In 1 Timothy 2:1-4 we are told to pray for all men, and in particular we are told to pray for those who are in authority over us (this would include kings, presidents, senators, etc).
“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
These verses are always relevant, but given the results of last nights election, results that will disappoint many within the evangelical community, these verses are particularly pertinent for us today. Before looking at the message of these verses it is important to begin by reflecting on another biblical truth that will help us understand the application of this particular passage; this truth is summed up in 2 Timothy 3:12:
“Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
This is an absolute. The desire to live a godly life will result in persecution. There is nothing in Scripture that leads us to believe that this will change until the return of Jesus Christ. Christians ought to expect the world to reject God’s Word and His people. So how does that apply to 1 Timothy 2:1-4?
It would be easy to read the first part of verse 2, (pray) “for kings and all who are in authority,” and assume that the remainder of the verse, “so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity,” is conditioned upon how God answers the prayers we make on behalf of those in authority. The reasoning is as follows: if God favorably answers the prayer I am offering for my leader and that leader legislates in a way that encourages godliness, then I will be able to lead a quite and tranquil life. On the one hand I don’t believe that is the message Paul is trying to convey, and on the other hand I don’t believe that reasoning is consistent with the fact that we are aliens and strangers who ought to expect persecution for the sake of righteousness. So what is Paul teaching?
We must intercede on behalf of all men, even kings and those who are in authority. We must thank God for them as well as petition God on their behalf. These are not prayers that are offered in the hopes of receiving something, but rather they are made with the hope that God will save those for whom we are praying (2:4). We as the people of God must intercede on behalf of the world for the sake of the world. Remember, this is the same world that will persecute us for our desire to live a godly life. So Paul is not saying that we are to pray because of the benefit we will receive, a tranquil and quiet life, but rather that we are to pray for the world because they stand condemned before the judgment seat of a holy God.
When we pray for the world and those who are in authority, God will grant to us a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. The outcome promised is not conditioned upon the action of those we are praying for; God may not grant them repentance and they may continue persecuting the people of God. But as we pray for them God will be at work in us, transforming us in the image of Christ. God causes us to grow in godliness despite the conditions in the world that might war against us. Our living in tranquility and growth in godliness are the outcome of our obedience to Christ. Our obedience is the result of the grace of God, it is not based upon our own fortitude and desire.
Let me conclude by applying this to our current situation. We must pray for president elect Barak Obama. We must thank God for him and petition God on his behalf. We must pray that he comes to a knowledge of the Truth. He may govern well or he may enact policies that are antithetical to God’s truth. What he does as the President of the United States does not determine our lot in life, the progress of the gospel or the growth of the church. As people of prayer, God will grant us peace and tranquility, even if it is achieved in the midst of persecution. In praying for Barak Obama, God will grant us godliness and dignity. This is not conditioned on his policies but upon God’s grace who gives to His church every good and perfect gift. Presidents come and go but the Word of God and His church will endure forever.
