Pray for all men 1 Tim 2 1-7

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Prayer

What is the Gospel?

The gospel is the good news that God loves the world enough to give His only Son to die for our sin (John 3:16). The gospel is good news because our salvation and eternal life and home in heaven are guaranteed through Christ (John 14:1–4). “He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3–4).

The gospel is good news when we understand that we do not (and cannot) earn our salvation; the work of redemption and justification is complete, having been finished on the cross (John 19:30). Jesus is the propitiation for our sins (1 John 2:2). The gospel is the good news that we, who were once enemies of God, have been reconciled by the blood of Christ and adopted into the family of God (Romans 5:10; John 1:12). “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1). The gospel is the good news that “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

History

In chapter 1 we learned that Paul commands Timothy and the church to guard the gospel, rejoice in the gospel, and engage in battle in the gospel.

Unfortunately, the church at Ephesus had a bad reputation among non-believers. The non-believers thought Christians were trouble-makers. Back in Chapter 1, verse 1 Paul speaks about ‘God our Savior’ which is to serve as reminded to the Ephesians that it’s in God’s nature to reach out and save those who are far from Him. The false teachers with their false teaching had made the Ephesians inward looking so that they were no longer spreading the good news. The Ephesians had a wrong emphasis on freedom which led them to believe that they were free from any kind of external authority. The Ephesians perhaps prayed for their worldly leaders to be overthrown.

So Paul tells them to pray for the salvation of their leaders rather than for their overthrow. They were to pray in accordance with God’s will.

Sadly, the church in Ephesus had become a bad advert for the good news. It seems that these Christians had a wrong emphasis on freedom which led them to believe that they were free from any kind of external authority.

It was essential for the Christians at Ephesus to come to the realization that God’s desire is to save people. False teaching had made them inward looking so that they were no longer spreading the good news.

Breaking down Chapter 2:

2:1-2 (Initial Appeal):

The church should pray to God for all kinds of people.

The gospel is depended on the prayers for the gospel advancement.

2:3-6 (Gospel Motivation = drives the church passion and desire)

The church prays because God desires the salvation for all kinds of people.

The church prays because Jesus died for the deliverance for all kinds of people.

2:7 (Evident Effect)

The church prays in confidence and in boldness because of the preaching of the gospel which results in the church mission being fulfilled and Christ Jesus will be praised. (Everything is rested on God because he is without sin and perfect.)

Verse 1-2 Initial Appeal

The church should pray to God for all people.

The phrase “First of all,” what does it mean? How will the Ephesians be able to accomplish the mission to guard the gospel, rejoice in the gospel, and to engage in battle in the gospel? The answer: Prayer!

The most significant change in the hearts and attitudes of the Ephesians is prayer! By teaching the importance of prayer will remind the church at Ephesus of their life-saving mission regarding anyone don’t know the good news (salvation) of Christ Jesus. Also, it will serve as a reminder to the church if nothing changes, then anyone don’t know the good news are destined an eternity in Hell.

For the salvation of all people and not for just the select few.

This is the first matter that Timothy can bring about is prayer for the salvation of all people and not for the select few. Prayer is the most important thing to do in worship! This first importance

First of all meaning this is but a first of many things which needs to be address.

The first matter Timothy takes up is the most important thing of all! The most significant change that Timothy can bring about is prayer for the salvation of all people and not for just the select few who follow the false teachers

The Gospel is dependent on the prayers of the church. So the gospel message will go out into the world. The inward transformation is meant for it to go outwardly.

Paul begins with categories of types of prayers to be made for everyone who do not know Jesus.

Now, Paul begins with a widespread categories of our communication with God:

Petition: It is the action of asking or begging for something humbly by the church appealing to God with respect to a particular cause.

Prayers: a sincere request for help to God.

Intercessions: refer to the requests we make on behalf of others.

Thanksgivings: This refers to expressions of gratitude for some benefits or blessings.

Such as the case with the Christians that we remember God’

There’s need to be understanding of each these categories since it reflects the heart of the gospel.

What is the church at Ephesus should petition for?

Petitions refers to asking and begging for something based on an apparent need or needs. And the need or needs refer to illnesses or disturbing events (such as the case with the 9 killed in Mexico). The point Paul makes here is that all types of prayers should be made for all people, not just for oneself.

What is the church at Ephesus should be in prayer for?

‘Prayers’ is the most inclusive category for prayer in this list [AB, Alf, ECC, ICC, Lns, NAC, NICNT, NIGTC, NTC, TC, TH, TNTC, WBC]. Some versions put ‘prayers’ first in the list and indicate that it includes the other different categories [CEV, NCV, NLT]. The word ‘prayers’ broadens the scope of ‘requests’ [ECC]. It can be used of all types of prayer for all people, whether the prayers be general requests or specific petitions [NAC]. In this context, it may emphasize praying for God’s general blessings and care for all people [NIGTC]. Or, although the noun ‘prayers’ covers all forms of reverent address to God [NTC], its position in the middle of a list of near synonyms suggests that here the meaning is restricted to general requests about needs that are always present in contrast with the first noun ‘requests’ which refers to requests concerning specific situations [NIGTC, NTC]. These general prayers might concern a need for more wisdom or greater consecration [NTC].

What is it the church at Ephesus should be in intercessions for?

What is meant by ἐντεύξεις ‘intercessions’ for all people?

This pertains to speaking to God on behalf of someone else [LN (33.347), TH]. In this context, the noun denotes a pleading in the interest of others [NTC]. It describes prayers that make requests on behalf of others and it implies that it is addressed to one who is superior to the intercessor [ICC, TC, TNTC, WBC]. It is given in an attitude of concern for others, particularly about their plight or difficulty [NIGTC]. It includes both sinners and saints [WP].

What is it the church at Ephesus should be thankful for?

What is meant by ‘thanksgivings’ for all people?

This refers to expressions of gratitude for some benefits or blessings [LN (33.349)]. It is the natural response to the making of requests in prayer [Herm]. All requests are to be made with conscious expressions of gratitude to God on behalf of all [NIGTC, TC]. This refers to thanking God for past mercies [Lns]. This expresses gratitude for the answers of previous prayers [ICC, NAC, NICNT], and in anticipation for God’s future response [NICNT]. This is the expression of gratitude for God’s blessings [NTC]. The mention of thanksgiving is provides a motivation for making requests to God [NAC]. Every kind of prayer is also to be accompanied with thanksgiving [EGT].

It important for all Christians to be thankful people and remember the goodness of the Lord. For example in Deuteronomy 8 (give context to the chapter).

Why? God desires all kinds of people salvation

In Chapter 1, Paul encouraged Timothy to safeguard the gospel. And safeguard simply means to:

-To protect someone or something or to prevent something undesirable.

So, with that understanding the next step is to ask ourselves the question:

What are some of the things Timothy needed to safeguard?

Using the definition of safeguard we can find the answers.

The “something” Paul commanded Timothy to protect? The Gospel!

The “someone” Paul commanded Timothy to protect? The Church!

And the things Timothy needed to prevent which is undesirable are as follows: (Past sermon)

The damage done the teachers got the people of God to be The issues in Ephesus were so toxic that the world would view the Christians as troublemaker. It’s no wonder that the Emperor Nero could make a compelling case against Christians. Now, during the time this letter was written it was before that time Nero persecuted the Christians.

The church is a reflection of Christ Jesus. It is important for all Christians the purpose of this letter is about believers:

-Function in the church which our conduct is meaning our performance (in alignment with the gospel), behavior, and habit.

Whenever someone are acting out of alignment with the gospel, then there are to be corrected.

When someone refuses to adhere to correction, then its results in immediate remove from fellowship. This act is called church discipline. Church discipline is the process of correcting sinful behavior among members of a local church body for the purpose of protecting the church, restoring the sinner to a right walk with God, and renewing fellowship among the church members. In some cases, church discipline can proceed to excommunication, which is the formal removal of an individual from church membership.

Why?

As result of false teachers influence the hearts of believers within the church became their teachers. Meaning believers attitudes operated outside the gospel. As a result, instead of praying for all kinds people outside the church. The people influence by false teaching their way thinking became cold, selective, and selfish. The priority of the shepherding is preservation of the sheep. This is a pastoral letter to pastor Timothy at the church of Ephesus. The priority had shifted on a different course which to some to shipwrecked their faith. The course shift from the love and faith of Jesus to legalism and

The church had become selfish (we're the elite)with exclusion which contradicts the gospel.

Even before the fall into sin, Adam and Eve were righteous in God's eyes, not because of their obedience, but because God declared them good and they believed. Faith has always defined righteousness. Thus, righteousness before God cannot depend on human achievement or merit.

1 timothy 1:3-10 certain men preaching that work righteousness is the only means to have a good standing with God which is false. (Look back on past sermon to find references).

To reject the gospel is to embrace the bad news. Condemnation before God is the result of a lack of faith in the Son of God, God’s only provision for salvation. “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (John 3:17–18). God has given a doomed world good news: the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

What is the gospel? The gospel simply means “good news.”

The motivation is one's belief in something. Belief is the driving force behind the scenes which reveals one's passion and desire to advance a cause.

When the church acts upon verse 1 and 2 then the church walks in obedience. Not only in obedience, walking in the passion, will, and desire of God. It reveals our partnership in Christ Jesus not us belief in voluntary.

Treasury of Scripture knowledge

Two problems with the Ephesians church.

Selectiveness

Living out the gospel = attitudes and behaviors

Paul begins with the phrase, “First of all” which means this is the first importance of a series. Prayer is the beginning of series regarding the gospel. Then next is instructions regarding the men and women in the local church. Following will be instructions regarding the qualifications of elders and deacons.

Paul begins with prayer because how is it that you’re to guard the gospel, rejoice in the gospel, and engage in battle in the gospel? What Paul says is by praying. Praying is the easiest thing you can do! You don’t have to leave you’re the comfort of your home. You don’t have to even have to talk to people. You just talk to God! If you desire to have influence on the lost people around you, then pray. If you desire to have influence on president, nations, and dictators, then pray!

Paul reminds the church of the Ephesians and we should be reminded as well is that the church is on a life-saving mission. We need to be reminded we’re surrounded by people who don’t know Jesus. If nothing changes regarding not knowing Jesus, then these people are destined for an eternity in Hell.

Let’s focus back on verse 1. As I mentioned one of the issues with the Ephesians was their selectiveness when it came to the gospel. Paul urge the Ephesians to pray for everyone as we read at the end of the verse 1. At the church of Ephesus clearly was a misunderstanding regarding prayer. The false teachers were teaching the people to be selective in their prayer limiting salvation to a small group of religious elitist. Paul combats false teaching by saying prayer is made for everyone. Prayer is not for the elitist, not for racist, and not for selective practice. Paul reminds the church that prayer is for the diversity meaning for every kind of person.

Let’s quickly examine the four categories of prayer:

Petitions

Prayers

Intercession

Thanksgivings

Verse 2

Verse 2 Paul broadening the scope regarding whom do the church pray should pray for. For further illustration, Paul says the church should pray for leaders in high positions which is consistent with to pray for all kinds of people. The church is to pray for Kings and all who are in authority in verse 2. Now, I believe some Ephesians weren’t happy to hear this part of the passage. At the time Paul was writing this letter it was during the reign of Roman Emperor, Nero. And Nero was no friend to Christians as he violently persecuted Christians in the first century. Nevertheless, no matter what king, president, and emperor the church may suffer under or don’t approve of. Christians are to pray because this is God’s will.