1 Timothy 2:1

1 Timothy 2:1

Thoughts from Stuart Poteet

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“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people”

1 Timothy 2:1

QOP- Behind the Scenes
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Gods wants all people to come to saving faith in Him. He desires and provides the way through His son, Jesus Christ. In 1 Timothy today, Paul urges his young protégé, Timothy, to “first of all” intercede in prayer for all people. The subsequent verses expound on this by specifically lifting up earthly authorities so that we as Christians may be able to live a peaceful and godly life. But even more so because it is pleasing to God, “who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).

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Today, our earthly leaders need prayer. Paul doesn’t include qualifiers here and he extends his request to include supplication, intercessions, and thanksgivings. Supplication is to lift up to God the needs of all people; thanksgivings are exactly what it means – to give thanks for all people; and intercessions are specifically prayers on their behalf. Think about and ponder that for a moment. God wants us to intercede for those who know Him and those who don’t. Who says God isn’t a loving Father? And we have the privilege, yes, the privilege and duty to pray for them.

QOP- Make it Real
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I can’t help but see a similarity between this call to prayer and the sacrifices offered in the Jewish temple. Sacrifices were made on the altar by the High Priest for the sins of the priests, and the people. Essentially they were offered up for the whole community. The aroma of the temple would have been filled with the scent of burnt flesh and incense. Because of Jesus’ sacrificial work on the cross, our prayer is also heard when offered up for ourselves and when we intercede for others.

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Jesus’ earthly life was filled with intercessory prayer. One particular example is John 17 which has been called Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer and Jesus prays it on the night of his betrayal and arrest. Jesus knows the physical torture and death that immediately awaits Him, yet he takes the time to intercede for his disciples. His prayer asks for protection from the evil one, unity, sanctification, and joy. It includes the disciples at that time and those to follow (John 17:21). This should motivate us to pray these things for our church and for “those yet to come”.

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As I’m writing this, my elderly father is in the hospital. I got the chance to talk a little to him today but couldn’t for long as he is having difficulty breathing. I’ve been praying for God to intercede - to heal him, comfort him, ease his breathing, and replace any fear he is sensing with peace. I’m 3500 miles away, so prayer is the only thing I can do at the moment. But even if I was there, prayer is still the most important thing because I can intercede with the power of the Holy Spirit no matter where I am. God’s spirit is not bound by time or space. I know my God and Savior is present there and here at the same time, ready to do His work in His way in His timing.

QOP- End in Prayer
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Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for making a way for me to be reconciled to You. Give me courage and persistence when praying. Fill me with Your Spirit when praying so that I may know your presence and your healing touch. I know you heal not only physically but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well. In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen.

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“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people”  

1 Timothy 2:1

Behind the Scenes

Gods wants all people to come to saving faith in Him. He desires and provides the way through His son, Jesus Christ. In 1 Timothy today, Paul urges his young protégé, Timothy, to “first of all” intercede in prayer for all people. The subsequent verses expound on this by specifically lifting up earthly authorities so that we as Christians may be able to live a peaceful and godly life. But even more so because it is pleasing to God, “who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). 

Today, our earthly leaders need prayer. Paul doesn’t include qualifiers here and he extends his request to include supplication, intercessions, and thanksgivings. Supplication is to lift up to God the needs of all people; thanksgivings are exactly what it means – to give thanks for all people; and intercessions are specifically prayers on their behalf.  Think about and ponder that for a moment. God wants us to intercede for those who know Him and those who don’t. Who says God isn’t a loving Father? And we have the privilege, yes, the privilege and duty to pray for them. 

Make It Real

I can’t help but see a similarity between this call to prayer and the sacrifices offered in the Jewish temple.  Sacrifices were made on the altar by the High Priest for the sins of the priests, and the people. Essentially they were offered up for the whole community.  The aroma of the temple would have been filled with the scent of burnt flesh and incense. Because of Jesus’ sacrificial work on the cross, our prayer is also heard when offered up for ourselves and when we intercede for others. 

Jesus’ earthly life was filled with intercessory prayer. One particular example is John 17 which has been called Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer and Jesus prays it on the night of his betrayal and arrest. Jesus knows the physical torture and death that immediately awaits Him, yet he takes the time to intercede for his disciples. His prayer asks for protection from the evil one, unity, sanctification, and joy. It includes the disciples at that time and those to follow (John 17:21). This should motivate us to pray these things for our church and for “those yet to come”. 

As I’m writing this, my elderly father is in the hospital. I got the chance to talk a little to him today but couldn’t for long as he is having difficulty breathing. I’ve been praying for God to intercede – to heal him, comfort him, ease his breathing, and replace any fear he is sensing with peace. I’m 3500 miles away, so prayer is the only thing I can do at the moment. But even if I was there, prayer is still the most important thing because I can intercede with the power of the Holy Spirit no matter where I am. God’s spirit is not bound by time or space. I know my God and Savior is present there and here at the same time, ready to do His work in His way in His timing. 

Danny Venhaus

Danny Venhaus

ACF Operations Director

End in Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for making a way for me to be reconciled to You. Give me courage and persistence when praying. Fill me with Your Spirit when praying so that I may know your presence and your healing touch. I know you heal not only physically but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well.  In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen. 

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