Gospel Light Christian Church Thru-The-Bible Series (25.3)

The First Epistle of Paul to Timothy

1 Timothy 2:1-15 - Read this Bible passage once through before referring to the notes below.

Exhortation on prayer

v1-3   Having given Timothy a charge to war a good warfare (1 Tim 1:18), Paul now gives Timothy instructions on prayer.  Hence learn that waging a good Christian warfare must involve prayers.  For whom should Timothy pray?  For all men, not just for self.  In fact, Paul goes on to say specifically, for kings, and for all that are in authority.  The reason is so that we can lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  People in authority are in that position because God allows them to occupy that position.  Christians are not to take matters into their own hands when dealing with cruel or corrupt rulers.  They should not engage in activities to topple such rulers (eg, to rebel or to exert pressure through civil disobedience).  To do so will lead to a life of armed rebellion or civil strife, without peace, and at the same time, damaging a good Christian testimony. The proper thing to do is simply to pray to God and let God do the rest. 

Remember that the hearts of kings are in God’s hands; He who set them up can also remove them (Dan 2:21). The same rule applies when dealing with our bosses in the office.  Prayer for those in authority is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.

Only one mediator

v4-6   God’s desire is that all should be saved, but notice that salvation involves coming to the knowledge of the truth. And what is truth?  According to Scripture, thy word is truth (Jn 17:17). And what says the word of God?  Simply this, there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

There is no two ways about this.  If we accept that God’s word is truth, then we must accept that our Lord Jesus Christ is the only one mediator between God and men.  And what did our Lord himself say of this?  I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me (Jn 14:6).  The Lord is the living Word of God (Jn 1:1), and so He is the truth.  As truth personified, He declares that there is no other way but by Him to go to the Father.  Why then is it so difficult for men to accept this divine truth?  Today men are still trying to reach our Heavenly Father through other mediators, like dead saints, including the dead Mary.  The reason is that they have not come unto the knowledge of the truth.  And since our Lord Jesus Christ declares that He is the truth, it means that such men have not come to the knowledge of the Lord. 

Teacher in faith and truth

v7   How does one come to the knowledge of the truth?  Paul addressed this question in his epistle to the Roman Christians.  He said, how then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?  And how shall they hear without a preacher?  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? (Rom 10:14-15).  Yes, the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ who gave himself a ransom for all has to be testified by those sent by God.  And whom does God send?  Not just pastors, elders, or some trained evangelists (eg the Netcasters) but all born-again Christians.  The command is called the Great Commission, namely, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world (Matt 28:19-20). 

So Paul here says that he was ordained a preacher, an apostle and a teacher.  His job?  To testify of the Lord Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to teach them in matters concerning faith and verity (truth).  We have been called by the Lord Jesus Christ to teach all nations. Are we doing this?

Call to prayer

v8   Here is a specific call to prayer.  Who are to lead in a public prayer?  Paul says, men pray. This means women should not lead in a public prayer.  Today, in churches round the world, this rule is ignored as we see women chairing worship services, leading in prayers over the congregation. (Of course this does not prevent a woman conducting prayer in private life or in meetings of their own sex). Where should prayers be made?  Everywhere!  The idea that prayers are made in certain places is here proven wrong. Since God is everywhere and is all knowing, Christians can pray to Him at any place and any time. And how should one pray?  Paul speaks of lifting of holy hands, a reminder that prayer is directed to a Holy God.  Moreover, when coming to God in prayer, our heart must be right with God.  We must be without wrath. The Bible says, be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools (Eccl 7:9). Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil (Ps 37:8).  Anger is therefore associated with doing evil, and evil has no place in the presence of a Holy God.  Prayer, afterall, is about communicating with the Holy God. 

The second point to note about prayer is that we should pray without doubting.  Why?  Because doubting means wavering.  Listen to what James has to say about this subject.  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.  For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.  A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways (Jas 1:5-8). Notice that in order not to waver in our prayer, we are to ask in faith (and yes, prayer is asking).  Without faith, it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Heb 11:6).

Faith is taking God at His word, claiming the promises of God who cannot lie.  So for prayer not to waver, it must be based on God’s will, as reflected in the promises of God found in the Bible.  Prayers that are not in the will of God are often based on personal lusts, and such prayers are not answered. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts (Jas 4:3). The only way to know God’s will is to read the Bible. 

Instructions to women professing godliness

v 9-10  Just as Paul explains that it is men that should lead in public prayers, so here he gave instructions to women on what is involved in professing godliness in a Christian assembly. 

First is the question concerning proper adornment.  They are to dress in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation. And this means nothing that can be construed as exhibiting undue pride, like having braided hair, gold, pearls, or costly clothing.  Next, they are to engage in works that are proper for women professing godliness.  In other words, they are to be mindful of their Christian testimonies before others.

Submission

v11-15   Paul says that women should learn in silence with all subjection in a Christian assembly. They are not permitted to teach (or preach) or have authority over a man, but to be in silence.  To do so is to usurp man’s authority.  Two reasons are given for this.  First, Adam was formed before Eve.  Secondly, Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived fell into transgression. Basing this restriction on the relationship of Adam, Eve, and the fall, Paul reminds them they can be saved in their natural role of childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.