1 Timothy 2:1-8 - A Call to Pray

Father, we’re just mindful as we sing these songs—songs that for many have been so meaningful to us in years past. We’re mindful of your grace and of your provision, that the gospel has had a work in our lives, that you have been faithful. We are here today in large part because of your good hand bringing us to these moments. As we open your Word tonight, as we learn and grow, Father, would you be pleased as we continue to walk out this messy process of life with God? We’ll thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

It is good to throw back a little bit for those of you who have been around the church for a while. Some of those songs are circa 2001—old school, Y2K-era songs. It is good to remember. I’m sitting here, Stacy starts singing, and I start crying. I’m telling myself, Get it together, get it together. When you celebrate a moment like this, you just see God’s favor. There is simply no explaining how this church survived. Forty college students started this church with a ton of fun and no budget. We had no clue what we were doing. We had no kids’ ministry because we didn’t have a single child! And God just said, “I’m going to do something through that movement,” and here we are today. Praise God. And let me say this: I think the best is yet to come. I can’t wait to see what God has for us for another two decades.

Holding Fast to the Essentials

With that in mind, turn to 1 Timothy chapter 2. If you were with us last week, Mike did a bang-up job walking through Paul’s testimony in response to the proper use of the Word of God—which was meant not for the righteous, but for the unrighteous, meant to convict and stir those who need Christ. Paul said, “Hey, by the way, I was the foremost of all.” This is not a gospel for the religious or the elite; this is a gospel for the broken. Paul says, “I’m the chief of sinners, the least of all saints. I am with you in this journey of needing the work of the gospel in my life.”

1 Timothy 1:15 (NASB)

It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost [of all].

Then in verses 18 through 20, Mike covered the false teaching that was happening with two guys who get name-dropped forever in the inspired Bible as heretics who were removed from the church: Hymenaeus and Alexander. Now, lest you think the church is waiting around to catch somebody doing something foolish so we can kick you out—if you’ve been part of a church like that, that is not what the Bible teaches, and that is certainly not who we are. These were men who embraced false teaching, taught false doctrine, rejected reproof, rejected the conviction of the Spirit, rejected the Word of God, and were actively leading brothers and sisters astray. Paul says, “I’m so sorry, you’ve got to go. You can’t stay here, because your teaching is going to spread like gangrene and destroy the whole body.” So he removed them from their midst.

1 Timothy 1:18-20 (NASB)

This command I entrust to you, Timothy, [my] son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.

2 Timothy 2:17 (NASB)

and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

Paul says he handed them over to Satan. The question we have to ask is: What’s the difference between something a believer is working through and something that gets you removed from the church? These weren’t guys like you and me who struggle with sin, repent, and turn back to Christ, or who say, “Thank you,” when someone points out a blind spot. These were people who said, “I don’t care what you say. I don’t care what you try to hold me accountable to; I reject it all.”

So what are the issues we must hold on to so tightly that there is no wiggle room? When you talk about these things, there are areas where we must be completely clear. When it comes to the authority of Scripture, the holiness of our God, the nature of the atonement of Jesus Christ, and salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, there is no wiggle room.

Now, you want to talk about musical preferences? We have room to disagree. You want to talk about the color of the carpet? I really don’t care—pour coffee on it, it doesn’t matter, just bring your Bible. You want to talk about whether you should get vaccinated or not? Pray about it and do whatever you feel led to do. You want to talk about political parties? Vote for whoever in your conscience you’re comfortable voting for. Plug your nose and jump; I don’t care. I care about the gospel.

What we at this church are going to divide over are the revealed truths. In non-consequential, non-essential issues, we can be progressive and adaptable. But in the areas that are revealed in Scripture—where the Bible says, “This is what the Word of God says, and this is who God is”—we hold fast. Our theology, our view of sexuality, our view of morality—those things are revealed in Scripture, so we stand firm. Even if culture says we’re crazy, even if they try to kick down the doors to stop us, we hold. But these other issues? Those are online food fights, and nobody wins an online food fight.

Paul’s main point is asking and answering the question: How do we live godly lives in an ungodly city? In chapter 3, verses 14 and 15, he already gave us the purpose of this letter.

1 Timothy 3:14-15 (NASB)

I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; but in case I am delayed, [I write] so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.

He says, “The reason I’m writing this book is so that you, believer, will know how to conduct yourself in the household of God, so that when people see you, they are drawn to you and ask, ‘What is it about you?’ and you can point them to our God.”

The Priority of Prayer

How do we live distinctly? What is our individual function and role? In chapter 2, Paul begins by laying out the priority of prayer. Then in verses 8 through 15, he covers the roles of men and women. In chapter 3, he covers elders, deacons, and the body of believers.

Look at chapter 2, verse 1. Most of your Bibles use language of priority: “First of all,” or “Above all.”

1 Timothy 2:1 (NASB)

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties [and] prayers, petitions [and] thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,

Paul says the number one thing a believer needs to do to live godly in an ungodly city is pray.

Now, there are three things that are always convicting to talk about in church: evangelism, giving, and prayer. Why? Because very few people feel confident in all three. So when I say that Paul says the most important thing to live godly in an ungodly city is to be a person of prayer, how are you doing? For a lot of people, the honest answer is, “Man, I’m terrible at prayer.” You’ve seen those prayer circles at church where one person prays, then the next person prays, and the fourth guy is panicking because he knows his turn is coming and he’d literally rather throw up and leave than pray out loud!

Paul says the priority thing that every single individual in the family of God must learn to do above all is pray. What does it mean to pray? It simply means you open your heart to God. It doesn’t mean reciting rote, empty words. Prayer is where you open your heart to the Lord and say, “God, I’m here. I’m thankful that you’re with me. I just want to spend time with you. And as I do, search my heart, know me, and try my anxious thoughts to see if there is any hurtful way in me.”

Psalms 139:23-24 (NASB)

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.

Can you feel the sacredness washing over the room when we approach Him like that? That’s prayer. Paul says we need to be a people of prayer.

Notice the words he uses: entreaties, prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving. He’s not trying to split hairs over technical definitions; he’s heaping up words to emphasize all sorts of ways to pray. Pray while you’re driving. Pray when you wake up. Pray before you go to bed. Pray when you’re making a sandwich. Pray at all times, everywhere. Have a heart continually lifted toward God—praying without ceasing—with a Godward bent and a Godward mind. Why? Because without that, you succumb to the flesh and become just like the ungodly city around you. The only hope you have is to keep your heart open to God and say, “Lord, reveal the junk in me.” And don’t be surprised when He does; have a notebook ready, because God is faithful to show us what needs work.

A life marked by prayer is a life that looks like Jesus. Have you ever read the Gospels and noticed how often the disciples were looking around saying, “Where did He go?” Jesus would be off on a mountainside praying. In fact, Jesus’ prayer life was so intimate, magnetic, and life-giving that out of everything He did, His disciples asked Him to teach them one specific thing: not how to walk on water, not how to turn stones into bread, but how to pray. They saw that true life and fullness of joy come from the Father’s presence.

Who should we pray for? Paul says, “For all men”—all kinds of people. Have you ever sat down to pray and suddenly your mind starts wandering? I used to shame myself over that: You’re a terrible pastor; get back on track! But then I read Romans 8:26, where Paul says that in our weakness we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Romans 8:26 (NASB)

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for [us] with groanings too deep for words;

When I’m praying and suddenly find myself thinking about my third-grade teacher, I just pray for her! When an old friend comes to mind, I pray for them. Enjoy the ride—it’s the blessing of a wandering mind. Just say, “Lord, you are the Lord of this encounter. Who do you want me to pray for right now? My neighbor? My ex? A friend I’m sideways with? I’m listening.”

Praying for Those in Authority

Paul gets very specific in verse 2: pray “for kings and all who are in authority.”

1 Timothy 2:2 (NASB)

for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

The king Paul was referring to was Emperor Nero—who, around the time this was written, likely instigated the great fire of Rome in AD 64 and blamed the Christians, launching intense persecution. Paul is not just saying, “Pray for the leader you didn’t vote for.” He is saying, “Pray for the man who is arresting your family, burning your neighbors alive, and actively persecuting the church. Pray for him.”

That is radical, isn’t it? If you want to live distinctly in an ungodly city, pray for kings and all in authority. The word “authority” refers to anyone placed in charge over you. What is the ultimate result when we pray for them? Is it simply that their policies will change? Maybe, but maybe not. It’s really about our transformation.

When you pray for those in authority, a profound peace settles over your heart. In Philippians 4, Paul writes:

Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Over the last few years, there has been plenty of temptation toward anxiety. But when you pray for our president, our governor, and our local leaders—whether you voted for them or not—a supernatural peace guards your heart. You are reminded that God is ultimately in control, not them. You pray, “Lord, you can change their policies, but even if you don’t, change me. Give me peace so I can walk faithfully with you.”

All throughout history, the darker and more chaotic the culture became—whether in imperial Rome or Nazi Germany—the more believers stood out because they prayed for their leaders and lived peaceful, tranquil, and quiet lives. Romans 13:1 tells us that there is no authority on earth except that which has been established by God.

Romans 13:1 (NASB)

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.

That doesn’t mean rulers always act righteously, but it means God is never surprised. He holds the hearts of kings in His hands and turns them wherever He wishes. So when you watch the news and feel panic rising, remember: God is sovereign. Instead of firing off an angry tweet or venting in a Facebook comment, what if we stepped into the chaos with the love of Jesus and the gospel?

We know how the story ends. We’ve read the back of the Book. God is on the throne. We can pray like crazy and sleep well at night.

Christianity is not a political movement. We are not a “Christian nation”; we are a nation with Christian heritage in its founding, but Christianity belongs to no single earthly nation. The church of Jesus Christ transcends borders and existed long before America. While I love my country, fly the flag, and stand for the anthem, I am a believer first. We must never conflate nationalism with Christianity. Paul isn’t calling us to grab pitchforks and storm castles. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness.

Ephesians 6:12 (NASB)

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual [forces] of wickedness in the heavenly [places].

Our fight is for the souls of men and women. That is why we pray for those in authority: so that we may lead a tranquil, quiet life in all godliness and dignity. “Godliness” means behavior that properly reflects our belief. “Dignity” means conduct that is honorable and earns respect. The goal is that our neighbors won’t see political outrage in us, but rather the quiet peace and hope of Jesus Christ. As Paul told Timothy in chapter 1, verse 5:

1 Timothy 1:5 (NASB)

But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

Jesus was the embodiment of God on earth—full deity clothed in humanity. When He ascended, He sent His Holy Spirit to indwell us. You and I are now the temple of the living God. When people look at us, they ought to see what God is like by how we love, how we care, how we pray, and how we endure.

The One Mediator

In verses 3 and 4, Paul makes a crucial distinction:

1 Timothy 2:3-4 (NASB)

This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

We pray for leaders because we desire their salvation. We long for them to come to the knowledge of the truth. But we must be careful here: Does God’s desire for all to be saved mean all will automatically be saved? No. We must not confuse God’s desire with His sovereign decree. Universalism is unbiblical. God’s ultimate aim in salvation is His own glory.

Colossians 1:16 (NASB)

For by Him all things were created, [both] in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities– all things have been created through Him and for Him.

Romans 11:36 (NASB)

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him [be] the glory forever. Amen.

All things exist from Him, through Him, and for Him. It is ultimately about Him. And His decree is clear in verses 5 and 6:

1 Timothy 2:5-6 (NASB)

For there is one God, [and] one mediator also between God and men, [the] man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony [given] at the proper time.

All roads do not lead to heaven. That might sound tolerant in modern culture, but it is deeply misleading with eternal consequences. There are not many mediators; there is only one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all.

Matthew 1:21 (NASB)

‘She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.’

John 1:12-13 (NASB)

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, [even] to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Acts 4:12 (NASB)

‘And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.’

Acts 10:43 (NASB)

‘Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.’

Jesus had the audacity to say, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

John 14:6 (NASB)

Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

That statement is wildly arrogant—unless you are God. And He is! He gave Himself as our ransom, dying in our place.

Galatians 1:3-4 (NASB)

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB)

He made Him who knew no sin [to be] sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

No other religious leader died and conquered death through bodily resurrection. That is why Jesus is the only mediator. You don’t need an intermediary saint, an angel, a deceased relative, or religious rituals to earn favor with God. Jesus finished the work on the cross. When He said, “It is finished,” He meant it.

As that great 1865 hymn declares: Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

Paul says in verse 7 that proclaiming this truth is his life’s calling:

1 Timothy 2:7 (NASB)

For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Paul’s plea to us is: Stay out of the weeds! Stay away from peripheral arguments and online food fights. Focus on the main priority: the proclamation and incarnation of Jesus Christ. If you win an argument online but lose your neighbor or alienate your family, what have you gained? Paul told the Corinthians:

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NASB)

And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.

Let’s be determined to know nothing among our neighbors except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

A Call to Action

In verse 8, Paul brings this down to practical church life:

1 Timothy 2:8 (NASB)

Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

Paul says, “Fellas, you go first.” Does that mean women can’t pray? Of course not! Ladies, pray! But Paul calls men to step up into godly, servant leadership. Culture today screams that male leadership is inherently toxic. But biblical leadership is not domineering; it is humble, sacrificial, and marked by prayer.

When Paul speaks of “lifting up holy hands,” he is addressing the posture of the heart rather than demanding a rigid physical stance. You can pray standing, sitting, walking, or lying down. My wife likes to pray as she falls asleep—she calls it “preeping.” Posture your heart before God without anger, bitterness, or dissension.

Men, prayer is a learned discipline. If you don’t practice, you won’t grow. You don’t have to be mystical or super-spiritual; you just have to humble yourself before the Lord.

Let me leave you with three practical questions to consider:

First, how is your prayer life? If prayer is the priority for thriving as a believer in an ungodly world, how are you doing? Try “habit stacking.” When your feet hit the floor in the morning, simply pray, “God, I present myself to you.” When you pour your morning coffee, whisper, “Lord, thank you.” Start opening your heart to Him throughout the day.

Second, are you praying for those in authority? I often tell wives: nag less, pray more. God can do far more in your husband’s heart than your nagging ever will. And for all of us who find ourselves triggered by current events: complain less, pray more. Pray for our president, our governor, and our local mayors. Pray for their salvation, pray for wise governance, and rest knowing God holds them in His hands.

Third, to the men: are you leading spiritually in your home? Providing financially is essential, but are you leading spiritually? You don’t have to be a preacher at your dinner table—just grow out loud. Let your family see you reading your Bible in the morning. Talk naturally about what God is teaching you. Memorize Scripture, read good books, and lead your family faithfully to worship.

Let’s be a people who drop the plumb line of God’s Word into our lives, align our hearts to His truth, and become a house of prayer.

Let’s pray.

God, we are so thankful for your Word that challenges us to live godly lives in an ungodly city. Teach us to be a people of prayer. Help us to lift up our leaders, to point our world to Jesus, the only mediator, and to walk in humility and dignity. For the men in this room, give us the grace and courage to lead out in prayer. Align our lives to the standard of your truth, meet us in our weakness, and stir in us a deep desire to be everything you have called us to be. We pray all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.