We had the fourth instalment of Graham’s Timothy series this morning, based on 1 Timothy 2:1-8. Next week it is “women to dress modestly”
1 Timothy 2:1-8
1) Prayer
The first chapter was mainly an introduction. Paul now gets down to the business of worship, or more particularly, prayer.
Prayer for leaders. This tells us that prayer works. Followers of Jesus should be interested in, and be concerned about national issues and to express that first and foremost by prayer.
One God and one mediator - RC saints, unbelievers looking to Christian friends., other religions.
See also John 14:6, Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me.
Continual or regular prayer , see the following scriptures:
1 Thessalonians 1:3
We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
Romans 1:9-10
God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Colossians 1:3
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
2 Timothy 1:3
I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.
Prayer for secular leaders. Nero ruled then AD 54-68.
Prayer is the partner of perseverance. I referred to “hold on” last week. While holding on - pray!
“Godliness” along with “godly” occurs frequently in Paul’s pastoral letters, but nowhere else in his writings. Is this because they are pastoral epistles or because of the dangerous times? In such times only godliness is the answer. Prayer is part of being godly.
2) Thanksgiving
Why thank? Do we imply that God did it? “Thanks I was the one to survive a car crash, even though they others did not.” But if I give thanks, do I blame God for the others?
I thank, I can not help it. Perhaps it is what I need to do.
See 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
“Pray for…wants to be saved.” Even Nero? Yes, for there is no other salvation, yet this salvation is so great (”glorious gospel” see last week sermon)
Pray as though there is hope. Hold on as though there is always hope.
3) Lift up holy hands without anger or disputing.
Men pray and women dress modestly. Why speak to men and women about such different things, as though women would not be interested in prayer?
Do women find prayer more natural, so that the men need a particular encouragement?
MEN!
This teaching on prayer, is in the context of this chapter, seems to be about in the church meetings. Men should not be coy about public prayer.
