"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." 1Timothy 2:1-2
Reading 1 Timothy this morning I was reminded by the Apostle Paul of a sobering command he left for Timothy and for us as Christians today. Paul says to Timothy, " I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness," 1 Timothy 2:1-2. Did you read it again? That is right, as Christians, we are to pray for those in authority over us, kings, queens, prime ministers, members of parliament, presidents, lords, senators.... and the list goes on. But without context, we miss the impact of this important lesson.
Paul's context in writing to Timothy is very important because Nero was Roman Emperor over the Roman Empire at this time. Nero was known as being cruel especially to Christians, blaming them for the great fire of Rome and thus punishing them. So we must take note, Paul is calling Timothy in his teaching on worship in the church, to make requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving before God for everyone, including the governing authorities.
Then he goes on with further instruction for Christians to live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. Why? Because he says "this is good and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth." What is that truth? Pauls says the truth is that "there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Jesus Christ, who gave himself as a ransom for all people."
This is a great reminder for all Christians today, especially in my context of the West, where today there is much political animosity, with the recent election in Canada which has left many people feeling divided, the UK also feels divided and which is most likely close to elections as they still work through the Brexit issue with all its uncertainty. No doubt there are also many political challenges and unrest facing my American friends in the USA as well. However, this must be said, Christians, we may or may not like the decisions of our current governments, no more than those Christians in the first century who were faced with the possibility of persecution, but to us, like Paul instructs our first-century brothers and sisters in Christ, are urged to pray, intercede and make requests to God for our ruling authorities AND we are called to live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness because this is what pleases God and helps lead others to the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
So now what is your response to Paul's instructions to the current political climate in which you reside today? I hope your first response is what Paul instructs, to pray. Second, to make every effort to live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness for the sake of the Gospel.
