1 Timothy: Session 4

Tonight we start getting into the meat of Paul’s instruction that he was giving to Timothy. Chapter one started us off with the when , where, and why for the letter, chapter 2 begins to give the practical teaching Timothy was to pass on to “certain people” in Ephesus.

Remember the command: stop the false teaching being presented by “certain people.”

Remember the goal: the goal was love - to lead the people back to love with love.

Remember the reminder: grace is how we stay on course. Paul was saved by grace, Jesus came to save through extending grace, and Timothy was to lead with grace in his calling.

All of this points us to where we are going to go through the rest of this book. We must remember that Paul is calling out these things in response to what had been taking place in Ephesus. He is working to correct the wrongs being taught.

Again, context is SO important when we study epistles such as this. Paul’s words, inspired by the Holy Spirit, had specific meaning for Timothy then… a they do for us today. In order to fully understand that meaning, we must look at what was taking place then to discover the timeless truth being conveyed.

All of Scripture is timeless - meaning all Scripture stands the test of time. The truths and principles still remain and believers ought to take time to carefully study when reading passages of the Bible. SUCH IS ONLY FOR OUR BENEFIT as it helps us to connect the dots throughout biblical history.

Chapter 2 presents practical teaching from Paul specific to the conditions at Ephesus - does that mean these Scriptures are not important to us today?

Let’s go back to our Revelation study for a moment… Revelation chapters 2 and 3 contain what? The seven letters to the seven churches in the province of Asia. In each letter, specific information and instruction is given to specific churches going through specific circumstances. Are these letters unimportant to… let’s say the people of the church at the heart of the heartland?

We may not be facing the same issue, but the truths should be taken to heart. For instance, the most intense correction is given in Revelation 3:16 - the hold or cold verse. Can we learn something from this verse! Sure we can!

So with this in mind, we are going to break up chapter two into 2-3 segments.

Segment one is going to deal with prayer. Segment two is going to look at the roles of women in church. We will carefully look at what the Scripture says… and what it does not say.

First, we dive into the topic of prayer. We dive into the practical correction given by Paul in his letter to timothy. On the surface, a person might ask, “How can a group of believers mess up such a simple thing as prayer?” Yet, it would appear that the “certain people” Paul command Timothy to confront had a different idea regarding prayer.

All People Matter to God - 1 Timothy 2:1-7

1 Timothy 2:1-7 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 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.

There is a lot to unpack here… but at the core of this instruction is this simple truth: ALL PEOPLE MATTER TO GOD.

Just in case we missed this theme, I want us to look at a few biblical references that highlight this truth.

In the area of redemption:

John 3:16 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

God so loved… who? the world = all people.

Matthew 20:28 ...the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Paul highlights this in the verses we just read… specifically in verse 6 reemphasizing that Christ “gave himself as a ransom for all people.”

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

In the area of Spirit empowerment:

Acts 2:17 In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

God’s Spirit is poured out on all who call on the name of Jesus! He indwells the hearts of ALL believers and is available through Spirit baptism to ALL believers!

And now we see this important emphasis from Paul regarding petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for who? ALL PEOPLE! This would indicate… to this preacher… that the “certain people” Timothy was to correct had an issue with this truth.

This instruction is one of inclusion - that ALL people are to be prayed for and… praised for by God’s people!

What do I mean that all people should be praised for by God’s people? We should give thanks to God for these people - friend or enemy it makes no difference. This includes… watch this… the kings and ALL those in authority!

God has made clear His instruction here through Paul - the church was NEVER called to rise up against governments or authorities - but we have been commissioned to pray for leaders and to believe for their salvation! Verse 2 and 3 gives the hoped for result: that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Now, peaceful and quiet does not mean indifferent or un-engaged. The church is to be active in the community in which she is planted. But our goal is not increased political influence but rather should be increased biblical influence. Nowhere do I see in Scripture a command given by God that suggests rising up against authorities will result in a spiritual awakening in the land. But I do see instruction that says, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

As all people matter to God, the church should be praying and thanking God for all people.

I get it. It is easier to complain about and divide ourselves from the leaders of the land who do not seem to uphold biblical values or even the traditional values of the United States.

First off… our affiliation is NOT with the First Church of the United States, but is affiliated with the Assemblies of God. We must be careful in our allegiance. God’s church comes first. And as our nation seems to be steering away from God’s truth, we will have to make a choice on where we stand. Will we stand for Christ… or will we desperately try to hold on to a governing system that… according to Scripture… is doomed to fail in the end? There is only ONE KINGDOM and ONE NAME that will stand the test of time! That is God’s Kingdom and the name of Jesus. And one day, “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10-11

We are seeing a divide take place… but Scripture instructs that we be inclusive in our prayers. We need to pray for our leaders and believe God for the healing of our Land!

Secondly to this point, as we pray, we need to remember there is a mediator between God and man - a high priest - and His name is Jesus.

THIS IS HUGELY IMPORTANT FOR US TO REMEMBER. Why? This instruction is NOT tone deaf to what may being going on in our circumstance… but is given to remind us that God knows what we are going through and we can be confident that His grace will carry us through. Hebrews 4:14-16 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

As we pray and give thanks for all people, God knows our circumstance and assures us His grace WILL help us in our time of need.

But prayer IS the key. Prayer moves us from trusting in our resolve to trusting in the resolve of God. WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PRAYER!

Paul Calls Out the Men

1 Timothy 2:8  Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

Paul calls out the men on the topic of prayer. This passage is not just an encouragement, it’s a correction. It’s a calling out. Remember, in context with the command, Paul is addressing issues that Timothy is to call out. It is safe to assume the men of the church at Ephesus struggled to pray.

is this an exclusive instruction? Are the men the only people who are to pray? Absolutely not! All people matter to God and… and people can pray to God! The absence of praying men had caught their attention… and I would say in our day and age… we face this same troubling trend as well.

We are busy. We are distracted. We are doing our best to provide and protect. But prayer is on the decline.

Let’s look at the terms Paul used in verse 1 to describe prayer.

Petition - make or present a formal request to (an authority) with respect to a particular cause.

Prayer - communication with God. Because God is personal, all people can offer prayers.

Intercession - the act of petitioning God or praying on behalf of another person or group. The sinful nature of this world separates human beings from God. It has always been necessary, therefore, for righteous individuals to go before God to seek reconciliation between Him and His fallen creation.

Thanksgiving - Gratitude. Appreciation. Praise. God is deserving of our highest praise.

Each one of these points makes a spiritual difference in both the one offering prayer and the one being prayed for.

There is nothing more manly… than a praying man. All people can pray… but men of God, we need to learn how pray, how to petition, how to intercede, and how to give thanks on a deeper level.

Again, recall the original command given by Paul and the concern. 1 Timothy 1:3. The false teaching and meaningless talk had led to “controversial speculations” and a lack in the advancement of God’ work (v. 4).

Look at what the end of verse 8 of chapter 2 calls out: anger and disputing.

In other words, we need to stop the meaningless talk and get back to praying meaningful prayers! And again… this was targeted to the men!

We Believe in the Power of Prayer

All believers have the opportunity to pray for all people. And I pray tonight this instruction is taken to heart and that we… God’s church… become a more-commited people of prayer.

Complaints wont change things. Arguing won’t change things. Facebook posts or nasty emails won’t change things. political rants or patriotic rallies won’t change things. Debate or divisive talk won’t change things. GOD SAID PRAYER WILL CHANGE THINGS!

As a church, I’m further evaluating our service schedule to see if we can make more room for prayer on a weekly basis. We are doing good… but I want us to be doing great when it comes to prayer!

God has been on the move and I truly believe it is because of our devotion to pray as a church. If we want more doors to open… we need to be praying more as a church. Prayer links our faith to God rather than to our self.

We are to pray for all people - including our leaders and government officials. We are not to play favorites when it comes to prayer.

We are lift up HOLY hands, without anger or dispute, and to pray. Drop distractions, make adequate time and pray and seek His face.