Evangelistic Prayer – Part 1 – 1 Timothy 2:1-2

6th lesson in a verse by verse series in 1 Timothy.

Chapter 2: Moves from the more general charge of chapter 1 to the delegation of specific duties. Commences next major division in the Epistle which is chapter 2 & 3 that deals with the structure and public life of the local assembly.

Chapter 2: Paul outlines the duties of men and women within the local assembly.

Vs. 1-8: The responsibility of the church (men in particular) to pray for the lost. The exhortation to prayer is in the context of the theme. It is prayer in the house of God as opposed to private prayer.

The rich, doctrinal statements of Vs. 4 to 7 are sandwiched between the Apostle’s exhortation to prayer in Vs. 1-3 and Vs. 8. Hence the theme is clearly the responsibility of the church in the area of praying for the salvation of souls.

The example of Paul: Romans 10:1 “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.”

C.H. Spurgeon: One thing more, the soul-winner must be a master of the art of prayer. You cannot bring souls to God if you go not to God yourself. You must get your battle-axe, and your weapons of war, from the armoury of sacred communication with Christ. If you are much alone with Jesus, you will catch His Spirit; you will be fired with the flame that burned in His breast, and consumed His life. You will weep with the tears that fell upon Jerusalem when He saw it perishing; and if you cannot speak so eloquently as He did, yet shall there be about what you say somewhat of the same power which in Him thrilled the hearts and awoke the consciences of men.

The Priority of Evangelistic Prayer (Vs. 1a)

1. ‘exhort’ = comes from the Apostles heart. Means to urge or entreat. Continues the spirit of urgency from chapter 1. True prayer comes from an inner conviction rather than an outward compulsion.
2. ‘therefore’ = on the basis of the charge in chapter 1. The false doctrine of works based salvation was robbing the Ephesian church of its Evangelistic fervour.
3. “first of all” = statement of priority. The Apostolic churches had a strong emphasis on prayer. Acts 2:41-42 “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’s doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

The Facets of Evangelistic Prayer (Vs. 1b)

‘supplications’

1. Refers to petitions. Means to beg, beseech and make requests. Speaks of requests that rise out of a sense of need.
2. Examples: Man with a demon possessed child. Luke 9:38 “And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.” The “fervent prayer” of James 5:16. Christ’s prayer for Peter. Luke 22:32 “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not…”

‘prayers’

general, most frequent term in the N.T. Carries the idea of worship and reverence. Comes from a compound word: ‘towards’ (προς) & “I wish” (Εύχομαι).

‘intercessions’

1. Refers to earnest pleadings, entreaties. Comes from root word meaning “to fall in or be involved with someone”.
2. Used of both Christ’s and the Spirit’s intercession for the believer. (Rom 8:26-27; Heb 7:25)
3. ‘thanksgiving’ = the spirit and attitude of our prayers. 1 Thess 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

 Applications

1. All these words are in the plural form and the present tense, teaching the need for an ongoing, habitual practice.
2. The 3 synonyms teach us something of the richness of the exercise of prayer. There is unlimited scope for growth in this ministry.
3. These words are closely related but are used to further impress upon us the importance of the duty. They demonstrate the high place they occupy in the Apostle’s mind. For example, “I want you to wash this glass carefully, thoroughly, fully and diligently.”

The Scope of Evangelistic Prayer (Vs. 1c – 2a)

1. Generally – “for all men”
   1. Every nationality
   2. None to be excluded
2. Specifically – “for kings and those in authority”
   1. Kings – main rulers over nations
   2. Those in authority – rulers of lower rank
   3. For the Ephesian church, this meant praying for men like Nero, a vicious blasphemer and persecutor of the believers.
   4. The early church obeyed this command diligently. Example: Tertullian (late 2^nd and early 3^rd century theologian) “Without ceasing, for all our emperors we offer prayer. We pray for life prolonged; for security to the empire; for protection to the imperial house; for brave armies, a faithful senate, a virtuous people, the world at rest, whatever, as a man or Caesar, an emperor would wish.”
   5. Romans 13:1-6 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.”

The Consequence of Evangelistic Prayer (Vs. 2b)

1. Favourable Conditions
   1. “may lead” = refers to daily living
   2. ‘quiet’ = free from outward disturbances; free from turbulence and unrest.
   3. ‘peaceable’ = free from inward disturbances. Same as word ‘silence’ in Vs. 11.
   4. Note: A stable political environment is conducive to the pursuit of godliness in general and the ministry of Evangelism in particular.
2. Holy Aspirations
   1. ‘godliness’ = reverence for God. Holy living.
   2. ‘honesty’ = Dignity of life. High standards of morality.
   3. ‘godliness’ = a right attitude; ‘honesty’ = right behaviour

Conclusion:

1. How is our love for the lost?
2. Challenge to the men: Are we men of prayer?
3. What is our church know for?

Sermon 6 of 27 in 1 Timothy Series

Sermon Audio Id: 41016541425