Praying for Peace

Introduction

In the last section of chapter 1, Paul is concerned about those who are not true to the faith. He even names two of them: Hymenaeus and Alexander. And Paul says they have gone so far out that he has “handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.”

When we begin chapter 2, Paul begins to show Timothy how he should conduct his life. He begins by telling Timothy what he believes is THE most important way to conduct himself.

The most important part of our life as a Christian should be our prayer life.

I know it is somewhat a cliquish today prayer should be the most important part of our life with Jesus! How is it that for many of use prayer is our last resort.

Or we’ll say, “Well, all I can do is pray. . .” If Paul really considers prayer as THE most important thing we can do to change our world, then how come we down play the power of prayer in our life.

1 Timothy 2:1-

1 Timothy 2:1–2 NIV84

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.

Prayer

The first thing that Paul says is that he “urges” us. This is the compound Greek word “parakaléō” it is sometimes translated “beseech” and is filled with a sense of urgency.

Paul list four things that denote talking to God: requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving. Most scholars do not put too much stalk in differentiating between the first three words: requests, prayers, and intercession. Rather the reason Paul uses these three words is to build intensity.

Yet there are two keys in this passage. First is that all of our approaches to God are made with thanksgiving.

The second key, is that we are praying for everyone! In “everyone” Paul includes that we pray for kings and all those in authority.

In Paul’s day, those who were in authority were the same ones causing Christians to die! The reason that “thanksgiving” is so important is because we cannot pray for those who persecute us without having an attitude of thanksgiving.

Paul’s Goal

Paul’s goal is that believers might be able to live peaceful and quiet lives—living in all godliness and holiness.

1 Timothy 2:3–7 NIV84

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its 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 teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.

1 Timothy 2:3-

God’s Goal

God’s goal is that every man, woman, and child to be saved.

God also wants every man, woman, and child to know the truth.

One Mediator

Paul tells us that there is only one mediator between God and man, and that is the man Christ Jesus!

Jesus can do this because He willingly gave Himself as a ransom for every man, woman, and child!

NOTE: Tom Constable writes, “The churches of North America generally neglect this exhortation to pray. Most churches spend relatively little time at it and consequently reveal an attitude toward it that is quite different from Paul’s. I believe we have an unrealistic view of life. The world system promotes the idea that we do not need God, and we have accepted this heresy. In contrast Paul and all of Scripture teach that we are absolutely dependent on God. The degree to which we believe that will be the degree we pray.”

How We Worship

1 Timothy 2:8–15 NIV84

I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

Paul first addresses men—and he uses a Greek word that can only refer to the male gender.

Wherever men gather to worship, men are to lift up holy hands in prayer!

Men are to be void of anger. Men are to be void of disputes—arguments.

Paul addresses women—When Paul talks about women’s dress most likely referred to the pagan temple prostitutes who fixed themselves up to draw men to the temple by drawing attention to themselves.

Paul reminds these women that God is far more concerned about what is on the inside than what is on the inside.

The second part of his admonition, is that they not seek to usurp the authority that God gave to man.

Honestly, this section has been the source of problems for years. Men have abused the passage by a false interpretation, and women have worked to throw it out because of the way it has been abused.

This passage does NOT teach: (1) That women are inferior to women. (2) That women cannot speak in church. (3) That women cannot (or should not) look nice when go to church. (4) Women are “stupid.”

It teaches that God established a hierarchy. I can’t explain why God made this hierarchy the way He did, but He did. Thus, you and I are to live our lives by God’s standard.

MEN—Living their lives with open hands toward God. With lives free from anger and fights.

WOMEN—Living their lives under the leadership of men, yet they live their life with faith, love, and holiness with propriety (self-restraint).