Knowing Jesus 8

The Aim of this devotional study is to reflect on the life purpose of Jesus Christ, and our participation in that.

Scripture

1 Timothy 2:1-6 (ESV)

1  First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2  for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

3  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4  who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

5  For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6  who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

Observations

In this chapter Paul gives instruction to young Timothy for public worship, beginning with corporate prayers.

Hint: for a good reflection and understanding exercise ask “who | what | where | when | why | how”? about the text.

1. Answer the following questions regarding Paul’s instructions in verses 1 and 2:

• How do we pray? (and what do you understand with the words used in his appeal?)
• For whom should we pray?
• Why should we pray?
• How do you link “prayers… for kings” to “peaceful and quite life”?
• When Paul wrote this (from Prison in Rome) – who was king (approximately 62-65 AD)?

2. Answer the following questions regarding Paul’s motive in verses 3 and 4:

• To whom should we pray?
• What is good and pleasing in God’s sight?
• What do we learn about God and our motive for prayer?
• Who does God desire to save?

3. Answer the following questions regarding Paul’s motive in verses 5 and 6:

• Why is “the man Jesus Christ” the only “mediator between God and men”?
• What does the phrase “who gave himself as a ransom for all” refer to?
• What the phrase “ransom for all” mean? To whom was the “ransom” paid?
• How could Jesus death be a sufficient ransom for the sins of “all”?

4. Paul says there is “one mediator between God and men” and also that we should “[make] prayers [and] intercession… for all men” – do you find that strange? How do you understand our role in reconciling man with God if Jesus is the Mediator / Peacemaker?

Application

1. Picture yourself before God, the Creator and Judge of all. He can see everything about your heart, mind and life.  How do you feel?  [If you feel guilty and shameful, share with your small group leader or pastor]
2. What has Jesus the Mediator done for you personally between you and God?

Prayer

As the Holy Spirit to search and reveal your heart. Think of the most shameful things you have done in your life.  Reflect on weaknesses and sinful habits. Now, in prayer, approach God with the One True Mediator, Jesus Christ. Confess you sins (as specific as you can), ask for forgiveness based on Christ’s “ransom” (his death on your behalf), and thank God for that.

Now spend some time in prayer, intercession, supplications (asking for things) and thanks for our country’s leaders – to God who wants all people saved.