PASTOR’S NOTES
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving thanks be made for all men..”
The first chapter of Timothy sets the foundation of the importance of the Gospel. Paul tells Timothy to not only “grab ahold of the message,” but also to fight for it. To see our longsuffering and even our tiredness as badges of honor in the privilege of being called into the ministry.
“What a privilege it is to be used by God!”
This week in chapter 2, Paul tells Timothy that ministry starts with prayer. Prayer seems like such an easy thing to do, but something in which most of us fail to be faithful. At times we are more prompt to “do” than to be still and pray. In chapter 2, Paul tells Timothy that the fight of faith starts with prayer.
First, we see in the text that we are called to pray for everyone. We are called to pray for the saved and the lost. We are called to pray for our friends and those we see as our enemies. We are called to pray for the leaders we support and those we disagree with. Scripture tells us that there is not a category that we shouldn’t be praying for; That we should be praying for all people.
Secondly, we are called to pray because God desires that all come to know Him. This does not mean that all will be saved, but it does mean that God loves all people and works in faithful prayer. God is patient, all-loving, and has endless grace towards those who place their faith in His son. God calls us to pray for the lost and broken that they would seek His love.
Lastly, we are called to prayer as means of worship. Paul ends his call to pray with sharing the Gospel. Paul reminds Timothy of the greatness of God and His son Jesus which should stir all of our affections to pray. Scripture is reminding us that prayer for others is worship to God. God desires our worship.
SCRIPTURE TO GO ALONG WITH THE MESSAGE
Read James 5:15 and Colossians 4:2.
HIGHLIGHT IN YOUR BIBLES
Highlight verses 2:1-4 in this weeks chapter.
