Pray for all men

introduction:

Paul's letter to Timothy presents a great guidebook on the life of the church—how to worship and serve God and how to live together. God desires that his people lead a certain kind of life. An essential ingredient for that was for them to pray for all men.

Text: 1 Timothy 2: 1, 2

body:

1.      Ways in which to pray (Verse 1)

Paul knew the importance of prayer in public worship and private devotion. The church in Ephesus needed this instruction, and so do we. Resort—urge. Paul names four kinds of prayers or four features of prayer.

a.      Supplication: a request for your own benefit (Luke 1: 13) it can be a cry for help or need for Something else (Romans 10: 1 )

b.     prayer: the general term for prayer in the New Testament. Our heart's devotion is addressed to a caring, concerned father. 1 Peter 3: 12  reads, for the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers. See also Philippians 4: 6

c.      Intercession is a petition similar to supplication. It's a technical term for approaching a king. It's only found here and in 1 Timothy 4: 5.

d.     Giving thanks: an expression of gratitude, not just for blessings but for the privilege of being a child of God and for the avenue of prayer (Ephesians 5: 20 ). Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2.      For whom should we pray (verses 1- 2 )

these prayers are to be made for all men. You'll never meet a person who doesn't need prayers in some way. Everyone needs God's help, whether they realize it or not. Some need to be particularly remembered, such as kings and all who are in authority. The highest or the lowest in civil government need to be prayed for. So much depends upon their character and behavior. Recall the words of one Peter 2: 3-17. Recall that 1 Timothy and 1 Peter were written during a period of wicked rulers and authorities. The words of the Lord in Jeremiah 29: 7 are very relevant. The prophet was Speaking of Babylon, an evil nation. We should pray for authorities to make proper decisions so Christians can worship and serve God unhindered. These prayers can be answered- see Matthew 24: 17-21. Christ tells his followers to pray for certain circumstances when the Roman army attacks Jerusalem. Yes, we certainly need to pray for all men.

3.      Why we should pray (verse 2 )

so that Christians will be able to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. Quiet means tranquil, placid, storm-free. Peaceable means serene, freedom from strife, peaceful, practically the same period we should pray for this type of world, these circumstances. The desired atmosphere is one where godliness and reverence are found.

Godliness means to be totally consecrated to God, to his worship, and to the fulfillment of his will (Titus 2 rolling 11, 12), being drawn to God and spiritual things.

Reverence means dignity, a dignified attitude and behavior, respect for sacred things, and honorable conduct. A Christian should thus pray for a quiet and peaceable world while living a godly and reverent life.

Conclusion/invitation

Considering what Paul is about to say in the next five verses, he pleads for a world conducive to evangelism—one where people's hearts are soft and ready to receive the word of God, one where people are not afraid to approach their neighbors with the good news of Jesus Christ. Let's never forget the power of prayer to bring this about. Prayer is a blessing for the child of God, one who has been baptized for the forgiveness of sins.

Sermon prepared by Bobby Stafford

December 22, 2024

Prepared by Bobby Stafford

The church of Christ at Granby, MO

Located at
516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109

For more lessons and Sermons please visit

https://granbychurchofchrist.org/

https://granbychurchofchrist.com/