(1) Overview
(BKC) 2:1. From his concerns about false teachers Paul turned to matters relating to the conduct of the church broadly (cf. 3:14–15). Paul began with what he considered most important: prayer. What too often comes last in a church’s priorities should actually come first.
(2) repeated words:
Paul urged Timothy to pray "on behalf of all people" v.1, even for kings and "all who are in authority" v.2, Such prayer for "all" is good v.3, because God wants "all people to be saved..." v.4, for this reason Jesus Christ gave Himself as "a ransom for all" v.6. Therefore, Paul wanted not only Timothy but men in general, to pray in "every" (same word as "all" in Greek) place. Or in NIV, "Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray." v.8 In other words, Paul wanted all men to pray.
(3) Reflection:
Our prayers should reflect God's heart. Since God wanted all people to be saved, we shall pray for such things to happen. Our prayer did not reflect our own desire, but God's. Is our prayer like that? What kind of people can pray along with the desire of God, not their own? I think if we love God and obey Him we are willing to do that. What do you think?
Our prayers should reflect God's heart. Since God wanted all people to be saved, we shall pray for such things to happen. Our prayer did not reflect our own desire, but God's. Is our prayer like that? What kind of people can pray along with the desire of God, not their own? I think if we love God and obey Him we are willing to do that. What do you think?
Second, God's desire is for all to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth v.4, are we willing to change our own thinking to be along with God's desire?
Third, Jesus gave Himself as ransom for all, that means He died for all. What are we willing to do for others?
Audrey
Audrey
Comments