1 Timothy 2:1-7

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.  For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

 

Prayer is one of the greatest privileges believers have and it should be one of our greatest priorities.  Too often our lives are more often marked by complaining about our circumstances and our political leaders than by prayers for them.  The government in Paul’s day was corrupt, persecuted Christians, and promoted violence and immorality throughout the culture.  Yet, Paul’s instruction was not to protest the government but to pray for the governors.  We are not to place our hopes on politicians.  Our hopes rest solely on the Lord.  He is faithful and we have access to Him through prayer.

 

PRAY FOR AUTHORATIES: The call to pray, intercede, supplicate, and give thanks is to be directed towards all people, but especially to those whom God places in authority over us.  The goal of this kind of praying is that we might be able to live peaceful, quiet, godly, and dignified lives.  Our tendency is to be critical and complain about politicians.  Perhaps, there would be less to complain about if we prayed more and criticized less.  Prayers that are outward focused demonstrate a trust in God and a dependence upon Him that contributes to a life that is marked by peace. 

 

PRAY FOR SALVATION: As we pray, God’s will is a vital aspect of our praying.  God wants us to pray for the salvation of others.  His desire is that all people be saved and know the glorious truth of the Gospel.  There is only one way for people to be saved and that is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  He is the one who intercedes on our behalf and the only one who can mediate peace between sinful men and holy God.  Jesus paid the price for our sin and purchased our forgiveness with His blood.  Our first responsibility is to believe that truth for our own salvation.  Our second responsibility is to pray that everyone everywhere might have access to and believe that same message.

 

PRAY FOR PREACHERS: Paul also requests prayer for himself and for all who preach the Gospel.  God has given to men the privilege of proclaiming the Gospel.  Paul was appointed as an Apostle to represent God before the Gentile nations.  This is what God is doing in the world and it is what He has called us into as we seek to live for His glory and cooperate with His mission on earth.  Not all of us will have the privilege of going to other nations for the purpose of spreading the Gospel, but we can all pray to that end.

 

APPLICATION: Complain and criticize our governmental leaders less and pray more faithfully for them.  Pray that God might grant us to live peaceful and godly lives through His will being worked out through our leaders.  Pray for the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus through the preaching of men and the clear understanding of those who do not know the Lord.

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