May 25, 2022

The Gospel Is the Goal

1 Timothy 2

Emily Hope
Wednesday's Devo

May 25, 2022

Wednesday's Devo

May 25, 2022

Central Truth

As believers, we should conduct our lives in such a way that the gospel can go out to all.

Key Verse | 1 Timothy 2:1-2

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.

1 Timothy 2

Pray for All People

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 1 2:5 men and man render the same Greek word that is translated people in verses 1 and 4 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.

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

Footnotes

[1] 2:5 men and man render the same Greek word that is translated people in verses 1 and 4

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Dive Deeper | 1 Timothy 2

Pineapple on pizza. Listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving. More than likely, these things have been a source of controversy within your home or community. Controversy is no stranger to Scripture either.

What do we do when we encounter hard passages like this? First, we look at the context of the chapter and entire book. Then, we let Scripture interpret Scripture; we look to other parts of the Bible to help us make correct inferences. God's Word will never contradict itself. Finally, we look for the central truth pertaining to all believers.

I do not claim to have the final authority on the interpretation of this chapter. I do want to be clear, though, on Paul's bigger argument. As believers, we should conduct our lives in such a way that the gospel can go out to all.

As he writes to Timothy in Ephesus, Paul calls the believers in Ephesus to prayer and holiness. Through these disciplines, we can seek peace and unity for the land and the body of Christ. Paul charges everyone in the church to live in holiness. For the men, it meant focusing on prayer rather than arguing. For the women, it meant focusing on character rather than outward appearance.

He then gives a command to the women that can be hard to understand (1 Timothy 2:11-12). Paul is not saying that women should never speak up, learn, or teach. In fact, he encourages it. We see Paul commend many women for their gospel-centered work. There are, however, specific spaces in which women can and should exercise their gifts. This is not to say that one gender is more important or gifted than the other. Both males and females are created in the image of God with full dignity.

Even though this section can be hard to understand, it's important to remember the bigger picture. Everything we do should be done with a heart posture to see the gospel furthered. Just as Paul commended the church, I pray that we would be a people of prayer whose main focus is to see the gospel proclaimed in all places.

Discussion Questions

1. How is your life a reflection of Christ? Do your works and words show others that you are a follower of Christ?

2. Are your actions contributing to or hindering the gospel's spread?

3. Take some time to pray for those in leadership and authority over you. Pray for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3) for the church.