A few days ago was the first Tuesday in November and elections were held across the country. Senate seats were open, several measures were introduced, and school boards experienced a shuffling of their members. Did everything I voted for pass? No. Do I have concerns for what I see happening in our country? Yes.
In the first chapter of Timothy 2, Paul is writing to his spiritual child Timothy. Paul urges him to remain in Ephesus in order to instruct the church to teach the truth. He reminds Timothy of his own personal testimony of God’s mercy, grace and faithfulness. He then encourages Timothy to ‘fight the good fight’ holding his faith rightly, unlike some who have wearied and gone astray. Now on to the 2nd Chapter which is where I personally found myself reading this morning.
1Ti 2:1-2 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties [and] prayers, petitions [and] thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
I live in the beautiful state of California. The weather is absolutely gorgeous, the landscape is varied, from mountain peaks to the ocean. There is desert and there are vineyards. We have redwoods and palm trees. Somehow, in God’s design, I was born here and have lived my entire life in this state. California is known for its ‘cutting edge’ thinking. It would be considered progressive. I, however, am what you might label ‘old fashioned’ or conservative.
Back to our elections from this past week. How do we react to what is happening around us? What happens when I don’t necessarily support some of the measures that have been passed or the thinking of my elected representatives? Let’s look at what God’s word says. Why? Because in Him alone we have security and for that, we can be thankful!
1Ti 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties [and] prayers, petitions [and] thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
We are exhorted to pray! This is not a suggestion, rather it is a strong urging to act upon what we are able. We worship God when we come before Him with our prayers. We acknowledge God as our Father when we pray.
Ro 8:15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!"
Ga 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"
Notice what must accompany our prayer – thanksgiving. We are to have a heart of gratitude as we pray. And who do we pray for? All men! Yes, even those we don’t much care for. But how can we have a heart of thankfulness when a measure or law passes that doesn’t honor Biblical teaching?
Consider. Where does true peace come from? Does it come from all things going our way or from the knowledge that God is in control of all things?
Jesus reminded His disciples that they would have peace that only He could give. This is not the peace found in the world which ebbs with every change. However, we can live in peace even as we’re surrounded by the world. There is no need to be fearful.
Joh 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
There is a familiar section of scripture I say to myself often. I am reminded that I don’t need to understand, or agree with circumstances that are not in my power to change, in order to have peace.
Php 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Let’s ponder this heart of thankfulness a bit more. When Paul wrote the book of Timothy, it was at a time when the kings and magistrates were largely enemies of the church. We certainly see this now in our modern governing body. We can pray that eyes are opened to see Truth. We can pray for protection. And we can pray these things with a heart of thanksgiving for all the blessings God continually pours out on the believer and unbeliever alike.
Prayer for everyone is considered a priority. In the New American Standard translation of 1 Timothy 2:1, the phrase used is ‘First of all’. It is important to pray for the salvation of souls.
We are to pray for everyone, including and especially those, in a position of authority. 1Ti 2:2 for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
What happens when we resort to prayer? We can be still as opposed to fretting, and we encourage peace as opposed to unrest. Our striving for peace will help to maintain peace around us. Our energy can go into praying for those in authority to be faithful to execute the responsibilities of their position. Tertullian, in his Apology, says “We pray for all the emperors, that God may grant them long life, a secure government, a prosperous family, vigorous troops, a faithful senate, an obedient people; that the whole world may be in peace; and that God may grant, both to Caesar and to every man, the accomplishment of their just desires…We pray for kings and rulers, that with their royal authority they may be found possessing a wise and prudent mind."
Consider. How many acts of rioting and rebellion start because one or a few decide to seek their own justice? When an area is in uproar there is no peace, and there is no safety. So, pray. Pray that God will appoint men who will follow His direction. Pray that God will protect us from leaders with a desire to cause trouble and serve themselves. We may not see what we would like but certainly our own hearts will be led to the peace that comes from knowing God is the ultimate authority. And we can enjoy the peace that comes from living in a place that is kept in order. God established authority to keep peace. This is for our benefit. Is God able to influence a heart? Absolutely. Think back for a moment how He has changed you! God’s answers to prayer do not depend on the righteousness of people but rather His own perfect righteousness.
“[Pray] that their hearts may be so influenced as at least to tolerate the gospel, that we, who are by the principles of our religion taught to abhor every thing which would be injurious to them, may not be injured by them, but may be permitted to pass a peaceful and quiet life, while we are desirous to conduct ourselves not only without offence, but in a useful and exemplary manner, in all piety and gravity, attentive to the several duties which we owe both to God and our fellow creatures.” Philip Doddridge
The last part of 1 Timothy 2:1 says “in all godliness and dignity”. Does our conduct bring glory to God? I cannot choose the actions of others, but I can prayerfully consider if my conduct points towards the holiness of God. We can pray for God’s blessing on our government.
Tit 2:7-8 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, [with] purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound [in] speech which is beyond reproach, in order that the opponent may be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.
Ro 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
In Jeremiah we read the instruction to the Jews in captivity to pray for the peace of the city that held them captive. Jer 29:7 'And seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare.'
Ro 13:1 Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
In God’s truths we can have quietness – not troubled from without, and peace – not troubled from within.
As you read further in 1 Timothy Chapter 2, verses three and four spell out the desire God has for all men to be saved. We worship God when we act in obedience; our prayers offered for all men to be saved are acceptable forms of worship.
1Ti 2:3-4 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Nothing is hopeless! Consider what God did in Paul’s life. He was once an avid persecutor of Christians and God turned that same fervor he had against truth to work for His glory.
Let’s pray then, in agreement with God, for the salvation of souls, particularly those who have responsibility to lead. If God saved you, how can you doubt that His grace extends to everyone? 2 Timothy 1:9 reminds us we were not saved because of our own good works but because of God’s grace. Pray for your enemies. Pray for those you know and love. Pray for those in authority. This is according to God’s will and reaps a benefit of blessing.
Mt 5:44-45 "But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you 45 in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on [the] evil and [the] good, and sends rain on [the] righteous and [the] unrighteous.
Jesus died on the cross for all mankind. Through Jesus alone, God provides a way of salvation to all and desires all to be saved. We have a responsibility to share Who God is and what He has done, to those around us in the hope that they will believe. It is possible you are thinking if Jesus died for all mankind, why isn’t everyone just saved? Salvation is available and made possible for all, yet all do not accept the gift provided.
Consider. Let’s say you were shipwrecked. You’re the only one who survived and you find yourself on a very small island literally in the middle of nowhere. On this island there is no food, no fresh water, and no shelter. There is no land to be seen in the distance and, although you’re a strong swimmer, there is no possibility of swimming off the island because you’ve spotted several sharks close to shore.
Perhaps for a short time, the beauty and allure of a deserted island with a private white sand beach, seems doable. But soon, hunger, thirst and lack of protection from the elements, take their toll, and the need to be rescued becomes your overwhelming concern.
Just you are finishing your trek around the island, having lost all hope of trying to discover a way off, you notice a bright shiny yacht anchored just off a small cove. You can’t believe your good fortune. You think you may be hallucinating because it is difficult to understand how it appeared, but it is real. You climb aboard and marvel at the accommodation you see. The galley kitchen below deck is stocked with food and water – enough for several days. There are keys and an envelope sitting on the driver’s seat.
You enjoy the food, engorging yourself with delicious meals, you drink your fill of fresh water, and even sleep in the comfort of a real bed. But, soon, the food and water is depleted. You do still have protection however. Several more days go by and you realize you are in a desperate state once again. Then, your eye catches something reflecting the sun’s rays.
The key! You had been so busy enjoying the provision of the yacht, you didn’t really pay attention to the key – or the envelope. You open the envelope and it contains a card that simply reads, “Use the key, it will save you”. The problem is, you don’t know how to drive and certainly have no idea how to manage navigating a yacht.
Now you have a choice. You can stay on the island and even take cover in the protection of what was provided. But eventually, the hope you once felt upon your discovery will vanish and you will starve to death. Or … even though you’re scared to turn the key and have no idea how you will navigate something unfamiliar, you can use the key, and have faith that this yacht is your only way to safety. It will save you but you must trust that it will and put your faith in what has been provided.
God desires all men to be saved. God has provided the way of our salvation. We need to choose to use the key and accept what He has done. Not all choose to place their faith and trust in Jesus.
Joh 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. 17 "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.
1Ti 2:1-4 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties [and] prayers, petitions [and] thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Pray for all men especially those in authority. Pray with thanksgiving for what God has done and what He will do. Pray that God will work in the hearts of those in leadership that they will be wise and fulfill their responsibilities well. Pray for peace to surround us and for your own personal example to promote peace. Pray because it brings glory and honor to God. Pray for the hearts of all men to be radically changed by God’s gift of love.
I am concerned for what I see happening in our country. But I am reminded of God’s faithfulness and the need to pray as His child. I am reminded that peace comes from knowing God and trusting in His perfect plan. God will use the results of this past election and those to come, for His glory and His greater purpose that all will be saved.
