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First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and
it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom
for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
Many years ago, I became associated with an ordained professor who taught at an evangelical college. The theology that I learned listening to him was gloriously eye-opening.
His teaching sent me on what is now a lifetime of study of God’s redemptive program as revealed in the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation. I gained and continue to gain a greater and greater appreciation for the genius of the Bible’s typology and how Christ
is revealed in such beauty throughout the Bible’s pages, especially in the OT.
But there was a problem. I got to know him and his family. His marriage was not what a Christian would hope a marriage to be. But more than that, he seemed to have no
ability to walk through the trials of his life in a way that was humble and trusting of the Lord’s work and sovereignty.
I want to be careful. I didn’t know his heart but he was not shy in his severe criticism of those who disagreed with him, sometimes on minor issues and readily admitted
his bitterness almost as if he was proud of it. He could speak beautifully about theology, the scriptures, and the glories of the Lord Jesus, but his life didn’t seem to mirror his words. Now, in fairness that is often true of all of us, isn’t it? We don’t
always live in a way that sees our theology, what we believe about God, Christ and salvation, matching our behavior. That is the gap that we seek by God’s grace to close.
It seems it is easier to line up our theological ducks in a row than it is to live the Xn life, humbly…loving the Lord and His people. But again, an experience sadly,
we all know far too well.
Our short text this morning has an incredibly practical point to make and then a theological quandary that has been debated for centuries. But as is our custom, we will
duck nothing and do our best to understand.
The text begins with therefore, our ESV says, “then”, which is unfortunate. Paul is connecting this thought with what he has already said. Remember from last time, his
point is that Jesus is the only Savior and the only hope for ALL mankind.
He is THE King…not a king…not a way…not one of many. Rather, He is the ONLY way and all of life must answer the question: What are you doing with Jesus? And being that
this truth applies to ALL men, he continues to reference ALL men, or ALL people as he uses those words three times in these verses.
The command that Timothy is to give to the church at Ephesus with regard to praying for all men, is all more striking in that Nero was the emperor when Paul wrote these words!
But more than likely that is the point of mentioning rulers here: We might be inclined to skip praying for our president or our elected leaders, especially those who have notoriously anti-Christian policies and practices.
Paul says we should pray for them, so that we might be tranquil, devout, and godly people who wish the best for others and who are, ordinarily, appreciated, not persecuted.
Remember, Jesus is not only king of your life, your family, your church, but He is the world’s king. That is why Christianity is by necessity, political. Therefore,
if Jesus is King of the world, then prayer must be made for all those who have position in the world.
Our desire is to lead peaceful and quiet lives in submission and service to the King and as we do this, the gospel spreads…the hope for mankind is seen and heard in
the lives of God’s people as we raise our families, love our spouses, engage in the work given to us with faithfulness and thanksgiving to our God.
Now, perhaps you are wondering: Wait a minute…we are at war…Jesus says the kingdom is forcefully advancing and here Paul is saying that we are to strive for a quiet
and peaceful life. So, are we supposed to live a quiet and peaceable life or are we supposed to be at war, which would seem to imply that our lives are anything but “quiet”?
I think we can begin answering the question by realizing that it is in our aspiring to live quietly and peaceably that at least in some respects we are fighting the
good fight. We take the fight to the enemy by BEING the church…being who we are…living it out in holiness, not compromising at any point, but graciously, kindly, while laughing, feasting and celebrating…we defy ungodliness.
Faithfulness does not come in a vacuum. But too often we are caught making sideways glances at that which makes the big splash or at the few Xns who are in the limelight.
We might then be tempted to conclude that what we have to offer in our service to the Lord is not all that important or significant. But that is to misunderstand the kingdom.
Prayer: Father, I have been given much, by Your grace, help me to be faithful with what I have for Christ’s sake and glory. Help me to be circumspect, to know where
my treasure lies and if my affections are for this world and for myself, purge such sin out of my heart and fix my affections upon the One who lived, died and resurrected for me. Help me to set my eyes and heart on that which is unseen and eternal, through
Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen.
Song: At The Table. This is a song by one of my favorite contemporary musician. The theme is after the Prodigal Son. Click show more for the lyrics.
