1 Timothy 2:1-7 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
Today’s passage is 1 Timothy 2:1-7. Let’s go!
1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NIV)
1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–
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,
On verses 1-3: It is good and pleasing to God when we devote ourselves to prayer. In fact, when you read Paul’s letters, a running theme is his devotion to prayer (see for example Ephesians 6:18-20; Colossians 4:2-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2; and Philemon 1:4-6). These verses are a reminder that we ought to devote ourselves to prayer for everyone including for those in authority.
Notice what Paul describes in verse 2 as the result of praying: “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (v2). In other words, when we bring our requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving before God (v1), the result is that we’re more able to live a peaceful, quiet, godly and holy lives (v2). Ever wished for more peace and quiet in your life? Pray. A life of prayer pleases God (v3).
1 Timothy 2:4 (NIV)
4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
On verse 4: God’s heart is that every person be saved and know God. “How could a loving God send anyone to hell?” is a common question critics of Christianity will sometimes ask. But as we see in verse 4, God’s desire is that everyone be saved. God does not delight in sending anyone to hell. Rather, hell is the place people choose when they reject God and His provision for their sin, God’s Son Jesus Christ.
So it’s not so much that God sends people to hell, and more so that people reject God by refusing His offer of forgiveness and heaven through Jesus Christ. In so doing, the only place left for them to go is a place without God, which is the definition of hell. In this way, people who reject God choose hell for themselves.
1 Timothy 2:5-7 (NIV)
5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men–the testimony given in its 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 teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.
On verses 5-7: Because God wants all people to be saved, He sent Jesus Christ as a ransom for all people (v6). The same provision, the same offer of forgiveness and the same opportunity to receive Jesus are given to everyone. The question is: what will you do with the offer God has given you?
Because God gives us the freedom to choose, God will not force you to receive His Son Jesus. He waits for us to make that choice. But verse 5 makes clear there is only one mediator who can reconcile us to God, the God-man Jesus Christ. No one else can do what Jesus does.
Father, may we as a church be devoted to prayer, for prayer is good, pleases You, and empowers us. Thank You for being a loving, gracious and compassionate God who wants all people to be saved. Thank You for making a way through Your Son Jesus so that all of us have that opportunity to be saved. Help us, like Paul, to be true, faithful and effective messengers of Your gospel to those around us. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
Copyright © 2021 Justin Lim. All rights reserved.
