How Big is Your God?

1 Timothy 2:1–4 (ESV)

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.

Who the Christian Prays For (2:1)

What kind of prayer does Paul mention?

supplications: public prayers

prayers

intercessions: mediatorial prayer

thanksgivings: conscious of God’s goodness and grace

For all people - for those around us, believer and unbeliever

For the people in positions of authority over us

What the Christian prays for (2:2)

That we may live a peaceable and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way - we want an environment where godliness is on display

Why the Christian is to pray this way (2:3-4)

The theological reality behind the imperative - because it pleases God

Not everything that God desires does he decree - 1 Timothy 2:4 “who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” God freely extends the offer of salvation to all, but he has predestined some to salvation and others to judgment (double predestination)

This is about God’s disposition in general rather than a statement of his decree

Our prayers should reflect God’s desires as it concerns others - we should pray that others come to the knowledge of the truth - this is the truth that sets free

Ask big things of God; expect big things from God.