1 TIMOTHY 2 - Instructions in worship

NOTES BY VERSE

Note: each ** comment in this document is listed in numerical order according to the verse(s) from this chapter

** Paul encouraged Timothy to pray for authorities during the reign of Nero, one of history’s most notorious men. The point is to pray for all who govern us, good and bad. Scripture then gives pragmatic reasons for such prayer — so that we may live tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.  <L124>

1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV

[1] I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--- [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

** In general, God calls us to be submissive and respectful toward authority (not exhibiting a pompous attitude) unless they tell us to sin by going against what God desires of us  <F64>

• There are a numerous passive and active responses we can utilize as believers in Christ to those in authority who want to force us to sin against our conscience:

a) Pray for authorities (1Tim 2:1-2)

b) Model for authorities (1 Peter 3:1-2)

c) Appeal to authorities when living in society that provides the means to do this (Moses before Pharaoh, Daniel concerning food, woman appealing to the unjust judge)

d) Confront authorities with the word of God  (Nathan confronting King David, Daniel confronts King Nebuchadnezzar)

e) Defy authority (women refusing to kill baby boys, three men refusing to bow down to image of King Nebuchadnezzar)

f) Flee from ungodly authorities (like Paul fleeing from one place to another) being ready to bear the consequences

• Americans are unique in their brazenness toward authority because they can confront without impunity; the US Constitution is on their side

• Most believers in church history, could not brazenly oppose authority

• For instance, Paul was punished and thrown in prison often because he defied authority and lost his freedom while doing so  <B292>

1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV

[1] I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--- [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

1 Peter 3:1-2 NIV

[1] Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, [2] when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.

Daniel 1:8,11-16 NIV

[8] But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. [11] Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, [12] “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. [13] Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” [14] So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. [15] At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. [16] So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.

1 Chronicles 17:1-4,15 NIV

[1] After David was settled in his palace, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent. ” [2] Nathan replied to David, “Whatever you have in mind, do it, for God is with you.” [3] But that night the word of God came to Nathan, saying: [4] “Go and tell my servant David, 'This is what the Lord says: You are not the one to build me a house to dwell in. [15] Nathan reported to David all the words of this entire revelation.

Daniel 3:4-6,12 NIV

[4] Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: [5] As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. [6] Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.” [12] But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon---Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego---who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Acts 18:5-6 NIV

[5] When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. [6] But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

** The state is designed by God with rulers to maintain social control and protection; churches have pastors who oversee their community but recognize God as the ultimate authority  <M130>

Security instead of enslavement, justice instead of corruption, virtue instead of vice, and the preservation of the happiness of its people rather than the cause of their suffering. These ideals correspond to what the Bible says is the true purpose of government — namely, to provide an atmosphere in which believers can live “a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”  <J102>

1 Timothy 2:2 NIV

[2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Romans 13:1,3-4 NIV

[1] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. [3] For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. [4] For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

** Paul encourages us to pray for ‘all men’ -- pray for their salvation, not blessings, so that we as believers can live quiet and godly lives

• We pray for peace so that others may find peace in Christ

• This is why Paul advanced for offering prayers for secular rulers

• The most effective evangelism is supported by the evidence of ‘quiet lives’ lived ‘in all godliness and holiness’

• The most powerful aid to the Gospel is a growing hunger for the peace and goodness observed in the lives of ordinary Christians  <R1795>

1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV

[1] I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--- [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. [3] This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

** While we are instructed to keep our gaze upwards, we must not neglect the needs of those in front of us. Jesus said, behold the fields are white for harvest (John 4:34-36). We must hold fast and become salt and light to a nation whose light is quickly being drowned out by the darkness of our age.

Jesus said that He would build His Church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it. When the Church is pulled up, the world will come apart rather quickly. In the time being, we must do our best to make our nation a safe place for our children to live as untainted by sin, corruption, apostasy, and violence for as long as we can.

We must stand, for as long as we can, even though we have little strength (Rev. 3:8). We must not roll over and let the world become what its master, Satan, wants it to become (1 John 5:19).  <G70> (Jul 2020)

1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV

[1] I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--- [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. [3] This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

[6] Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

** God wants everyone to know His love; no one should perish apart from Him; intercede for all people, regardless of differences

1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--- [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. [3] This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

1 Timothy 2:8 NIV

Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

** God came to save one and all

1 Timothy 2:5-6 NIV

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, [6] who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

John 14:6 NIV

[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

** Paul was writing to Timothy regarding a specific church, however the INTENT of his message should be applied to other churches suffering similar sin throughout time and region

• God is a God of ORDER and that does mean hierarchy, as seen as a parent is responsible for guiding their child with unique (male and female) abilities and perspectives given to them by our Creator

• God designed us to operate a certain way and the Bible transcends cultures and time; therefore, Scripture offers us a plumb line to live according to His design — an Operation Manual if you will

1 Timothy 2:11-13 NIV

[11] A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. [12] I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. [13] For Adam was formed first, then Eve.

** Paul promoted the truth that there is no difference between people groups when it comes to SALVATION

• This does NOT mean there are no roles to adhere to because everyone is the same, as stated in other verses throughout Scripture

• Obviously, distinctions still exist but Paul’s statement means that salvation is available to everyone!

Galatians 3:28 NIV

[28] There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Genesis 3:16 NIV

[16] To the woman he said, “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you. ”

1 Timothy 2:12-14 NIV

[12] I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. [13] For Adam was formed first, then Eve. [14] And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.

• Women are allowed to pray and state facts (not instruct) according to Paul’s letter to the Corinthians

• There certainly is a place for women in active church ministry but Paul was advising that women should not be engaged in ‘authoritative teaching’  <R1795>

1 Corinthians 11:5 NIV

[5] But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head---it is the same as having her head shaved.