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1 Timothy 2:8-15
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. We must remember Paul’s central theme in this 1st letter is sound biblical doctrine and teaching leads to godly living. Here is another truth to remember: Scripture never separates behavior and belief. The Bible teaches throughout that what a person really believes in their heart is what is demonstrated in their daily life. Paul is reminding Timothy, and us, to remain dedicated to following the teachings of the God-breathed Bible as we live our lives as Christians. Paul’s message in this section of his letter does not focus on the world or on home life; rather it focuses on 1st on worship as a way of life in the church.” 2nd This passage of Scripture also provides general advice for men and women. The entire section deals with our responsibility to behave in a holy, teachable, and peaceable manner. Now let’s look at this section in detail: Paul’s 1st mandate to men is:
I. TO PRAY WITH PURE HEARTS. Of all the things the Holy Spirit could have inspired Paul to tell men to do, the 1stmandate is for them to pray! A life of prayer is one of the most vivid evidences that a person, especially a man can give that his life is dedicated to living sound Biblical doctrine. The point here is that a pure heart is an attitude of holiness, reverence and the fear of God. When Paul tells men to pray “lifting holy hands” he is not teaching here that men should always pray with lifted hands. In that time uplifted hands in prayer was to them what bowing our heads is to us. Men, there are two truths that govern our prayer lives: 1st you cannot go to God in prayer with an ungodly or unclean heart. Read the prayers of David in the Ps. and you will see he is constantly asking God to help him keep a clean heart so God can answer his prayers. 2nd you cannot ask God for anything, or to do anything that contradicts His own nature and character, or Scripture. What you want must be what God wants! You must be consistent in your prayer for a pure heart until your heart is pure! There is no reason why a man who calls himself a Christian should not and cannot pray – both privately and corporately! There are only excuses, but no reasons! Here is a truth every Christian must learn, believe, and practice! If you can talk you can pray! Men, Godliness, which is righteousness, and all the other character qualities of men of God and prayer cannot be separated! One cannot exist without the other. Next Paul tells us men, we are
II. TO PRAY PERPETUALLY. “Everywhere” is to say wherever men gathered for prayer. Anyone can pray anytime, anywhere. However, there ought to be a time of day in every Christian man’s life when he is alone with God and can bow his heart in prayer without being distracted. If you think your schedule and time is too busy and limited to have a daily time alone for prayer, just think about Christ’s schedule. He had 3 years to find and teach men who would learn and share the gospel message so it would carry on from then until the end of the Tribulation – no matter what the opposition or resistance! One way a man of God is identified, is by his life of prayer, all day every day. So men, when other people think of your entire life and lifestyle, do they know one of your most outstanding character qualities is that you are a man of prayer? Finally, Paul tells us men:
III. TO PRAY IN PEACE. The “anger” Paul is condemning here is a heart attitude that is consistently indignant or slanderous toward another Christians. The peace Paul is addressing here is the peace of God. A Christian experiences God’s peace when their heart is in harmony with Scripture. The peace of God and purity of heart cannot be separated. Do you know the hardest part of having a dynamic effective prayer life? Starting! Just the thought of praying for the 1st time with your wife or children is all kinds of scary! Take Nike’s advice and “just do it!” Don’t make up all kinds of excuses why you can’t, just believe God and do it!
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