"THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY"

Praying For Those In Authority (2:1-8)

INTRODUCTION
  1. Paul's purpose for writing to Timothy is expressed in 1Ti 3:14-15...
  2. An important part of our conduct in the family of God concerns our prayers - 1Ti 2:1-8
    1. Such prayers are to be offered "for all men"
    2. Yet Paul does go on to specify "for kings and all who are in authority"

[Therefore I think it appropriate to focus our attention on "Praying For Those In Authority", especially whenever the "winds of war" are blowing...]

  1. WHAT KIND OF PRAYERS?
    1. SUPPLICATIONS...
      1. These are petitions for certain definite needs
      2. Humble requests which one makes in the light of this or that concrete situation which God alone can furnish help - Hendriksen
      3. E.g., when leaders are faced with a crisis
    2. PRAYERS...
      1. Perhaps used here to refer to requests for the fulfillment of needs always present
      2. In contrast with 'supplications' in specific situations - Hendriksen
      3. E.g., when leaders are faced with routine duties of governing
    3. INTERCESSIONS...
      1. "pleading in the interest of others" - Hendriksen
      2. Just as Christ does for us - cf. He 7:25
      3. E.g., praying on behalf a leader
    4. GIVING OF THANKS...
      1. Expressing gratitude for blessings received
      2. Thus completing the 'circle' begun when requests were first made
      3. E.g., when leaders have led their country to prosperity, or out of a crisis

      [Such are the prayers we are to offer for those in positions of authority. Have we said such prayers lately...?]

  2. WHY PRAY FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY?
    1. SO WE CAN LIVE A CERTAIN WAY...
      1. With lives that are 'quiet' and 'peaceable' - 1Ti 2:2
        1. I.e., tranquil and calm
        2. Especially in our relationship with men - cf. 1Th 4:11-12
      2. With lives lived in all 'godliness' and 'reverence' - 1Ti 1:2
        1. I.e., piety and gravity
        2. Especially in our relationship with God - cf. Tit 2:11-14
      3. What does praying have to do with producing peace?
        1. God is in ultimate control - cf. Dan 2:20-21; 4:25; Ro 13:1-2; Re 1:5
        2. God can influence those in authority to do His will - cf. Pr 21:1; Isa 10:5-7,12,15
        3. We can influence God through prayer! - cf. Lk 18:7-8
        -- Truly the 'prayer closet' is more likely to succeed than the 'voting booth' or the 'terrorist's bomb'!
    2. BECAUSE THIS IS GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE...
      1. For God desires all men to be saved - 1Ti 2:3-7
        1. He sent Jesus to be the ransom, and now mediator
        2. He appointed men like Paul to go and proclaim the truth among the nations
      2. The spread of truth is facilitated when peace exists among the nations
        1. In Paul's day, the Pax Romana made the spread of the gospel easier
        2. Today, peaceful relations between countries opens doors for the gospel
        3. Whereas wars often stifle communication and transportation between countries
        -- So let's pray that peace may prevail, though we understand that sometimes war has a place in God's providence - cf. Ec 3:1-8

      [Now let's consider...]

  3. WHERE AND HOW SHOULD WE PRAY?
    1. WHERE? EVERYWHERE...
      1. In light of 1Ti 3:14-15, some think Paul refers to assemblies in every place - 1Ti 2:8
      2. I.e., not just in one country, but in all countries
        1. Pray for all who are in authority
        2. Pray for good leaders and bad leaders
      3. Of course, we can pray in other places besides the assemblies - Mt 6:6
    2. HOW? LIFTING UP HOLY HANDS...
      1. The Bible describes various 'praying postures'
        1. Standing - 1Sa 1:26; Mk 11:25; Lk 18:13
        2. Hands spread out and/or lifted heavenward - 1Ki 8:22; Neh 8:6
        3. Bowing the head - Neh 8:6
        4. Lifting heavenward of the eyes - Jn 17:1
        5. Kneeling - Ac 20:36
        6. Falling down with the face upon the ground - Mt 26:39
        7. Bowing the head, with face between the knees - 1Ki 18:42
        8. Bowing the head, while striking the breast - Lk 18:13
        9. Not recorded in Scripture and unknown to the early church is the custom of closing the eyes while folding the hands!
      2. Evidently a particular posture is not what is important
        1. It is the inner attitude of the soul
        2. Certainly our posture should reflect our inner posture (what does 'slouching' suggest?)
      3. Paul must be emphasizing 'holy' hands
        1. I.e., hands (and lives) unpolluted by sin
        2. Prayers of confession and contrition should be offered before making requests for blessings!
    3. HOW? WITHOUT WRATH AND DOUBTING...
      1. Without wrath
        1. I.e., 'settled indignation'
        2. Such an attitude toward another makes our prayers unacceptable to God - Mt 6:14-15; Jm 1:19-20
        3. No room here for angry praying against our leaders!
      2. Without doubting
        1. Just as prayers for wisdom must be offered in faith, so prayers for peace!
        2. Read Jm 1:5-8 and substitute 'peace' for 'wisdom'
CONCLUSION
  1. Remember that as the people of God we are "the salt of the earth" - Mt 5:14
  2. One of the best things we can do to make the earth a more pleasant place is to fulfill our duty to pray for those in authority!
  3. Are you able to lift prayers with 'holy' hands? Or are your prayers actually an abomination to the Lord? - cf. Pr 28:9

If you desire a quiet and peaceable a life, then let the blood of Jesus cleans your hands and your heart so your prayers will be heard!

Remember, God desires all men to be saved... - 1Ti 2:4