Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercession and giving of thanks be made for all men, (2) for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, (4) who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth, (5) For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, (6) who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, – (7) for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle – I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying – a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. (8) I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting

The first letter to Timothy was written by the apostle Paul – Paul had led Timothy to Christ and Timothy was Paul’s “son” in the faith. Paul had left Timothy in Ephesus and was writing counsel and guidance how he should conduct himself in leadership of that church. In our verses Paul is looking carefully at what place the Law of Moses has in Christian life and the object of this passage – as well as the entire chapter – is prayer. Prayer permits us to have peaceful and godly lives. It affects the community, reduces violence, opens up understanding and enables relationships to be developed. Paul tells us prayer becomes an instrument for salvation of all kinds of people meaning all kinds of men and women without distinction. Further, when men pray in public they must live in private what they pray.

Paul emphasizes the priority of the ministry of prayer; prayer for all men should pervade the church. This is God’s plan. Prayer consists of entreaties from a sense of need knowing we are not in charge. We are to petition – to converse freely – as we Christians have direct access to God in Christ. We are to pray prayers of thanksgiving. We have different needs at different times but at ALL times we need God. We have to pray to diffuse situations of anger. We are told to pray for authorities in government – called not to revolution but to prayer – so that we can live a quiet and peaceful life. The purpose is not to be comfortable and happy but to grow in godliness and dignity which will manifest Christian living. God’s procedure for reaching people is using people. The gospel of grace goes to all men so we are to pray for all men. The Jewish Law knew nothing of love toward all men; Gentiles and Gentiles kings were looked on as outside and not considered to be objects of divine love. There is one God and one Mediator between God and men: the man Jesus Christ. We were all in guilt of sin and needed a mediator to present ourselves in righteousness – “a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” But faith is necessary for the appropriation of this salvation. If those who do not accept Christ by personal faith they are not covered by Christ’s sacrifice. If they die in sin Christ’s great ransom cannot deliver them.

I’m going to close with c.s.Lewis who touches my heart. “If you have once accepted Christianity then some of its main doctrines shall be deliberately held before your mind every day. That is why daily prayers and religious reading and church going are necessary parts of the Christian life. We have to be continually reminded of what we believe. Neither this belief nor any other will automatically remain alive in the mind. It must be fed “