- [Narrator] Welcome to Grace Digital Presentation.
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers,
"intercession and things giving be made for all people.
"For kings and all those in authority,
"That we may live peaceful and quiet lives
"in all Godliness and holiness.
"This is good and pleases God, our savior,
"who wants all people to be saved
"and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Tim. 2:1-4.
This is a significant portion of the bible,
as it gives us a deeper understanding of prayer.
It displays a series of thoughts and gives us quality
and valid reasons for everything it says.
Paul wrote this report to Timothy to command him
in the order and discipline of a local congregation.
He said that the first great activity of a local group
is supplication, prayers, intercession and things giving.
One word that summarizes these actions is prayer.
So the primary activity of believers
meeting together in fellowship is prayer.
Prayer is essential.
This agrees with Isaiah 56:7.
Isaiah 56:7 says,
"Even them will I bring to my holy mountain
"and make them joyful in my house of prayer.
"Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices
"shall be accepted upon mine altar;
"for mine house shall be called a house of prayer
"for all people."
God says this to believers who gathered in assembly.
"My house shall be called a house of prayer
"for all nations."
In other words, not only are we to pray,
but our prayers are to be as broad in their outreach
as the love and mercy of God.
The gospel is for all.
Then, Paul also shared the first theme of prayer.
At the conclusion of the beginning verse,
he said, "Generally prayers
"should be given on behalf of all men."
But then he reviewed for whom we are to pray first.
Out of the entire human race,
for whom are we to pray first?
Is it for the minister?
The pastor?
The weak?
No.
And this is where the great majority of Christians
are out of line with the revealed will of God.
They failed to put God's priority first.
God tells us when we appear together
in a local gathering in prayer,
or when two or three are met collectively,
the first thing that he wants us to pray for
is Kings and all who are empowered.
I would say, using modern style,
that this relates to today's government.
Have you ever thought that your primary responsibility
in prayer is to pray for your nation's government?
My conclusion is that in multitudes of churches,
the people fail to think about that, even once a month.
Yet, Paul places it first.
So what are we to request God to do for
and by the government?
That we may lead a tranquil and peaceful life
in all Godliness and reverence.
Let's ask ourselves individually this simple question.
Does the government we live under affect the life we manage?
Obviously, it has an affect in many ways constantly.
So if we want to lead a good life,
self-interest alone would let us know
that we should pray for our government.
What are we to propose that the government will achieve?
That it will achieve a state in which,
we, who are under the government,
may manage a quiet and peaceable life
in all piety and reverence.
In other words, we are to pray
that the government will do it's job correctly,
or more simply put, we are to pray for good government.
How many of us can say that we are managing a quiet
and peaceable life in all piety and reverence?
In the next verse of our head scripture, we read this.
"This is good and acceptable
"in the sight of our God, our savior.
"This, meaning good government, is exceedingly essential.
"It is the will of God."
Paul told us one basic reason why God approves
of good government, and why it is his will.
He tells us, "God desires all men to be saved
"and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
I already pointed out that God's love and mercy
are outstretched to the entire human race.
God desires all people to be saved,
but they cannot be saved
without getting to the knowledge of the truth,
and they cannot come to the knowledge of the truth
except the truth is presented to them.
So for that straightforward and legitimate reason,
God requires the truth of the gospel
declared to everyone everywhere.
All we ought to do then is ask another question.
Which one makes it more straightforward
to proclaim the gospel?
The good government or the corrupt government?
I believe the answer is too simple
to need a lot of explanation.
Bad government prohibits the teaching of the gospel.
Good government, in many forms,
facilitates the doctrine of the gospel.
So good government is declared the will of God.
Here, then, is our basis for successful prayer
in this particular instance.
As a kingdom of Priests,
we understand that our responsibility
is to rule the world for God through our prayers.
Suppose we acknowledge that we Christians have failed
to exercise our potential influence
for good in all aspects of our lives.
Is there anything that we can do to remedy this situation?
The answer is yes,
and we will cover these remedies in our next presentation.
Let us pray.
Father Lord,
we offer our prayers on behalf of every leader
in governmental positions.
We pray that you draw them
into a strong relationship with you.
Thank you for all those who have pledged their lives
and service to our country.
Give them a true servant spirit.
One who is a person after your own heart.
Anoint them with the holy spirit's power.
That they might feel your strength in every situation.
Let integrity and honesty guide every decision
as they look to you first for divine help.
Turn their hearts from distractions and temptations
that could bring harm
rather than help to their lives and their families.
Make them leaders in every respect,
morally and spiritually strong.
Enlighten their mind with perception,
enlightenment and fairness.
When others tempt them to embrace domineering power
rather than a humble service, give them an undivided heart.
Help them to stand firm
knowing that you will fight their battles with them.
May they begin their day with you,
with thanksgiving and praise
for the honor you have given to them.
Throughout the day, may your spirit remind them
of their purpose and of your love for them,
and when the night arrives,
calm their hearts with the peace
that passes all understanding
as they purpose to keep trusting and obeying you,
no matter what the cost.
As you surround our leaders with Godly counselors,
give them accountability to the people they serve,
but first and foremost,
bless them with joy when righteousness and goodness prevail,
but give them a heart that weeps for the injustices
and sorrows around them.
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