1 Timothy Message 14

In chapter two, we have been looking at Paul’s instruction to Timothy on the –
2. Conduct of the church. 1 Timothy 2:1-3:16
We have see the instructions about –
a. Prayer, and about those to be prayed for: the –
b. People
Today, we will begin to look at five things brought out in the following verses. Read –

1 Timothy 2:2-7 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

The first thing is – “…that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life…”

c. The Purpose Why should we pray? – to carry out the commandments of God. In –

1). Peace We are to work at living in –
a). Peace from the government. “…quiet and peaceable…”
(1). The Lord prospering His people in times of peace.
(2). The Lord’s protection upon His people in times of trouble.
(a). Prisoner
(b). Preacher
(c). Prince
(3). The Lord’s peace and strength in times of tragedy –

This past week we were reminded that it is God’s will that we be at peace with governments and those in authority. Today we will learn what God’s Word instructs us in living in –

b). Peace toward fellow men. “…in all godliness and honesty.

We need to look at the –

(1). Reason for this command –

Would Christians act in an evil way to others? It seems unbelievable, but there are times that people will use their position as leaders in the church to hurt believers that they do not like!

Others will tell people about the Lord Jesus Christ knowing beforehand that it will make them angry, provoking them and causing trouble.

It seems strange to us, but it does happen. Let us hear what Paul wrote about those he encountered in his ministry that did not live in “…all godliness and honesty.” Note the –

(a). Ungodly preaching written about to the church in Philippi –

Philippians 1:15-16 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

Philippians 2:3-11 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory…

The problem was not only found in one city or nation – look at the –

(b). Ungodly problems that could occur in the church in Corinth –

2 Corinthians 12:18-21 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps? Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

We are to learn the –

(2). Right attitude we should have toward others as taught by the Lord –

Philippians 2:4 “…but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

(3). Remember the attitude of God –

Even toward those that ignore, reject, and despise Him –

Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

When we remember the attitude of God and that we are to represent Him on earth with our lives –

2 Corinthians 5:17-20 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

– we have better understanding about praying that we might lead a quiet and peaceable life which is – 1). Peace and then also –

2). Pleasing unto God – 1 Timothy 2:3,4

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

How is it that by being prayerful and peaceful, we are pleasing God? The answer is simple – we live each day according to what the Word of God teaches. In simple terms, we practice what we preach, and this is a testimony that cannot be denied by anyone. They can ignore it, they can reject it, but being honest, they cannot deny it. As Jesus taught –

Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Paul spoke to this in his letter to the Corinthians –

2 Corinthians 4:1-7 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

The questions we are faced with now are –

a). Do you want to please God?

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour…”

b). Do you want to present the Gospel to the world?

“…Who will have all men to be saved…”

c). Do you want to preach truth?

“…and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

If not, you need to take some time with God, asking for Him to reveal what is holding you back from giving yourself to Him completely. What are you afraid of? It is time to pray, asking the Holy Spirit to search your heart, reveal truth to you from His Word, desiring to be the child of God that you know you should be.

Are you saved?