Posted: 6/01/06
BaptistWay Bible Series for June 11
Pray for the freedom to live faithfully
• 1 Timothy 2:1-7
By Joseph Matos
Dallas Baptist University, Dallas
The early church was a minority group with virtually no political impact. At times, it faced persecution. And as the first century progressed, persecution increased from localized outbreaks to an empire-wide venture.
So, isn’t it rather ironic that we find Paul instructing Timothy to see to it that when prayers are offered in worship, they be given even on behalf of those in government? Today, we continue the practice; but I wonder if the motives, content and desired outcomes of our prayers are the same as Paul had in mind.
Up to this point, Paul has dealt with the problem of false teachers and offered Timothy some general instructions for leading in the Ephesian church. From chapter 2 throughout the duration of the letter, those instructions become more specific.
It appears the focus of Paul’s comments in chapter 2 is on the worship service. The first seven verses deal with the matter of prayer, the need for the activity, its types and the motives behind it. In the course of this instruction, as is Paul’s practice from time to time, he will digress slightly. But his digression is not likened to chasing a rabbit; he has significant theological and practical comments to make that will allude to the problem Paul is addressing.
Prayer: Its types and results (2:1-3)
It is important to note that Paul is not offering suggestions in these verses. His first words are, “I urge,” indicating the strong need for the following activity to be carried out (see Romans 12:1). Also, he has placed priority on these instructions to Timothy when he says “first of all.” At the outset of his instructions to Timothy, then, Paul exhorts him on the matter of prayer. In these verses, Paul describes the kinds of prayers to be offered, the persons for whom the prayers are to be offered and the desired results of the prayers.
Paul uses four words for prayer in verse 1, and the NIV provides good translations of these words: “requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving.” In other words, Paul calls for prayers in keeping with 1) making one’s needs known, 2) prayers in general, 3) praying on behalf of others and 4) praying words of gratitude. While there are distinctions between each of these, Paul may be speaking more collectively of the practice of prayer in general.
For whom are these prayers offered? He exhorts these prayers be made for “everyone.” But very quickly, he mentions “kings and all those in authority.” These would include the Roman Emperor (Nero at the time of this letter), provincial kings and other leaders at different levels of government.
With the many challenges facing believers at this time, this seems revolutionary. But this is consistent with teaching in other places in scripture as regards the believer’s attitude toward government (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). Paul urged believers to live out Jesus’ description of his kingdom; it is not of this world (John 18:36). Consequently, they were not to take over government, but live their lives within its system.
This leads to the desired result of such prayers, which is “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” Paul desires a situation where believers can live in freedom. Though God ultimately grants the authority of human government (Romans 13:1), believers live within the framework of those governing authorities.
Paul urged prayers be made on behalf of governing authorities so believers would be granted the freedom to live as God called them. Paul’s assessment of such a life lived is clear: “This is good and pleases God our Savior.” What honors the Lord is his people living the life they are called to live.
God and the gospel (2:4-6)
Paul’s reference to “God our Savior” leads to a “digression” in order to remind Timothy about God and his gospel. God, says Paul, “wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (v. 4). Paul confesses there is just one God, affirms that there is only one way (“mediator”) to God, and ensures that the price for the salvation (“ransom”) for all has been paid. Yes, there is only one way of salvation, but clearly that offer is given to all. In saying this is “the testimony given in its proper time,” Paul is reminding Timothy this is the content of the gospel.
Paul’s role in the gospel (2:7)
Reminiscent of his comments in chapter 1 about God’s grace toward him in saving and calling him, Paul reflects on his role in this gospel. God appointed Paul as a herald, an apostle and a teacher to the Gentiles. Paul then affirms the truthfulness of his calling (“I am telling the truth, I am not lying”).
In the United States today, we benefit from earlier Baptists who worked diligently to ensure we (and people of all faiths or no faith) can live with religious freedom. However, do we pray as Paul instructed, that conditions remain stable for us to live our Christian lives freely? Or do we pray that our agendas succeed?
May we heed afresh Paul’s call to prayer “for everyone” and in the process inspect the content and motives of our prayers. Are they in line with Paul’s instructions?
Discussion questions
• Do you pray for all our country’s leaders or just for those with whom you agree religiously and politically?
• What is the essence of your prayers for our country’s leaders?
• Do you pray for the leaders of nations where there is no religious freedom? Why or why not?
• How might living out the Christian life in freedom lead to the salvation of others as God desires?
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