Awake & Alive: 1 Timothy Reading Plan
Day 6
1 Timothy 2:1-7
1First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
Paul has once again shifted gears, but now back to the focal point of his letter, which is gospel-centered living. He concludes his previous argument by noting his testimony as a glimpse into how the false teachings facing Timothy at Ephesus should be accurately understood against the picture of the true gospel. Now, he aims to give practical steps in understanding and living out this radical message.
It’s noteworthy that Paul begins his description of gospel living with a call to prayer. It’s not just a call, but an “urging.” There’s an earnestness with which those transformed by the Gospel view communion with God. Paul presents a few things in this passage specifically that help the believer in this pursuit of a passionate prayer life.
Prayer reminds the believer of their need. Paul reminds Timothy that Christ Jesus is the one true mediator between humanity and God the Father. Deeper still, Jesus is the mediator between humanity and the “one God.” Idolatrous pursuits will never satisfy because the things that humanity has created as gods will neither fill the desire for God nor rectify the relationship with God that sin has broken. No amount of earthly success, power, or influence will bridge the gap that sin has left between the creator and the created. It is through Christ alone, and prayer reminds the believer of this, as it is also through Christ that supplication is made.
Prayer reminds the believer of God’s sovereignty. It is God who originates salvation, and it is God who truly resides on every throne. The believer may live a quiet and dignified life that is not ruled by anxiety and restlessness, but may instead bring all worries, even those about leaders, political issues, and governing powers, to the Lord and trust that He is in control.
The true Gospel creates an earnestness to prayerfully recognize dependence. False gospels create restlessness to pursue and maintain the illusion of control. The believer prayerfully draws near God to be reminded of the joy that exists in trusting His way in all things.