1 Timothy 2:1-6 (KJV)

2:1-3 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

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;

First looking back to 1 Timothy 1:18-20, we find that Paul is charging Timothy to “war a good warfare.” It would be an ignorant mistake to try and reconcile that verse alone without 1 Timothy 2.

The objective was given; however, like any mission you must prepare and take care of the precursors. 

As Christians, we must “first of all” pray. We should never attempt to further personal ministries beyond the groundwork of prayer and study of The Word which is laid. 

Pastor and teacher Justin Johnson once wrote, “Prayer is where doctrinal rubber meets the road of ministry, yet men don’t pray.” By this definition, people are going nowhere in ministry because their tires are deflated. 

First of all, pray. 

Prayer is a move of faith, relinquishing control of flesh to the will and direction of Spirit, which we learn about the Scripture. As Christians, our constant fellowship with the Spirit by grace through faith is characterized by ceaseless prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 

Continuing on, we see that prayer is to be made “for all men.” The term men here is directly addressable to humanity as whole. 

Although we are part of “all men” these prayers are more so directed to others. I consider these as “ministerial prayers.” Although a similar pattern, a personal Pauline prayer model is noted in Philippians 4:6-7.  

Note that in 2 Timothy 2:1 that the source, direction, and giving end of the prayers are to and from Christ. 

As we thankfully intercede and make requests unto God by the Holy Spirit, Christ intercedes unto the Father for us (Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1). 

Moving on, when we pray for kings and those who are in authority, many have been conditioned to pray for political motives although the focus should be prayer. 

Simply, pray for them. Intercede for them because as we are about to address, God desires for them to be saved and come unto the knowledge of the truth. Only then will they have any true impact for Christ’s purpose and will. 

All other prayers become selfish and are looking for artificial and unstructured solutions to our fears. Concern yourselves with spiritual matters (Romans 8:6). 

This kind of prayer and countercultural living (quiet, peaceable, Godly, honesty) is the will of God and without prayer it is a fleeting hope. 

2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

In our personal and corporate ministries, this needs to be a motto and standard for our lives. Unfortunately, this is such a heavily contested topic with the Body of Christ. 

Understanding this will save the trouble of wandering through life wondering what our purpose is. This is God’s will, pursue it purposefully (Ephesians 5:17). 

Rightly dividing the word of God is how we are able to discern and derive the will of God. Understanding where you are and what is written to us will melt away confusion of seemingly overlapping directions of will (2 Timothy 2:15). 

God desires all people to come unto salvation (Romans 10:9) and to desire a relationship with Him because of it (1 John 3:1). A portion of humanity should never be classified as a “lost cause” and we must remain vigilant in opportunities where we can participate in God’s will in providing the truth (Ephesians 6:11; Colossians 4:2-6)

2:5-6 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.

Paul purposefully defends God as one and numerous times defends one God in three persons, which is the Trinity. Here, Jesus as fully God and fully man (Galatians 4:4-5) could be utilized to detract from the popular Gnostic heresy of Paul’s time. 

Understanding that God is one made a serious distinction from the pagan, idolistic, polytheism that was prevalent in Ephesus where Timothy was ministering. The world is not much different today as many are worshipping false gods and divided evil spirits. Once again, be vigilant.

Priests are no longer mediators so not be deceived. Christ is the one who fulfilled the Law and there’s no other way to God but by belief in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). 

Catholicism failed to make a distinction by failing to rightly divide the word of truth. We are Christians because of Christ plus nothing and forgiveness is of the same pathway. Do not be deceived by such a great error in theology.

We are sinners and in need of a mediator, but fleshly man has no spiritual right to present the shortcomings of another to God.

As for Christ as our ransom and savior, Christ in full purity paid the ultimate cost necessary to repair the severance from God caused by original sin (Genesis 3:22-24; Romans 5:12). He did this by imputing and covering us in His righteousness making us fully acceptable unto God by Him (2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9).

Once again, I reiterate that this is “for all.” Do not focus on whether or not everyone will accept this message, live into God’s will that He desires all to accept this message and receive eternal life. 

This message is “testified in due time.” Dispensationally, this is the “Age of Grace” that we live in now. We are all offered the Gospel that states Christ is our ransom paid through His death, burial, and resurrection.