260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 192 - 1 Timothy 2: Evangelistic Prayer & Some Unpopular Verses

I considered titling this “Passion & Punches” but settled for a wimpier one – pretty sad huh?! We see in this chapter both Paul’s passion for the lost (ok, GOD”S passion) as well as his passion for proper worship. Both very relevant topics for today as well! Paul begins by begging that “…requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority…” Now at the time, Nero was in power and this was a radical request from Paul! Because he was killing believers, few wanted to pray for Nero (ok, maybe for his death) and fewer wanted to give thanks for him! But Paul begs we do! Why? He lists two reasons: - This is good and pleases God our Savior. - Who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. Paul’s life was a constant “soul patrol” because he was following the example of Jesus who “came to seek and to save that which was lost.” Then he addresses worship. The focus of our worship is to be on God alone and anything that would distract from that is to be removed – regardless of whether you’re male or female! Ok ladies, the focus here is not on the outward – “braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes…” – but on the inward – “dress modestly, with decency and propriety…. with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God” – and the attitude of your heart – “in quietness and full submission” and “I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent” (1 Corinthians 14:34-35, 1 Peter 3:3-6). SO WHAT?! *How’s your prayer life? What takes up the majority of your prayers? Is it stuff? Selfish requests? Paul’s prayer life showed a passion for those who don’t know Christ! When was the last time you and I begged God for one of our friends who don’t know Jesus yet? Lord remind us daily to be praying, begging for our unsaved family & friends! *Ladies – do these verses bother you? They are reminders of God’s role for women. Men & women are all created equal in worth, but unequal in role. Are you fulfilling the role God has for you? *Men – passages like these are not to be quoted by you to women. God did NOT give guys the role of leader because we are smarter or better. It is simply a role we are to be in. Are you fulfilling the role God has for you?