Tuesday, February 6, 2007

1 Timothy 2: 1-7 Let's Pray

1Ti 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers,a intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority,b that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godlinessc and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleasesd God our Savior,e 4 who wantsf all meng to be savedh and to come to a knowledge of the truth.i 5 For there is one Godj and one mediatork between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,l 6 who gave himself as a ransomm for all men—the testimonyn given in its proper time.o 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lyingp—and a teacherq of the true faith to the Gentiles.


It is not often that I pray for my leaders...

Lord, I come before you now praying for the leaders first of all in our church. I ask that you would give them wisdom as they lead and guide us. I pray for the leaders in our community. I ask especially that you would give them wisdom in working with our homeless population. Lord, I pray for the leaders of our country. I pray for Mr. Harper. Give him much wisdom especially as he engages issues in the Middle East as well as issues of freedom of religion here at home. I surrender these men to you Lord.

I love the reality that God wants all men to be saved. My confusion at times is how to interpret Romans 9 and Ephesians 1 in light of this reality. In what sense does all powerful God predestine some to come to Him while still wanting all men to be saved?

What is the truth that He wants all men o be confronted with? Contrary to the popular position of pluralism, there is not multiple ways to God, but rather one, and that is through Jesus Christ...who else has "paid the ransom for our sins"? Thanks to God for His son, His only son.

1 comment:

jerlight said...

I wonder why Paul insists that he is not lying about his role. It almost feels like an emphasis: "I'm not going to lie, I am an apostle to the Gentiles."