1 Timothy 2:1-7
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 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 people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying —and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.
Devotion
Paul begins chapter two by instructing Timothy to pray for everyone, especially for “kings and all those in authority.” This is important because Christians in those days were being charged with rebellion against the Roman government. The prayers of church leaders for those in authority would disprove these charges. Not only is this kind of prayer pleasing to God, it also leads to a “tranquil and quiet” life for believers. Civil government is a gift from God, and we ought to give thanks for it and pray for it regardless of party affiliation!
Then Paul declares a marvelous truth, “This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” A second reason for praying for our governmental leaders is that the gospel might continue to go out to those who don’t know Jesus. According to Paul, it is God’s will that everyone be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. This reveals the redemptive heart of God. God desires for every person to receive the grace and forgiveness that is made possible through the gift of His Son Jesus. This does not mean that every person will be saved. Only those who receive God’s gift through faith will be granted access to God’s eternal kingdom. So, we should pray for our leaders, so that, the gospel of Jesus may continue to be proclaimed in our land.
Paul then makes the point that “there is one God and one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all…” This was an important point since the Romans worshipped many gods. Today, people worship many gods in a different kind of way. One of the doctrinal truths that Paul is striving to protect is the doctrine of the Godhead. This doctrine teaches that there is one God, a singular divine entity, who manifests Himself in the trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Historical Christianity has proclaimed this doctrine since the foundation of the church.
Part of this trinity includes the Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus gave Himself “as a ransom for all.” The second person of the Godhead paid the price for our redemption or reconciliation. We needed to be redeemed and lacked the payment necessary. By willingly giving up His life as an “atoning sacrifice,” Jesus bought humanity back from its fallen state. Now He serves as the Mediator between God and man. We now have a high priest who can “empathize with our weaknesses” because He took on human form. He is our Mediator because He also became a man. He has one hand in the hand of Deity because He is God. He has the other hand on humanity because He was human. The world needs to know Jesus because He is the only way to salvation. In Acts 4:12, Peter proclaims, “There is salvation in no one else, or there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.”
There can be no compromise on the doctrine of the Godhead. If you reduce Jesus to just a good man or an inspired prophet, then his death has no intrinsic value or meaning. Jesus, the second person of the Godhead, is the only one who can reconcile us to God the Father!
Questions to Ponder
Do you pray daily for those in authority over you? How does it make you feel to know that God’s heart is that everyone would be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth about Jesus? Who is Jesus to you?
Prayer Points
- Worship the Lord of the Harvest, our Savior, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Yahweh, Savior of the world. Declare His leadership is perfect.
- Pray for our National and Governmental Leaders. Pray for their hearts to respond to the Lord. Pray they will bow to the Lord Jesus Christ and allow Him to rule in their hearts, lives and leadership. Pray they will protect freedom of religion in America.
- Agree with His heart and Word, desiring that none should parish. Pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send out laborers. Ask Him to remind you throughout the day that you are “sent ones”.
- Pray we will make the most of every opportunity to share and show the love of Jesus Christ.
- Pray for your top 3 right now. Those are people on your heart who have yet to receive the Lord as Savior.
Suggested Prayer
Abba, I declare that You are wonderful, perfect, all powerful and trustworthy. Thank You Father that You are not anxious, overwhelmed, confused or distracted. I confess I forget to pray for the leaders around me as well as leaders in our state and nation. Right now, LORD, I ask that You guide and direct Governor Whitmer, President Biden and Vice President Harris. Surround them with Godly counsel, shepherd them into Your truth. Give me a desire to pray for them each day, teach me how to pray by Your Spirit, I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.