Paul’s letters of I and II Timothy and Titus are known as the “Pastoral Epistles” because they contain principles for pastoral care of churches and qualifications for church leadership. Timothy journeyed and ministered with Paul from his second missionary journey on. Paul later left Timothy in charge of the work in Ephesus and Asia Minor (present day Turkey). Paul had hoped to return and visit Timothy (3:14) but in the meantime he would communicate by letter to provide guidance for leading the church.
Paul champions the call to pray throughout his letters. (Eph. 6:18, Romans 12:12, Phil. 4:6, Colossians 4:2, I Thess. 5:17) In I Timothy 2:1-2, Paul urges (exhorts) Timothy to pray. The call to prayer was much more than a casual suggestion. Paul had been through much trial and tribulation, and prayer was his lifeline for survival. Here he identifies four ways in which we can reach out to God: petition, prayer, intercession, and thanksgiving. Each of these are a bit different and necessary for a well-rounded prayer life. Petitions involve personal requests for needs and for forgiveness. Prayer is a general term but may have included scripted prayers for use in corporate worship. Intercession involves bringing the needs of others to the Lord. Finally, thanksgiving expresses our gratitude for all that God has done and will do.
Paul’s prayers were not limited to just his allies. He says pray for all who are in authority. Nero, the ruler of the Roman Empire at the time, was one of the more despicable characters of all time. We too should pray for our leaders to come under a godly influence regardless of what our personal political opinion may be. We should pray so we may live at peace and tranquility with everyone as far as it depends on us (Romans 12:18). When we pray, we will more consistently exhibit a godly character that may draw others toward Christ.
Verses 3-6 In this section, Paul follows his thought that it is good and pleasing to God when we seek to live a peaceful life rooted in godliness. When we do so healthy relationships within the body of Christ will only strengthen the message we share. In last week’s lesson we read that we were given the ministry of reconciliation. As ambassadors for Christ, we also want as verse 4 says “everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” The net we cast is a wide one, but the message itself is narrow. There is one God, one mediator, one ransom paid, and one sacrifice made, on behalf of all who will chose to receive the gift of eternal life. Yes, God is totally sovereign, and forgiveness is available to all, but we are free to accept or reject God’s offer of salvation. Galatians 4:4 tells us that at exactly the right moment or in “the fulness of time” God sent His Son born of a woman, to redeem those who were under the law. Christ’s redemptive act was in the perfect time and place to show the extent He would go to pay the ransom for His people.
Verses 7-8 From the spiritual gifts passage in Ephesians 4:11 we read that God has ordained some to be apostles, prophets, evangelist, shepherds, or teachers (ESV). This is because “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). The meaning of apostle is “one who is sent.” Paul certainly was obedient in going wherever he was sent by the Spirit. Paul is also described as a herald. Heralds would bring news or announce the presence of royalty. Again, Paul was faithful to his task as he sounded the gospel trumpet to nations near and far. Paul’s calling was unique among the apostles as he was charged to bring the Good News to those not of Jewish ancestry. He begins verse 8 with the conjunction “therefore” to connect the preceding thoughts to a call for action. Here we get back to prayer. He asks for personal prayers and prayers that the lost might be won to Christ. These prayers are to be prayed with “holy hands.” Our personal commitment to righteousness must be maintained as we pray. We must not allow our prayers to be hindered by unconfessed personal sin we may be unwilling to release. We need clean hands and pure hearts to enter His presence in prayer (Psalm 24:3-4).
We finally see another appeal for peace and unity among the family of God. We must not hold anger or resentment against another. Paul throughout his writings encourages those within the body to live a life of love and forgiveness. That is how we who are one body and one spirit live to encourage one another and work to build up one another in Christ. When we are unified and at peace our prayers for the salvation of those who are lost will become much more powerful and effective (James 5:16).
