|
1 Timothy 2:1
by Don Costello 1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 1. "I exhort therefore" a. I remember a minister saying about Scripture passages, that if a verse starts out with the word "therefore", find out what its there for. The reasoning has always proved true. At the end of Chapter One, Paul has just referred to two individuals, Hymenaeus and Alexander, who have not only made shipwreck of their faith, but also Paul had exercised the authority in prayer of turning these individuals over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. 1). 1 Timothy 1:19, 20 "Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. b. One of the things I gather from using this principle [that of 'therefore'], in this context is these men, Hymeneus and Alexander appeared to be Christian leaders in some capacity. I also get the impression that the tragedy of these men's lives could have been avoided if more prayer would have been lifted up. c. I am reminded of what Jesus told Peter before he betrayed him. 1). Luke 22:31, 32 "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." a. This does not just mean that if we pray for our leaders, they will govern to the extent that our lives will be quiet and peaceable. It does mean that, but it also means that even if the kings and rulers are governing horribly, that we in spite of it will lead quiet and peaceable lives because of the promises or benefits and effect of prayer on ourselves. 1). Philippians 4:6-9 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you requests be known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." 2. "supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;" a. supplications [1162 * deesis] [Zodhiates: Want, need. In the NT, supplication or prayer for particular benefits, petition for oneself.] [Thayer: need, a seeking, asking, entreatingcontextually, of prayers imploring God's aid in some particular matter. In 1 Timothy 2:1 it expresses confident access to God, prominence of the expression of personal need, [and] of childlike confidence .] b. prayers [4335 * proseuch] [Zodhiates: Prayer.] c. intercessions [1783 * enteuxis] [Zodhiates: A falling in with, meeting with, coming together, intercession, prayer, address to God (1 Timothy 2:1; 4:5, prayer according to God's will). The verb entugchano means to interpolate with familiarity and freedom of access, to interrupt another in speaking, to come to God boldly.] [Thayer: an interview, a coming together to visit , a conference or conversation.] d. giving of thanks [2169 * eucharistia] [Zodhiates: Gratitude, thankfulness. In pail's writings and in the Book of Revelation, it means thanksgiving, thanks, the expression of gratitude to God.] 1). Ephesians 1:15, 16 "Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;" 2). Prayer is such a high privilege to put it mildly we should constantly be giving thanks for the ability to pray. e. We should as Christians in Covenant with God, implore God's aid in praying, interceding and thanking God for every individual in authority over us even if they are ungodly. We should pray for them for at least two reasons. First, that they will make good decisions in their ruling over us. If we truly believe what the Bible says about prayer, including our authority and the answers to prayer, what chance does an ungodly leader, who in the past has made reprobate decision after reprobate decision; what chance does he have of making godly decisions if we don't pray? The second reason we should pray for our leaders is for their salvation, and that means every benefit of the covenant of the New Birth. If we include in one continuous read 1 Timothy 1:19-1 Timothy 2:1 I think the impression is that the tragedy of the lives of Hymeneus and Alexander could have been avoided or minimized. It may have been avoided or minimized if more prayer had been offered up on their behalf. I may be wrong on my belief but that's what I believe. My name is Don Costello. Ever since I received Christ in November of 1976 I have had a passion to study and know God's word.My wife Melissa and I have 5 children. My e-mail address is [email protected] I have a blog located at: www.theophilus-loverofgodsword.blogspot.com/ Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |