FIRST OF ALL
1 TIMOTHY 2:1-4
1 TIMOTHY 2:1-4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
OBSERAVTION:
First Timothy was a letter written to Timothy, a young pastor who was very close to Paul.
In the day that Paul was writing this letter, Nero was the Emperor of Rome. And Nero was described by historians as tyrannical, self-indulgent, and debauched. He also seized Christians and burned them alive for allegedly starting the fire that burned much of Rome. By any credible account, he was a horrible leader.
And yet Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, encouraged Timothy to pray for him.
First of all, praying for all men, for kings, and all who are in authority. The reasoning was not an endorsement of their leadership or policies. The reason for praying for government leaders is so that we can have an environment conducive to preaching the gospel.
When we are at peace, it's easier to reach people. When survival is not the pressing objective, the focus can go toward evangelism.
As Paul states, God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
APPLICATION:
My wife, Joy, has led prayer for our staff and a ladies' prayer team for over twenty years. She has always been somewhat taken aback by the unwillingness of people to pray for those leaders they don't agree with.
But Paul never said to only pray for the good leaders. The leaders you disagree with the most provide a compelling motivation to pray for them. We are to pray for all in authority. Not for those who we like. Praying for our leaders is not an endorsement of them personally or politically. It is a Kingdom of God duty we are to fulfill as ambassadors for Christ on the earth.
Praying for those in authority is good and acceptable in the sight of God, who saved us. I would rather look good to Him than any institution of man.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I pray for the president and all leaders, including spiritual leaders. Give them wisdom so that we may live before You in peace. All leaders need Your help. Grant them grace and bring good counsel around them. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.