5. Put on Prayer

1 Timothy 2:1-7

Day One Study

1. Read 1 Timothy 2:1-7. In this section of his letter, Paul uses four words for prayer:

·         qdeesis (deh’-ay-sis) — a request for a specific need; supplication – may be addressed to God or man

·         proseuche (pros-you-khay’) — prayer in the ordinary sense, either private (devotions) or public (temple worship) – always refers to communication to God

·         entcuxis (ent’-yook-sis) —a petition to a superior with boldness and freedom of approach

·         eucharistia (yoo-khar-is-tee’-ah) —thanksgiving in gratitude

Compare and contrast these four words. What is the significance of having four different words?

2. Paul urged that prayers be offered for all people, for kings, and all those in authority. Who would be the equivalent of these people in our country today?

Historical Insight: Paul’s instruction to pray for kings and all those in authority was remarkable since at that time no Christian ruler existed anywhere in the world. The reigning emperor was Nero, whose vanity, cruelty and hostility to the Christian faith were widely known. The persecution of the church, spasmodic at first, was soon to become systematic, and Christians were understandably apprehensive. Yet they had recourse to prayer. Indeed, prayer for pagan countries and their leaders already had a precedent in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 29:7; Ezekiel 6:10). (John Stott, Fighting the Good Fight)

3. What do Proverbs 21:1, Psalm 33:10-11, and Romans 13:1 say about authority?

4. Why are we to pray for our leaders?

5. Why might praying for political leaders give us peaceful (tranquil), quiet lives?

Focus on the Meaning: Both 1 Timothy 2:2 and 2 Thessalonians 3:12 use a form of the Greek word hesuchia (hay-soo-khee’-ah). In 1 Timothy 2:2, hesuchia is translated “tranquil,” “peaceable,” or “peaceful”. In 2 Thessalonians 3:12, the phrase including hesuchia is translated “to work in a quiet fashion,” “that with quietness they work,” or “to settle down”.

6. Why is this type of life desirable for believers?

7. Adorning Yourself: Make a list of the people in your life who fit the descriptions in 1 Timothy 2:1-2: government leaders; those in authority at work, church, and other organizations that affect you and your family; everyone in your life (family, friends, neighbors, etc.). Spend some time this week praying for those on your list. Share with your small group how this prayer time has impacted you. How might your life be changed if you prayed for these people on a regular basis?

Day Two Study

8. What does God desire for all men?

9. What truth does He desire all men to come to know?

10. Consider the words “mediator” and “ransom.” Using a concordance or dictionary to define:

·         Mediator—

·         Ransom—

11. Answer the following questions and find Bible verses to support your answers.

·         Why do we need a mediator and a ransom?

·         How did Jesus serve as our mediator?

·         How did Jesus serve as a ransom for all?

Think About It: It is because there is one God and one mediator that all people must be included in the church’s prayers and proclamation. God’s desire and Christ’s death concern all people; therefore the church’s duty concerns all people too, reaching out to them both in earnest prayer and in urgent witness. (John Stott, Fighting the Good Fight)

12. Adorning Yourself: How does it impact you to know that Jesus is our mediator? That He gave Himself as a ransom for all? Feel free to use any creative means to describe how you feel about this.

13. Verse 7 tells us Paul was appointed a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles. What is the significance of this? Read Acts 10:44-45, Acts 13:44-47, Acts 18:5-6, and Romans 1:16 for more information.

14. Adorning Yourself: Read Genesis 12:1-3 and Galatians 3:13-14. Paul’s ministry to Gentiles helped to fulfill God’s covenant to Abraham. If you are a Gentile Christian, thank God for His invitation to you to share in the covenant.