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Therefore Pray (1 Timothy 1:1 - 2:2)
Someone once said that "The good old days",
when they were happening, were known as "These trying times". From this
first chapter of Paul's first letter to Timothy it is clear that his
young protégé faced trying times, indeed they were the common lot of
leadership in Ephesus at this time. This letter is an encouragement
to Timothy to stand his ground in the face of some pretty difficult
challenges. It is interesting to see how he is to stand his ground.
"Certain men" were teaching false doctrines, promoting myths and controversies
(vv 3-4). How often has someone sidled up to you after church and offered
some personal theory about the preachers theme that evening and you
have wondered where on earth that came from?
As a result some had wandered from the path of sincere faith and turned
to meaningless talk (vv 5-6). How often have you become aware of engaging
in meaningless talk in lightweight company and wondered how on earth
you got into this conversation?
They sought position and eminence as teachers even though they hadn't
any idea what they were talking about (v 7). Have you ever been shocked
to discover that some people have their own agenda, people you wouldn't
follow to the corner store having an inflated sense of their own worth
as teachers and leaders?
Sounds like church? It does seem familiar doesn't it? Paul reminds Timothy
of three things:
1. The faith is about love, which comes from a pure heart and a good
conscience and a sincere faith. Those who wander have wandered away
from these first principles (vv 5-6) and Timothy should hold on to and
teach these truths as he brings people back to first principles.
2. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" and his patience
with even the Paul's of this world, who was "a blasphemer, a persecutor
and a violent man" is our example as we exercise our faith ( v 16)
3. That in "fighting the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience",
as well as in rightly commanding certain men not to teach false doctrines
first of all, "requests, prayers, intercessions
and thanksgiving be made for everyone" ( 2:1)
Paul tells us that "This is good, and
pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to
a knowledge of the truth" (2:3)
Right in the middle of this we are reminded to pray "for
kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful lives in
all godliness and holiness" (2:2). I don't
know about you but I know many Christians who have given up on any idea
of praying for government simply because they see no redeeming feature
in the government of the day. This, however, is to miss the point. Whether
we are talking about false teachers, self-promoting controversialists,
those making shipwreck of their faith, or those who govern and rule,
we should pray because a) it pleases God, and b) it is God's will to
do something about our sorry lot both in church and in the country.
Furthermore, only God can save
For there is one God, and one mediator
between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom
for all men (2:5)
If Christ is a ransom for all men, and God commands that we pray for
everyone. In all our doing, whether it be ministry in church, voting
at elections, bringing back the backslider, or looking for government
that allows us peaceful and quiet lives, it is God to whom we must look.
Perhaps there is someone you should be praying for this week, someone
you should be thankful for or someone whose life and conduct burdens
you. And who knows but that someone somewhere is praying for you and
God should be thanked for that too.