Pray For All Men

Introduction:

Paul's letter to Timothy is a great guidebook on the life of the church, how to worship and serve God, and how to live together. God desires that his people lead a certain kind of life. The essential ingredient for that was for them to pray for all men.

Text: 1 Timothy 2: 1, 2

body:

1.      Ways in which to pray: Verse one

Paul knew the importance of prayer in public worship and private devotion. The church in Ephesus needed their instructions, and so do we: exhort and urge. There are three names, four kinds of prayers, or four features of prayer.

·         Supplication is a request for one's own benefit, Luke 1 13. It could also be a cry for help or a need for someone else, Romans 10:1.

·         Prayer is the general term for prayer in the New Testament. Our hearts are dedicated to a caring, concerned father. One Peter 3: 12 says, "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers." Also, Philippians 4:6.

·         Intercession is a petition similar to supplication. It's a technical term for approaching a king. This is only found here and in 1 Timothy 4:5.

·         Giving us thanks is an expression of gratitude, not just for blessings but also for the privilege of being a child of God and for the avenue of prayer. Ephesians 5: 20 reads, "Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

2.      For whom we should pray; Verse 16-20.

These prayers are to be made for all men. We will never meet a person who doesn't need our prayers in some way. Everyone needs God's help, whether they realize it or not. Some people need to be particularly remembered, such as kings and all who are in authority. We should pray for the highest and the lowest and civil government. So much depends upon their character and behavior. Recall the words of one Peter 2: 13-17. Recall that both 1 Timothy and 1 Peter were written during a period of very wicked rulers and authorities. The words of the Lord in Jeremiah 29: 7 are very relevant. The prophet spoke of Babylon, an evil nation. We should pray for authorities to make proper decisions so that Christians can worship and serve God unhindered. These prayers can be answered; see Matthew 24: 17 1521. Christ tells his followers to pray for certain circumstances when the Roman army attacks Jerusalem. Yes, we certainly need to pray for all men.

3.      Why we should pray: Verse 26

so that Christians will be able to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

·         Quiet: tranquil; Placid; Peaceful, Storm- free.

·         Peaceable: serene; Freedom from strife. We should pray for this type of world; these types of circumstances are desired, bringing an atmosphere of godliness and reverence.

·         Godliness: totally consecrated to God, to his worship, and to the fulfillment of his will, Titus 2: 11, 12. Being drawn to God and spiritual things.

·         Reverence: dignity, a dignified attitude and behavior, respect concerning sacred things, honorable conduct. A Christian should thus pray for a quiet and baseball world where living a godly and reverent life is possible.

4.      Conclusion/ invitation:

Considering what Paul will say in the next 5 verses, he is reading for a world conducive to evangelism. One where people's hearts are soft and ready to receive the word of God. One where people are not afraid to approach their neighbor with the good news of Jesus Christ. Let's never forget the power of prayer to bring this about. Prayer is a blessing for the child of God and is for those who have been baptized into Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin.

Sermon prepared by Bobby Stafford

March 22, 2020

Prepared by Bobby Stafford

The church of Christ at Granby, MO

Located at
516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109

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Prayer