1 Timothy 2:1-3, 1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we (Christians) may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.
Here in this pastoral letter (therefore, written to a believer), the Apostle Paul begins chapter two by urging young Timothy to make prayer a routine part of his life. And in so doing, Timothy is to teach his church to do the same.
Paul not knowing (just as no Christian does), who the elect of God are, urges Timothy to pray for the salvation of all people. And here in these three verses, Paul seems to focus on Timothy NOT leaving out government leaders. Whether Timothy likes them, agrees fully with them, or is even oppressed by them, he is to pray for their salvation, that they may be united in Christ and like-minded.
First, Paul gives Timothy the hows to praying, which I will define for us:
- Supplication: Also known as petitioning, it can be made for one’s self, or for others.
- Prayer: Is a solemn request for help, or an expression of thanks to God.
- Intercession: The act of intervening on behalf of another.
- Thanksgiving: Joy-filled expressions to God.
Next, is the WHY. Why would Paul be instructing Timothy and Christ’s church to pray regularly for those in the world? Because the Bible is loaded with passages that declare that the prayers of the wicked and unsaved are NOT heard by God. This is exactly why Jesus said in Matthew 5: 44 But I (Jesus) say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. So, how are we to love even our enemies? By praying for them, that’s the form of love that Christ commands here. Not a false love that tolerates their sin, accepts their lifestyle, or looks the other way. But, a love that sincerely prays that God would save their very souls from hell and unto salvation. There is power in prayer, therefore, prayer is the most loving and powerful thing we Christian’s could ever do for the unsaved world.
Today (2020) we live in a time in the United States that is plum full open wickedness and utter foolishness. From violent riots, murder, intimidation, destruction of property, and theft. All in the name of so-called social justice (BLM). Violent riots all backed, accepted, and supported by the Democratic party. A party that wants to enforce tax funded abortions, that’s how much they truly care for PEOPLE. A party whose democratic run states are far and away the most run down among the states in the U.S. NEVER in my life have I seen such hatred, disrespect, and unappreciation for a President, from his (Trump’s) opposing side. And the indoctrinated left-wing public education students come out of college like robots, believing every word from these liberals, just as they want them too. And it’s this immoral generation that the Democrats are so excited about. If Christians cannot see and admit the total depravity of our day, I would question if I truly have the spiritual eyes that the Lord gives.
I am in no way a lover of politics, but the open lies and utter hatred coming from the government should be enough to upset any true believer. However Christians, we must remember that government was and is instituted by God, for the purpose of order and justice. Proverbs 8:15 By me (God) kings reign, and rulers decree what is just. God is sovereign over the nations, and will lift-up or bring low who He wills. But, one thing we know from Scripture this that God stands on the side of righteousness, and more righteousness is on the side of Trump and Pence. So, pray hard for the will of God in this upcoming election, that His perfect will be done. And as hard as it may be for us to pray for the salvation of the party we don’t align with, we need to do so.
Lastly, Paul addresses what the conduct of a Christian is to be in verse 2. Christians don’t riot or protest with aggression. They don’t stand on the side of violence and lawlessness. But we are to live peaceful and quiet lives, for the glory of God, and when we take a stand on anything, it’s upon biblical truth.
At the end of the day, the U.S. is in desperate need of salvation, from the top down. So, pray hard, pray often, pray with conviction that God would move in saving power.
By: Daniel C. Rodgers