These letters are so good because they bring up so many important topics that even in the course of a chapter it is often difficult to take it all in and really prayerfully consider and try to understand each point. At the same time, it is always encouraging to me that there is so much truth and guidance in each verse of the Bible. It is such an incredible resource that we have which is often easy to overlook rather than go to the word of God in our problems and our search for answers.
While there are many parts of this chapter that I need to reflect on and try to understand better, I was stopped early on by a bit of wording that I have probably overlooked when reading before, but this time it caused me to stop and really think. Verse one says:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, (1 Timothy 2:1 ESV)
Now sounds basic enough, but what stuck out to me were the last 5 words, "be made for all people." All people regardless of what they have done or how I feel about them need and should be given prayers. Not backhanded prayers that are centered around me, but heartfelt prayers that they will feel God's presence in their lives. This includes all people, no matter how much evil may currently have a hold on them. If you don't think redemption and turning a life around is possible, go read Paul's conversion in the book of Acts and now God spoke to him in these many wonderful books as he was aiding the early church.
On a more individualized note, don't forget that we have to know what is going on in one another's lives to know how to pray for them. We have to build stronger relationships with one another and build trust to really share and support one another. I ask that you pray for me in this way so that I can build deeper relationships of trustworthiness and sharing without getting too caught up in myself that I forget about those around me.
Wow, a lot to unpack in this chapter. First, to pray for leaders, to get on our knees more for people in positions of authority. This is something I should definitely do more, both for US leaders and leaders abroad. These people are given places of power where they can significantly influence other people's lives, so it is in the interest of the Kingdom of God for them to use that influence to help us live "peaceful and quiet" lives. If only it were so, and all of this war and oppression didn't exist! Let us pray for these situations at home and around the world, that the light of Christ would shine and affect some policies.
ReplyDeleteThe other part is the section about women. In my discernment, it is not unBiblical to disagree with some of Paul's teachings in today's context. I (and many scholars and teachers) believe that these were appropriate measures for the time in accordance with Jewish and Roman culture such that there weren't be distractions from the Gospel message. There is certainly a tradition and legacy of women teaching and having authority in the Bible. There were many prophetesses and other important women in the OT who were gifted and given glory for their leadership in the Lord's service. I think it is important for us not to let this be a stumbling block in today's society (which it has become). If you have ever heard Beth Moore (or any female minister or pastor in your church) teach, you realize that they often have very different and useful insights into certain topics and issues that men do not have. That's what I think.