2^nd Chapter of 1^st Timothy (ESV: English Standard Version)

(1Ti 2:1)

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

PRAYERS AS CENTER OF OUR WORK

An evangelist is to make sure he is encouraging others to pray and himself to continue to pray for all people. Paul emphasizes the point of praying by using many different words that illustrate how we are to pe praying for all people.

1. Supplications: deesis - petition, prayer request. Asking for something of God on bahlf of ourselves or others.

2. Prayers: proseuche - an oratory, earnest prayer; as in a worship service. When we pray to God in adoration and worship.

3. Intercession: enteuxis - an interview; specifically a supplication. Offering up prayers of behalf of others.

4. Thanksgivings: eucharistia - grateful language to God as an act of worship; giving of thanks. When we express gratitude in our worship.

Quite some time we ought to spend with the Lord to achieve the descriptions of these intercessions for all people.

(1Ti 2:2)

for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

Our prayers and intercessions are to be for all people, and emphatically for:

1. Kings; Rulers - (basileus: A foundation of power; a sovereign; leader of the people, prince, commander, lord of the land, king) We are to pray for the sovereign powers or leader of our country and other countries. This would include the president, primer minister or governing body of our country as

2. Anyone in authority; high positions - (huperoche: prominence, superiority in rank or character; authority, excellency)

Romans 13 teaches how we must respect the governing authorities; and instead of bashing them, we need to offer up prayers for them. During this time that Paul is writing it was Nero who was in authority. He was the one who blamed Christians for the fires set in Rome and yet Paul urges the Christians to pray for him. Peace and quiet, qualities that we all yearn in our lives is something that can come by much prayer as opposed to trying to elect the right person. It is also important to understand that God intends for civil government to punish those who are evil and praise those who are good (Rom_13:1-4; 1Pe_2:14).

Here are the things we must yearn for in our loves that are achievable through prayer:

1. Quiet lives - eremos - tranquil, stillness. Our ambition in the life we lead in this world should be towards quietness and peace. This should be reflected in how we pray for others and even our country and those who rule in it (1Th_4:11-12).

2. Peaceful lives - hesuchios - properly keeping one's seat; undisturbed, undisturbing, peaceable. This characteristic alludes to us wanting to mind our own business and not be meddlers in the affairs of others. We need to keep our nose to the grind, our own grind and be satisfied with that. Our prayers should reflect the fact that we also are minding our own business, praying for those with whom we are directly involved and interceding for those with whom we have to do.

3. Godly lives - eusebeia - reverence, respect, holiness. If our ambition and aspiration is to be in peace and stillness in the Lord our loves will reflect godly qualities. We will influence others toward godliness and even win the respect of outsiders (1Th_4:11-12).

4. Dignified lives - semnotes - venerable, honesty, purity, sanctity. When we are not meddling in the affairs of others, keeping our distance from gossip or mockers our lives will be shown to others to be worth something. Godly qualities will be evident and even ungodly people will see worth (1Pe_4:15-19; Pro_26:17; Pro_16:28; Pro_20:19; Pro_26:20; Rom_1:29; 2Co_12:20; 1Ti_5:13; 3Jo_1:10).

Our prayers about our governing authorities and the lives of others should be towards making it easier for the work of the church to be done and for each of us to be able to do our part in God's Kingdom.

(1Ti 2:3)

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,

This attitude in prayer is what pleases our God and Savior. When we go beyond these boundaries, unsatisfied with our lives, and begin to meddle, gossip and quarrel, our lives deteriorate and so does our attitude.

(1Ti 2:4)

who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

God desires for all people to come to know the truth and be saved! How will it happen? If the church can do her work in the midst of peace and quietness on your behalf and on behalf of the world. And guess what? This can be achieved if you pray about it and for it! You need to have the ambition and desire for it though, or your prayers will be hypocritical. If your ambition is full of selfish desires and not the work of the kingdom, why should God give you peace? To fulfill your own desires? God will work with us as we align our desires to His and make it our goal to want to see people come to the knowledge of the only truth that saves.

Contrast this with what most denominations claim: that you first are saved and then come to the knowledge of the truth! Who is right? God or them?

In this passage it is evident that salvation comes by knowing the truth in Jesus. God will use the church to spread this truth. This proves that God uses people to disseminate the truth because by this men will come to know it and be saved. There is something you need to know to be able to choose salvation after knowing it. This was the case of Cornelius (Act_10:1-8), the Ethiopian eunuch (Act_8:27-31) the Philippian jailer (Act_16:27-31), the apostle Paul (Act_22:10-16). All these men and women who were saved, some even prompted by angels, needed to have the message preached by a human counterpart so they could choose salvation afterward. Even to this day God works intimately in the lives of people, moving them about and trying to get them close to the people of the church that they may reach out to Him and find Him, though He is not far (Act_17:26-31).

Ask yourself the question: Are your goals and ambition in your life aligned to the goals and ambitions of your God and Savior? Have you let something else become a substitute for your ambition to want to see people come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved?

(1Ti 2:5)

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

As you read in Act_17:26-31, God has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the man He has appointed. He has given proof of all this by raising Him from the dead. This man is the one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.

There is only One God, so there is only one way to this One God and it is through the One mediator (mesites: one who intervenes between two, either in order to make or restore peace and friendship, or form a compact, or for ratifying a covenant; a go between, that is, (simply) an internunciator, or (by implication) a reconciler (intercessor); mediator) Jesus Christ (Joh_14:6; Act_4:12). It is not through apparitions, nor angels nor saints nor ancestors nor spirits of the dead or even the living. It is neither through a so called Virgin Mary, nor priests or nuns or popes or ministers or clergymen nor through any other entity other than Jesus Christ the Son of God (Gal_1:6-9).

A mediator is one who "interposes between parties at variance for the purpose of reconciling them." - Webster's Dictionary

To be an effective mediator you need to be very familiar with the parties you are mediating for. How perfect is Jesus Christ for this?

"Christ is a mediator by nature, as partaking of both natures divine and human; and mediator by office, as transacting matters between God and man." - Webster's Bible Dictionary

(1Ti 2:6)

who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

Jesus is our ransom (antilutron: what is given in exchange for another as the price of his redemption, ransom). He paid the price (Act_20:28)!

You will value your life in Jesus the more you understand how much of a prisoner you were before your faith set you free in Him. We were prisoners in the dominion of darkness (Col_1:12-13), held captive (Act_8:23; Col_2:8; 2Ti_2:26) and veiled (2Co_4:3-4) by Satan and the forces of darkness that continue to hold men and women prisoners of lies, murder and double mindedness.

At the proper time God has introduced him as the testimony to which all men must go to (Rom_5:6), in whom all men should believe and come to the knowledge of the truth (Act_17:30-31).

Jesus paid the price that we may see the light, come to know the truth and be free (Joh_8:31-32).

(1Ti 2:7)

For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Paul recognizes his role in this testimony of the Gospel as a preacher and announcer (herald) of this Good News in Jesus. A teacher of the truth to Gentiles, a builder of faith that saves! See Eph_3:8 notes on this.

(1Ti 2:8)

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

Now that Paul spoke about the importance of peacefulness and quietness in our lives and ambitions, that the Gospel may go out and men be saved, it is men of this particular character that are the ones who are to pray, leading in the church and in their homes. This passage is about having holiness in our lives, specifically for the men.

There are various positions of prayer Mat_11:25 - standing up; Gen_24:26 - bowing before the Lord; Mat_26:39 - flat on your face; and in this passage and Psa_28:2 - lifting up hands in the form of supplication (asking). The position of prayer reflects the attitude of prayer. For example, when someone is weeping and deeply grieved the gesture that follows is falling flat on your face.

What makes the prayer acceptable is not the position of the prayer, but the attitude of the heart. How is that person doing in their relationship with God. Paul mentions specifically "men" and "everywhere". So the men (andros: a man; properly as an individual male; fellow, husband, man, sir) especially must make sure their lives are holy; able to lead others by holiness; lives not tainted by anger or disputing (doubt), nor tainted by quarreling, meddling or controversy.

Tit_2:11-14 is the basis for our motivation in Christ. We need to lead lives that God accepts, embracing the goodness of God and the holiness of God. Not being duplicitous, having double-minded ambitions which are ungodly and unholy.

Isa_1:15-18 talks about how God reprimanded the rulers of Israel for being hypocrites in their leadership. If you are leading someone in prayer you need to make sure your life is not tainted by anger or disputing. If you are leading a double life (double minded) God will not listen to you and will be angered. A leader who's tainted needs to change his ways (repent) that his headship may be properly restored. Instead of speaking good things a leader needs to be involved interceding for others, not only by prayer but in action. God is willing to reason with us and pleads with us to do right so that He may forgive us. Wow! What mercy He desires to show us! We must not be slow to seek the mercy of God and repent in earnest. A holy leader will also show this mercy to others.

Lead lives that will not hinder your prayers and make you ineffective in your leadership in the home or the church (1Ti_4:16).

What hinders prayers?

1. Psa_66:18 - Cherishing sin in your hearts will hinder your prayers

2. Jam_4:3 - Having wrong and selfish motives. This is connected to the first one.

3. Eph_5:25 - How do you treat your wife husband? If you don't treat your wife as Jesus loves the church your prayers will be hindered (1Pe_3:7). How many of you are really joyful and expectant of Jesus coming? In the same way, how many wives joyfully expect their husbands to come home? This reveals your true attitude. When you treat them in acknowledgement of how Jesus treats the church, with mercy and understanding, your prayers are not hindered. Ask for your wife's forgiveness if you have mistreated her. Beg for her to forgive you that your respect may be restored. Ask her on a regular basis how you are doing with her in your relationship.

4. Pro_28:13 - Confess and renounce your sin. If your relationship with God is strong your marriage will be strong. Don't hide your sin and don't lie about it.

5. Pro_1:20-33 - Being indifferent towards God's word will hinder your prayers. When you hear the Word of God how you react to it will show whether you are a true disciple. Heb_4:12 - Your attitude towards the Word of God will determine your salvation. A good and noble heart will always be fruitful (Luk_8:15).

(1Ti 2:9)

likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,

PROPRIETY FOR THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN

Respectfulness (kosmios: well arranged, seemly, modest; orderly, that is, decorous; of good behaviour, modest), modesty (aidos: downcast eyes; bashfulness, that is, [towards men], modesty or [towards God] awe; reverence, shamefacedness) and self-control (sophrosune: soundness of mind, that is, literally sanity or figuratively self control; soberness, sobriety) is the order of the day for the woman who is a disciple of Jesus. Self-control and propriety in what she wears and uses for adornment. The woman has much power and influence. Solomon, in the Proverbs, characterizes wisdom (Pro_1:20-33; Pro_3:13-26; Pro_8:1-36) and foolishness (Pro_7:6-27; Pro_9:13-18) with the female gender, showing the influence and power hey can have over men and others.

Women can use their beauty and charm for the glory of God or for the glory of self. Gen_2:18 says God created woman to be the helper of the man. The helper is an aid, helping the man to accomplish the work he needs to do. God created the woman to help the man, not to hinder him.

King Ahab had a very influential wife named Jezebel. In 1Ki_21:25 we see how Ahab let himself be influenced by his wife in completely negative ways.

Jos_6:26; and 1Ki_16:31-34 shows how Ahab disobeys God and suffers the penalty. This woman Jezebel was a bad influence in Ahab's life.

Jezebel kills all the prophets of the Lord (1Ki_18:4). Ahab never takes the lead and allows himself to be lead by her. In 1Ki_19:2 she swears to kill Elijah.

Do you want to be like Jezebel or like Esther? Esther was able to use her influence to do good to the people of God. She influenced her king towards holiness in all humility and propriety.

How you dress, your speech and mannerism can influence men towards holiness or sin. If you profess to worship God then let it be shown by your dress, your behavior and your deeds. Women who are disciples shouldn't have to be repeatedly addressed about their dress or their attitude.

To dress immodestly is to be an adulteress, since you are drawing attention to your body as opposed to your Lord. Display your good works and your humility to be able to catch a godly man.

Dress in such a way that doesn't make you bashful, in all decency. Have self-respect! Only display yourself to your husband! How would you dress if you knew Jesus was going to be there in the flesh? Dress appropriately. Dress for Jesus, not for success!

How should a woman adorn herself? Not expensively, not to call attention. Not to display status, wealth or importance. Don't be concerned with brand names or labels.

(1Ti 2:10)

but with what is proper for women who profess godliness--with good works.

Dress up in good deeds which is proper for women who are disciples. It is the wife who makes the home happy or miserable. Do you make your home sweet or bitter?

Pro_14:1 teaches how much influence a woman has in her home. A foolish woman is a woman who doesn't have God. These women are a black hole, sucking the life out of everything. But the woman who fears the Lord is a builder, through encouragement and service. The godly woman is motivated by the love of her Savior. She doesn't allow herself to be controlled by external things, but by the internal peace and quietness of spirit.

1Pe_3:1-6 teaches the wives to emphasize their example of humility and submissiveness, since they can even be influential over men who are disobedient. Gentleness, quietness and service changes problematic men. This is what pleases the Lord.

The proof for women who profess godliness will be in their works, specifically in their home and relationship with their children and husband (1Ti_5:10).

What about single women, or couples without children, or women that work or have a business?

Priscilla and Aquila were business people but they were fellow workers in the kingdom along with Paul. Lydia herself was also a businesswoman but dedicated to prayer. Phoebe was also known as a servant throughout the churches. So women who work, whether they have children or not, are also expected to adorn themselves with good works that profess godliness. Notice the Bible doesn't make a distinction between the single, married or having children or not; all women are addressed here without impartiality.

(1Ti 2:11)

Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness.

A woman needs to learn in quietness (hesuchia: description of the life of one who stays at home doing his own work, and does not officiously meddle with the affairs of others; desistance from bustle or language: - quietness, silence), not in discussion or arguing. She needs to listen first and accept what the instruction is. The learning needs to happen with all submissiveness (obedience). For a woman to engage in a discussion or shouting match is improper. What's more, in the next verse, it is not for the woman to even teach or have any authority over a man.

The context of these instructions is within the assembly of the church. How do we know? Because we know all are called to preach the Gospel. Remember the woman at the well who talked to everyone about the Messiah (Joh_4:28-30)? Women can share the Good News with all propriety and submissiveness. If a Christian man is present then the man should lead since it is not proper for a woman to have authority over a man.

Notice this is not talking about the need for a woman to be quiet and submissive with their husband. That is already understood. This is talking about how the spirit of a woman needs to be in general, that is, with everybody!

1Co_14:34-38 adds that the proper place for a woman to learn something when she has questions is at home with her husband. Women keeping silent in the churches was not a cultural thing of the church of the first century. Here Paul clarifies that it is the word of God, unchanging and perfect. If churches don't want to accept this, they themselves will be ignored by the Lord!

Younger women are also taught by the older women certain things (Tit_2:3-5).

(1Ti 2:12)

I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.

Here Paul first gives the what and then the why. Interesting because he usually does it the opposite way. But since he is talking about the role of the woman in the church, Paul expects the women to accept this instruction even without a why, since it comes from the Holy Spirit. He does tell you the why anyway.

The emphasis again is for the woman to remain quiet. This is how she shows beauty and holiness (1Pe_3:1-6). The foolish (ungodly) woman, remember, is loud and argumentative (Pro_7:10-11; Pro_9:13). Since quietness needs to dominate a woman is not permitted to:

1. Teach - (didasko) to hold discourse with others in order to instruct them, deliver didactic discourses; to be a teacher; to discharge the office of a teacher, conduct one’s self as a teacher. This means a woman is not permitted to impart instruction, instill doctrine, explain or expound upon or teach another man

2. Exercise authority over a man - (authenteo) one who acts on his own authority, autocratic;an absolute master; to govern, exercise dominion over one; to act of oneself, that is, (figuratively) dominate; usurp authority over. This means a woman cannot hold the position of a teacher over any other man in the church. A woman cannot hold any position of authority over another man, so this leaves them out of any participation in any order of service that is publicly performed in the church, i.e., prayers, lessons, preaching, passing out supper elements, etc.

(1Ti 2:13)

For Adam was formed first, then Eve;

Here are the reasons why a woman is to be submissive in all quietness. Notice the explanation has nothing to do with thought or custom (culture) or the times. It is a matter of the order of Creation, in other words, it is a divine reason, unchanging and permanent while we live on this Earth.

Adam (man) was formed first; then the woman (Eve). This is why the woman is to be in subjection to man in general, and particularly to her own husband.

(1Ti 2:14)

and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.

Also, the Spirit adds, Adam (man) was not the one deceived by the serpent (devil). The woman was deceived and became a sinner. Adam's sin was listening to the woman and not correcting her, i.e., train her to be a helper. Adam was not being the proper head which is why both were punished. However, the woman was deceived and became a sinner first.

Satan is all about deception. Deception is accomplished by deceiving and capturing the hearts desires (emotions). Women tend to be more emotional than men. Think about why the devil choose to appear first to Eve and not Adam! Perhaps the devil tried Adam first and failed, but I doubt it since Adam submitted to Eve's deception as opposed to instructing her in righteousness.

(1Ti 2:15)

Yet she will be saved through childbearing--if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

This is an interesting anecdote the Spirit reveals. The woman is saved through childbearing. Now we know that childbearing is not a requirement of salvation (Act_2:38, Mar_16:16, Col_2:11-12), so what is Paul referring to here? Let us follow his train of thought:

1. He is talking about men and woman

2. He is using the example of the order of creation to explain why women are to be subject to men

3. Since he is talking about the order of Creation, he is probably referring to what God told Eve when both received their punishment for disobedience (Gen_3:16).

· In multiplied pain you will bring forth children

· Your desire will be for your husband

· He shall rule over you

1. Since suffering through childbearing is one of the punishments along with being ruled over and having a desire for a husband, when Paul referred to childbearing as an issue of salvation, he is talking about the woman remembering her place and function in God's Creation and also her punishment received for stepping out of bounds.

2. Along with remembering her punishment and being subject to it in all quietness, plus continuing in faith, love, holiness and self-control, the woman is to gain salvation just as much as man.

3. Man's salvation does not include the part about childbearing. In much pain and with much sweat he needs to work to be able to eat and gain from the ground.

Faith (pistis: the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ), Love (agape: affection or benevolence; brotherly love), holiness (hagiasmos: consecration, purification, being different from the world - separate) and self-control (sophrosune: soundness of mind; self-control, sobriety) need to dominate the life of a godly woman, along with the remembrance of her position and function in the order of Creation and the punishment she bears for stepping out of order in the beginning. Men must also keep in mind these things for himself lest they become arrogant and act improperly with their wives.