1 TIMOTHY I Would that Men Everywhere 1 Tim. 2:8

Review 1 and 2 Timothy – Instructions of Paul to an evangelist that he had recruited and trained, leaving in Ephesus to continue building the church Fight the Good Fight: 1. Stand up for truth 2. Remember the basis of your salvation 3. Honor Jesus

Today Look at Chapter Two Titled, “Instructions on Worship” But really just some instructions Paul was giving Timothy which involved assemblies

1 Tim. 2 1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles. 8 I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. 9 I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

Current and Theme 1 Tim. 3:14-15 – 14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 2 Tim. 2:20-21 – 20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21 If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

Christian Ethics and Applications of the Day 1. On Marriage, Eph. 5:22- 25; 1 Pet. 3: Interactions of Males and Females, 1 Cor. 14:33-40; 1 Tim. 2; Titus 2 3. Relationship of Slaves and Masters, Eph. 6:5-9; Col. 3:22-24; 1 Tim. 6:1-2; Tit. 2; 1 Pet. 2: Church and State, Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Tim. 2; Tit. 3; 1 Pet. 2:13-17

Greco-Roman “Household Code” Husband-wife Parent-child Master-slave Citizen-state

Basic Principles: Submit and Obey Obedience Respect Acceptance Example Selflessness Humility Trust Orderliness Purity Citizenship Civility Service Love Submission

Thus, Paul’s instructions here…

1. Requests, Prayers, Intercession and Thanksgiving Requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for everyone For kings and all those in authority That we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness

Both church and state are part of God’s will, Rom. 13:1; 1 Pet. 2:13-14 Submission to the state lends credibility in eyes of the world, 1 Pet. 2:15 Thus, the Christian should: Pay taxes, Rom. 13:7 Honor rulers, Rom. 13:7; 1 Pet. 2:17 Pray for kings and all those in authority, 1 Tim. 2:1-2 That we may live peaceful, godly, holy lives Mission: God wants all men to be saved There’s only one God over all of us

2. For Men How are men and women to behave: In salvation, there is no gender difference, Gal. 3:26-28 In society, there are roles to be accepted and played out

V. 8 – I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer without anger and disputing. Men: Bold, open prayer Holiness Absence of anger and disputing Holy hands The emphasis here is on “without anger and disputing” Lifting hands probably comes from a Hebrew word for worship – “to kiss hands toward God”

ASV – 8 I desire therefore that the men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and disputing. KJV – 8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

3. For Women V – I want women to dress…with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. Women Modesty in dress and style: clothes, hair, jewelry Modesty in behavior: good deeds, faith, love, and holiness Modesty in role: submission and motherhood

Conclusion Principles of humility, obedience, and submission are at the root of Christian behavior, no matter how unfair or abasing it may be or seem to be.

Remember Jesus, Matt. 20:25-28 – “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”