Bible Study - 1 Timothy 2:1-8
- Read 1 Timothy 2:1-8
- The people of Iraq have endured many years of brutal tyranny,
suffered terribly because of United Nations sanctions and most recently
have experienced warfare and terrorism as daily occurrences. Therefore
it is vitally important that we pray for them and also for those who
make important decisions about the future of their country.
- This passage makes it very clear that the Church is not to be
inward looking. It is tempting sometimes simply to turn our backs on
the big bad world out there and see the Church as a place of safety -
rather like an oasis in the desert.
- We are challenged here by Paul to take the radical step of praying
for all those in positions of responsibility. Paul says, I URGE that
requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everybody
- for kings and all those in authority. This is one reason why we pray
regularly for the Queen in our weekly intercessions.
- This also means that, whichever political party we support, we
should pray regularly for Tony Blair and his government. It is a hugely
difficult task not made any easier by the torrent of abuse we delight
in throwing the way of our political leaders. The same is true of
President George W. Bush. We might like him or loath him, but we must
pray for him and other world leaders, whether we approve of them or
not.
- When Paul wrote these words those in authority meant those whose
orders came form Rome. The Roman Empire was not noted for being soft;
it was in many ways repressive and, depending on who the Emperor was,
could be brutal and sadistic in the way it exercised power.
- Indeed the Christian church suffered appallingly at the hands of a
number of Emperors. But this didn't mean that Christians ceased to
pray, even for their tormentors. We have a powerful role model in Jesus
who, when suffering on the cross, prayed for those who put him there,
Father forgive them for they know not what they do. God is deeply
concerned about justice and freedom. Indeed one of the main reasons we
are called to pray for our leaders is to create a climate in which
people will have freedom to follow Christ (v.4).
- It is therefore important that our prayers are offered in unity
(v.8) and love because these qualities challenge those who wield power
inappropriately. Our God is Lord not just of the church but of the
world. Our prayers can and do make a difference. Many people believe
that one of the main reasons that the transition to democracy in South
Africa was so relatively peaceful was to due the power of prayer. That
is a very challenging thought!
- Prayer
- Father, govern the hearts and minds of those in authority and bring
the families of the nations, divided and torn apart by the ravages of
sin, to be subject to Christ's just and gentle rule. Amen.