I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone – 1 Timothy 2:1
In chapter one, Paul began his letter on the topic of false teachers. In chapter 2, he is giving instructions on prayer and worship. In verse one of chapter 2, he uses the word urge, which ties his thoughts from chapter one to chapter 2. What is the connection? Paul’s concern about the false teachers to his call for prayer and worship is God wants everyone to be saved, even false teachers. Praying for others helps us to discern teachers and even transform them. God doesn’t stop loving us when we go astray in action or doctrine.
Read 1 Timothy 2:1-8. Make a list of everything you learn about prayer. While reading this passage, ask yourself the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions. The main truth of this passage is God wants people to be saved. Paul taught that we should all pray for everyone because God wants to save everyone.
Paul uses four different words for prayer. They are requests, prayer, intercession, and thanksgiving. Paul is emphasizing the importance of prayer for everyone. Who was the ruler when he wrote this letter? It was Nero. Nero was the ruler who persecuted Christians. Paul urged believers to pray for kings and authorities to live peaceful, godly, and holy lives.
If God wants all to be saved, are all saved? Is God’s will done on earth?
Salvation is for all; this doesn’t mean all are saved, though. Salvation comes through “knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4). To be saved, people must hear, believe, and live the truth of the gospel. Paul gives evidence that God wants all to be saved. The evidence can be examined in three parts. The first part is One God 91 Timothy 2:5-6). God is over all people. There are no other gods. Second, there is one mediator between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5). Jesus is the only mediator between God and men. Third, Jesus gave himself as a ransom for all men (1 Timothy 2:6). Ransom means payment. Jesus paid our debt so we could go free. God had a plan to redeem and forgive everyone. God calls people to be pastors, missionaries, evangelists, and witnesses today. He called Paul to take the salvation message into the world. Today he calls us to do the same. Are you ready to pray for everyone?
