Now Paul gives Timothy instructions on prayer in church. First, prayers, petitions and thanksgiving are to be made for all peoples. The church has a global mission, our mission and concern is for the whole world. Society would like to make religion a purely personal matter, and if we are honest sometimes would we. But God is the creator of all things and all people. So we are to pray for all people.
This includes praying for governments and authorities that we might live in times of peace, and live peaceful and quiet lives. Now, there is something of a paradox here. The gospel is and should be a challenge to society, and many places that Paul went to riots started! However, we are not seek conflict for its own sake. The early church started at a time when Rome ruled most of Europe, and so the conditions were ripe for the gospel to spread.
The heart of the matter is that God wants all people to be saved. It doesn't matter whether or not you or I want all people to be saved. It doesn't matter whether or not society thinks proselytisation is a good idea or not. It is God's desire that counts. There is one God and creator of all people, and there is one means of salvation, faith in Christ. Paul had been appointed as an apostle of this message, and the church has been charged with the great commission.
No comments:
Post a Comment