1 Timothy 2
August 16, 2022
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (v1-4)
Paul’s first point of instruction to young Pastor Timothy is to pray for those in authority, even the king, who at the time, was Nero, one of history’s most brutal, Christian-persecuting rulers ever. Paul tells Timothy (and the church) to pray for him. Why? Because God wants to (and is able to) save anyone, even someone like Nero!
Father, I praise You that Your redemption is so powerful that it can reach anyone, even the most antagonist of rulers, who oppose Your Word and Your ways. Forgive me for forgetting that, and for failing to pray for those who are in authority over our land. In light of Your command to pray for those in authority, I lift up the President, those in the Senate and the House, the Supreme Court Justices, and all of our local governing leaders. I pray especially for those who don’t know You - that You would open their eyes to Your Lordship, and open their hearts to surrender to You.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
