If you haven’t’ checked out the last 1 Timothy devotional, you definitely should. This book gives great insight from Paul about living in faith and understanding godliness in this ungodly world. Today we are looking at chapter two!
Instructions on Worship
2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.
8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 9 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
11 A woman[a] should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man;[b] she must be quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15 But women[c] will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.
Paul starts right off the bat with the importance of supplication, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving. These are the types of prayers we should be praying always, as well as sharing with each other. He specifies that this is for all people, no matter what rank (looking at verse 1-2). We all should “lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” Why? Check the next verse: it’s good and pleasing to our Creator. That sounds like a good deal, then! When was the last time that you shared your prayers and lived out your thanks and understanding fully to your coworkers, peers, family and friends? Also, when was the last time you prayed for all people in all of these ways? Thank God for the people, pray that God leads the people, etc. We read on to see that there is only “one God and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Chris, who gave himself as a ransom for all.” This is crucial to our faith, right? So basically, you are praying to our one and only Lord, which is amazing to remember.
We continue reading about how to pray with your body and your whole heart. How powerful can prayer be?? Do that! You’re talking to your Master, the High King! It’s so intimate and wonderful. Paul also warns that self-control and modesty are much better in sight of the Lord. I am currently reading another book with my lovely Richie right now, and this is what is has to say about clothing check it out:
“You are not what you were (referencing the Fall), and you are not what you ought to be. The chasm between what you are and what you ought to be is huge. Covering yourself with clothing is a right response to this—not to conceal it, but to confess it (Adam and Eve covered themselves when they realized they sinned, and then God clothed them with better clothing)………..God ordains clothes to witness to the glory we have lost, and it is added rebellion to throw them off…..Clothes are not meant to make people think about what is underneath, they are meant to direct attention to what is not under them: merciful hands that serve others, beautiful feet that carry the gospel where it is needed, and the brightness of a face that has beheld the glory of Jesus.”
The whole book is wonderful, just wow, it’s This Momentary Marriage by John Piper. I 10/10 recommend. (You can buy it here.) Anyway, this is what Paul is talking about here in verses 9-10.
Paul then continues to write more about women and men roles, referencing women being submissive which is what is found in Ephesians 5. This is important to read because, yes, woman’s roles in society have changed since the days of Paul, however, women are still meant to uphold the godliness that is submissive to their leader or husband while the husband or leader submit and sacrifice themselves for the students and women and wives. This is the Word of God, my friends.
After reading Chapter 2, what are some afterthoughts you might have that you would want to share?
Do you know that all of this is set before because God, the One who knows Best, knows better than you? Because He loves you?
Pray earnestly and dearly, pray without ceasing. If you are anxious about anything or anyone, pray about it! Even if you are unsure, open your heart and say, “Lord, help me.” He’s there.