. Why? Intercession for governing authorities results in a society where “we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and reverence.” Thus the gospel may be proclaimed more easily and quickly Pax Romana (peace of Rome) characterized the first century and made possible the rapid spread of the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. Today, as in the first century, the great need is for peace and tranquility in the world. Therefore, a growing number of believers are learning to intercede by name for the kings, presidents, prime ministers, and rulers in each country. Regional conflicts, social unrest, and political upheavals can be quelled and the gospel spread more rapidly as we faithfully petition, pray, and intercede with thanksgiving for all in authority. Lord, teach us so to pray that Your desire for the salvation of all men may be advanced in every nation in every country. (BORROW Living the spirit filled life) Charles Stanley - Praying for Leaders SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Timothy 2:1–4 KEY VERSE: Luke 18:1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart. Whether or not the man who leads your country is one you have personally chosen is not the issue. Once a leader is elected or placed in a position of authority, each of us has a responsibility to pray for that individual. You need to be committed to pray for his personal relationship with Christ and his willingness to seek God’s wisdom for every decision. Pray that your leader would learn to hate evil and love righteousness. Only then can true justice be administered in the maze of government and politics. Be committed to pray that your leader’s convictions will be based on God’s Word and not preferences founded on the unstable ground of political consensus. Ask God to protect his family, and pray that each family member would be given the opportunity to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Rulers often think they are in control of their country’s circumstances, but God is quick to point out that He is Lord over all. Men and nations are under the control of God and not the House of Representatives, the Senate, Parliament, or any superior court. You may feel as though your prayers are insignificant, but they are vital links to God’s throne room where eternal decisions are made on a daily basis. O God, rulers are under Your authority—every politician, every law enforcement officer, every judge. You are Lord over all. I pray for blessings upon these leaders today. (BORROW Into His presence : an In Touch devotional) David Jeremiah - Authority - 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (from One Minute a Day) When a policeman pulled over a driver for speeding, the man was none too pleased. “Why don’t you people get organized?” the driver said. “Yesterday you took away my driver’s license and today you want to see it!” It’s easy to find ourselves perturbed with our public officials—especially when we’re caught doing something wrong. But the Bible has two simple solutions for this dilemma. First, we should view civil authorities as God’s representatives. Second, we should pray regularly for them. I’m always amazed at how hard it is to be mad at someone I’m praying for God to bless. We are called by God to obey and respect civil authorities. Be a good citizen and bring glory to God. David Jeremiah - PRESIDENTIAL PRAYERS 1 TIMOTHY 2:1–2 On January 20, 1953, the newly sworn-in president, Dwight D. Eisenhower, surprised America by opening his inaugural address with prayer. “My friends,” he said, “before I begin . . . would you permit me the privilege of uttering a little private prayer of my own? And I ask that you bow your heads.” He then prayed, “Almighty God, as we stand here at this moment, my future associates in the executive branch of government join me in beseeching that Thou will make full and complete our dedication to the service of the people in this throng. . . . Give us . . . the power to discern clearly right from wrong, and allow all our words and actions to be governed thereby.” Have you prayed today for your national, state, and local leaders? Presidents, prime ministers, and leaders everywhere need our prayers. Our senators, representatives, governors, mayors, and aldermen can be guided and influenced by prayer. Take a page from Eisenhower’s speech, and ask God to give our leaders the ability to discern right from wrong—and to choose the right. Tim LaHaye - PRAYERS FOR KINGS AND AUTHORITIES Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:2 “All Rayford felt was an overwhelming hunger and thirst for the Bible and for instruction. He wanted to pray like this from now on, to constantly be in touch with God.” The Indwelling, 72 LET’S CONSIDER for a moment those people who hold positions of authority around us. Regardless of who we are or what we do, we all have “kings” to answer to—people who make rules and decisions that have a marked impact on our life. Our state and national leaders come to mind first, beginning with our country’s president, and including elected and appointed officials. Our city and county leaders qualify, as well as those who enforce the laws—judges, police officers, and the like. The pastors and elders of my church hold positions of authority. Scripture clearly confirms that I am to submit to their leadership (see Hebrews 13:17). Many of us have a boss at work that we answer to. Although I am a grown man with a family of my own, I still submit to the authority of my parents. Scripture commands me to “honor” my father and mother, and I do so by seeking their counsel and wisdom—by acknowledging their headship in the family. There is a reason Paul commands us to consistently pray for all of these people. The decisions they make have a direct, sometimes lasting, impact on our life. When the leaders of my country make good decisions, my life goes better. When the laws they pass are sound and just, my family sleeps better at night. When my church leaders make godly, spirit-directed decisions, my soul is in better hands. When my boss makes wise choices, the company grows and my job is secure. When my parents handle their affairs well and stay in God’s will, I can depend on the counsel they give to be solid and sound. The strength of their character will affect our family for generations to come, so I fervently pray that God will grant them wisdom and godliness in all they say and do. We pray for those in authority over us because it helps us live in “peace and quietness.” And because it develops within us the traits of “godliness and dignity.” In many ways these simple qualities sum up the whole of our Christian witness on earth. We are called to be peaceful people—to be at peace with God, with our salvation, with our situation on earth, and with those around us. And we are to live holy and dignified lives—to “put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12, NIV). It is through consistent and deliberate prayer—for others, as well as ourselves—that these qualities are obtained. REFLECTION What should be our primary thought and purpose when we pray for leaders (see 1 Timothy 2:4)? How should this change the way we view our prayers of intercession? (BORROW Embracing eternity : living each day with a heart toward heaven) Cues for Prayer "I urge, then, first of all that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior," who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."—1 Timothy 2:1-4 In northern Italy in A.D. 610 a pious monk rolled pencil-thin dough and twisted it into figures representing children folding their arms in prayer. The pretzel was a tasty reminder for children to pray. In the 1800s, Dr. J. H. Jowett asked a servant girl how she prayed for others. She replied that she read the newspaper and first prayed for all the little babies that were listed in the birth announcements column. She prayed that they would be led to the Savior at an early age and become a blessing to their patents. She then prayed for the marriages announced in the wedding section, praying that the couples would have a happy marriage and build their homes centered on Christ. Then she turned to the obituary column and prayed for the loved ones left behind that they would turn to the Lord for their source of comfort. Here is a handy prayer schedule: Monday—pray for missionaries; Tuesday—tasks that need to be done; Wednesday workers in the local church; Thursday—thanks to the Lord; Friday—family; Saturday—saints and other Christians' needs; Sunday—salvation for nonbelievers. No matter what method or practice you choose, prayer is a vital part of every Christian's life. How is your prayer life? Ask the Lord for the grace for daily prayer. "Seven days without prayer makes one weak."—Allen E. Bartlett 1 Timothy 2:1-6 TODAY IN THE WORD O Lord, You lover of souls, in whose hand is the life of every living thing, I bring before You in my prayers all those who are lonely in this world. Yours they are, and none can pluck them out of Your hand… For Your love’s sake. Amen.–Little Book of Prayers When we say to people, 'I will pray for you,’ we make a very important commitment. The sad thing is that this remark often remains nothing but a well-meant expression of concern. Intercessory prayer–prayer for others–is an important commitment and a profound way to love. The greatest model of intercession we have is Jesus. Today’s passage from John shows us that He prayed for us during His time on earth, and Hebrews 7:25 says that He always lives to intercede for us. We also have the Holy Spirit, who intercedes for us, translating our wordless prayers into petitions according to God’s will (Ro 8:26–27). Intercessory prayer is vital for unity in the Body. Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes, “A Christian fellowship lives and exists by the intercession of its members for one another, or it collapses. APPLY THE WORD Today’s passage from Timothy urges prayer for everyone–that’s pretty inclusive! Tomorrow we will discuss prayer for those in authority; today we focus on individuals in our lives. Lists can be quite helpful for intercession, either to record petitions or to ensure that you don’t overlook individuals you wish to support in prayer, such as neighbors and coworkers. If you have children, ask them to make their own prayer lists for their friends and others in their lives. Also, many churches list prayer needs in the weekly bulletin or keep track of prayer requests in the church office. Consider bringing these petitions to the Lord as a family. 1 TIMOTHY 2:1–2—Does Paul’s exhortation to pray for kings and others include those who are dead? MISINTERPRETATION: Some Catholic scholars appeal to 1 Timothy 2:1 to support their dogma of praying for the dead. Paul said, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone” (NIV). Does this include those who are dead? CORRECTING THE MISINTERPRETATION: This passage does not envision prayers for the dead. Paul urged believers to pray for the living, namely, “for Kings and for all those [who are] in authority” (v. 2, insert added) at the present. There is absolutely nothing here to imply that he includes the dead. The Bible elsewhere condemns praying for the dead. See comments on 2 Timothy 1:18.(Norman Geisler - When Cultists Ask) PRAYER INSTRUCTIONS 1 Timothy 2:1 (John Butler - Sermon Starters) Paul gives some good instructions about prayer in this text. FIRST—THE CALL TO PRAYER “I exhort … first of all.” After the introduction of this epistle, which takes in the first chapter, Paul begins the second chapter of this epistle by calling Timothy to prayer. We note two things about this call. • The passion in the call. “I exhort.” Paul is earnest about this call to prayer. Paul believed in prayer and was earnest in his appeal to Timothy to pray. We need to be more earnest in our prayer life. Most of us pray rather perfunctory instead of earnestly. • The priority in the call. “First of all.” When you get up in the morning remember this text “first of all.” If we prayed more we would see things go a lot better than they do. Prayer is bringing God in on our life. Before we do anything “first of all” let us pray. SECOND—THE CAUSE FOR PRAYER “Therefore.” What prompted this call to pray? For that answer one will have to look at the first chapter of this epistle of which “therefore” is a pointed reference. The first chapter covered the problem of false doctrine, and that certainly requires prayer to deal with successfully. The first chapter also spoke of the Gospel and of the call to the ministry and the enemies of the ministry. There is plenty for which to pray for in the first chapter. The importance of prayer is seen in the “therefore.” These issues discussed in the first chapter require prayer in order to be dealt with successfully. THIRD—THE CHARACTER OF PRAYER “Supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.” In these four petitions is the character of prayer. • The petitions in prayer. “Supplications.” This word speaks of petitions. Prayer is more than just petitions, but it does include many petitions. It is man crying out for help from God. • The person for prayer. “Prayers.” This word in its meaning speaks of the Person to Whom we pray, namely, to God. There is never a hint of any kind in Paul’s writings that we should pray to anyone but the Lord. Praying to Mary is not a Biblical doctrine. It is false teaching at its best. Supplications speaks of petitions, prayer speaks of the person to whom we make the petitions. • The people for prayer. “Intercessions.” This is praying for others. such as, “all men” which is detailed in the following verses. We need to pray for “all men” not prey on “all men” as many do. • The praise in prayer. “Giving of thanks.” We praise God when we give thanks to him. Every prayer should include thanksgiving. If we are short on gratitude, God will be short on helping us. Lack of thanksgiving can hurt your prayer effectiveness. James Smith - INTERCESSORS NEEDED 1 TIMOTHY 2:1–6 In Isaiah 59:16 we read that the Lord “wondered that there was no intercessor.” He wondered at the folly and unbelief of His people, in neglecting this most effective means of blessing. This is a privilege within the reach of every child of God, a sphere of service open to every believer to make intercession. I. Its Importance. “I exhort, therefore, that first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions be made” (v. 1). Here this holy exercise gets the first place in his exhortations. It is possible that an intercessor’s reward may be greater than a preacher’s. Samuel knew how this honoured the Lord when he declared: “As for me, God forbid that I should sin against Jehovah by ceasing to pray for you” (1 Sam. 12:23). Prayerlessness is not only a sin against our own souls, but our fellowmen, and against God. II. Its Scope. “For all men and for all in authority” (vv. 1, 2). If ye know not what to pray for as ye ought, here at least is a wide field for its operation. Those of the Captivity were exhorted to “seek the peace of the city wherever they were, and to pray unto the Lord for it” (Jer. 29:7). Our modern cities are in desperate need of intercessors, and perhaps our modern Churches not less. In praying for “all men,” don’t forget the all in your own home, all in your fellowship, city, and nation. Remember the great ALL for whom Christ died. III. Its Incentives. As an encouragement for intercession, think of— 1. THE WILL OF GOD. “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (v. 4). By His own power God could save all men whether they will or not. But in grace He is willing to save all that come unto the knowledge of the truth. In praying for “all men” we are in line with the Divine will, and helping the fulfilment of His purpose. 2. THE RANSOM PRICE. “Christ gave Himself a ransom for all” (v. 6). There is ample provision in the death of Christ, and in the will of the Father for the salvation of all men. “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). 3. THE MEDIATOR. “There is one Mediator between God and men, the Man Chirst Jesus” (v. 5). What an incentive to prayer this is, when we realise that the Eternal Son of God in the likeness of men is our Mediator before the throne, and He ever liveth to make intercession. Ponder also— IV. The Examples set before us. Abraham interceded for the doomed city of Sodom (Gen. 18:24), Moses on the hill top with uplifted hands silently pleading for victory (Exod. 17), Elijah praying for a Divine manifestation that the nation might be rescued from idolatry (1 Kings 18:37), Job in midst of his sorrow and sufferings making intercession for his mistaken friends (Job 42:10). Think also of “the Man of Sorrows,” who was wounded and bruised for our iniquities, yet He made intercession for the transgressors (Isa. 53:12), and His last prayer on earth was for His murderers. “Father, forgive them.” Well may we pray. “Lord, teach us to pray.” The need for intercessors is a great and growing need, for the harvest is plenteous, but the divinely equipped labourers are few. Pray ye therefore (Matt. 9:37, 38). Related Resources: Praying His Word Prayer - Greek Words for Prayer Pithy Prayer Phrases Praying in the Spirit Prayer Hymns and Poems Spurgeon's Gems on Prayer Prayer, Praise & Promises - devotionals on psalms by Warren Wiersbe 1 Timothy 2:2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.