Prayer and Worship

Prayer Prayer

1 Timothy 2:1–6 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. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

why is paul writing this letter? he is writing to refute heresies in the church

1, 2 Timothy, Titus (1) The Objects and Content of Prayer (2:1–2)

Because of the stubbornness of the Ephesian heretics, Paul felt it necessary to give Timothy some specific guidance for combating their challenge. He attempted to correct abuses that flowed from the teachings of the errorists. It would be wrong to see Paul beginning an outline on how to organize a church. He was not outlining church organization, but he was confronting errors and heresies already underway.

and -The words “first of all” are not so much the introduction of the initial item on a list as a reference to the primary importance of what Paul was about to discuss. Prayer for all kinds of people (including those of 2:2) is an item of great significance.

Paul listed four words for prayer in v. 1. “Requests” are petitions to God based on a sense of deep spiritual need (see the same word translated “prayer” in Jas 5:16). The term “prayers” is the most general word for prayer in the New Testament (see “prayers” in 1 Pet 3:7). It is used of all types of prayers to God including general requests or specific petitions. The verbal form of “intercession” is used of Christ’s prayers for believers in Heb 7:25. Huther indicates that the initial prayer term distinguishes the element of insufficiency by the requester, the second highlights devotion by the seeker, and the third underscores the childlike confidence of the petitioner.

The fourth word, “thanksgiving,” adds gratitude as a motivation for asking. Whereas the initial three words express various ways of making requests of God, the final word describes the expression of gratitude to God. Paul probably did not intend any sharp distinction between the words but was collecting synonyms that effectively communicate the importance of prayer.

Paul was concerned that Ephesian believers pray for everyone. He would emphasize in v. 4 that God wants “all men to be saved” and in v. 6 that Christ died “for all men.” This shows the breadth of his concern. The false teachers among the Ephesians may have limited their concerns to a certain elite group. Kelly says that “Paul makes it plain that narrowness of this kind offends against the gospel of Christ.”

2:2 The object of these prayers is “everyone,” but Paul reminded his readers that kings and other leaders are the special objects of prayer. To pray for “everyone” does not suggest that we must mention each human being by name but that our prayers should include all groups of human beings. All needy sinners—without distinction of race, nationality, or social position—must receive our prayers.

The terms “kings and all those in authority” refer to the authorities of the state including emperors, governors, and other local authorities. Persecuted Christians could easily omit prayers for their persecuting rulers. Such prayers for leaders had a long history in Judaism (Ezra 7:27–28; 9:6–9).

The final clause of v. 2 designates the content of the prayer. First, Paul’s words imply that Christians must pray that their leaders will have the knowledge needed to guide them in their duties. Freedom from anarchy, persecution, and economic hardship can facilitate the spread of the gospel. Wise rulers can provide sound, solid leadership to accomplish these goals. Paul was not merely requesting that Christians pray for the conversion of their leaders, although this was at least a part of the prayer. The prayers include thanksgivings for those decisions that facilitate the spread of Christianity and requests for wisdom in making important decisions.

Second, Paul desired that believers live “peaceful and quiet lives.” He may not have intended that this “quiet” life be free of all conflict and persecution. Such an interpretation is unlikely in view of Paul’s realistic expectations of persecution in 2 Tim 1:8; 3:12. Vigorous Christianity has spread rapidly even under conditions of severe opposition and persecution.

In 1 Thess 4:11–12 Paul urged the Thessalonian believers to live a quiet life in such a way as to win the respect of unbelievers. Perhaps strife and discord in the church caused outsiders to scoff at the religion of the Ephesian Christians. Paul wanted his readers to live an orderly life free of strife and discord so as to convince unbelievers that Christianity was worthy of their attention

I. Prepare for Worship with PRAYER! (I Timothy 2:1, 8) “Make Worship Personal” For Paul, Worship didn’t start with the crowd, but the individual devoted to PRAYER! (1) Talk to God privately before you shout to God publicly! (2) Thank God personally before you praise God publicly! (3) Intercede for others to God before you are involved with others in Worship. Pray daily!

II. Participate in Worship with PREACHING and PRAISE! (I Timothy 2:6-7) “Make Worship Participatory” Why come to Worship? For a Word and Workout! For Instruction and Inspiration! (1) Get caught up in the Move of Worship! Express yourself! (2) Get caught up in the Message of Worship! Learn something! (3) Get caught up in the Miracle of Worship! When folks worshipped God . . . battles been won, sickness been healed, confirmations been given, enemies been defeated! Worship with the Saints Regularly!

III. Practice Worship with PEACE and PHILANTROPHY! (I Timothy 2:10) “Make Worship Practical”. (1) Don’t Come Pretty and Act Uglyto Others! (2) Don’t just Dress your Best, Do your Best! (3) Don’t just Look Good, Live Godly! Work beyond the Walls!