1 Timóteo 2
Charles Spurgeon · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Timóteo 2
Spurgeon - We have all been thinking lately about the Atlantic cable. It is a very interesting attempt to join two worlds together. That cable has had to be sunk into the depths of the sea, in the hope of establishing a union between the two worlds, and now we are disappointed again. But what an infinitely greater wonder has been accomplished. Christ Jesus sank down deep into the woes of man till all God’s waves and billows had gone over him, that he might become the great telegraphic communication between God and poor sinners. Let me say to you, sinner, that there was no failure in the laying down of that blessed cable. It went down deep; the end was well secured, and it went into the depths of our sin and woe; and on the other side it has gone right up to the eternal throne, and is fastened there by God himself. You may work that telegraph today, and you may easily understand the art of working it too. A sigh or a tear will work it. Say, ‘God be merciful to me a sinner,’ and along the wire the message will flash, and will reach God before it comes from you. It is swifter far than earthly telegraphs; and there will come an answer back much sooner than you ever dream of, for it is promised—‘Before they call I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.’ Who ever heard of such a communication as this between man and man? But it really does exist between sinners and God, since Christ has opened up a way from the depths of our sin to the heights of his glory. (Sermon The Great Arbitration Case) Join the Cry I urge . . . that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. 1 Timothy 2:1 Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 122:6–9 A women’s prayer group in my country holds regular monthly prayer sessions for Ghana and other African countries. When asked why they pray so incessantly for the nations, their leader, Gifty Dadzie, remarked, “Look around, listen to and watch the news. Our nations are hurting: war, disaster, diseases, and violence threaten to overshadow God’s love for humanity and His blessing upon us. We believe God intervenes in the affairs of nations, so we praise Him for His blessings and cry for His intervention.” The Bible reveals that God indeed intervenes in the affairs of nations (2 Chron. 7:14). And when God intervenes, He uses ordinary people. We may not be assigned huge tasks, but we can play our part to help bring about peace and the righteousness that exalts a nation (Prov. 14:34). We can do that through prayer. The apostle Paul wrote, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving 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” (1 Tim. 2:1–2). Lord, we pray today for the peace of our nations. We ask for Your intervention as we turn to You in confession and repentance. We praise You for Your blessing and Your provision. Prayer for those in authority is both a privilege and a duty. Over the Edge and Back by Joe White (Borrow) Prayer is like having a cellular telephone in your pocket. The red "hold" button is always blinking. God is always on the other end of the line. Just push "line one" and start talking. Pray about everything! Pray when you're scared. Pray when you're doing great. Pray when you're failing. Pray when you're noble. Pray when you're selfish. But at all times, pray to your Daddy in heaven who not only is the "All-Sufficient One," but also cares for you beyond your wildest dreams. The mystery of great, effective prayer opened up for me when a very wise man pointed out in the Bible six hurdles that make prayer ineffective. If you'll keep these six hurdles off the track, you'll understand clearly why your prayers get the answers they do. 1.The first hurdle is found in James 4:3--"You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures." A selfish purpose in prayer robs prayer of power. 2.The second hurdle is found in Isaiah 59:1-2--"Behold, the Lord's hand is not so short that it cannot save; neither is His ear so dull that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, so that He does not hear." Sin hinders prayer. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me" (Psalm 139:23-24). 3.The third hurdle is found in Ezekiel 14:3--"Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their hearts, and have put right before their faces the stumbling block of their iniquity. Should I be consulted by them at all?" Idols in the heart cause God to refuse to listen to our prayers. An idol is anything that is the supreme object of our affection. 4.The fourth hurdle--the lack of unselfish generosity-- is found in Proverbs 21:13--"He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered." It is the one who gives generously to others who receives generously from God. "Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will pour into your lap. For whatever measure you deal out to others, it will be dealt to you in return" (Luke 6:38). 5.The fifth hurdle is found in Mark 11:25--"And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your transgressions." An unforgiving spirit is one of the most common hurdles to prayer. 6.The sixth hurdle to prayer is found in James 1:5-7-- "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord." Prayers are hindered by unbelief. The Body by Charles Colson with Ellen Santilli Vaughn (BORROW) Prayer is the act by which the community of faith surrenders itself, puts aside all other concerns, and comes before God Himself. It brings us, inevitably, as Archbishop William Temple once wrote, "the nourishment of mind with his truth; the purifying of imagination by his beauty; the opening of the heart to his love; the surrender of will to his purpose--and all of this gathered up in adoration, the most selfless emotion of which our nature is capable and therefore the chief remedy for all that self-centeredness which is our original sin and the source of all actual sin." Purpose in Prayer by E. M. Bounds We do not pray as Elijah prayed. John Foster puts the whole matter to a practical point. "When the Church of God," he says, "is aroused to its obligation and duties and right faith to claim what Christ has [promised--'all things whatsoever'--a revolution will take place." Do not we rest in our day too much on the arm of flesh? Cannot the same wonders be done now as of old? Do not the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth still to show Himself strong on behalf of those who put their trust in Him? Oh that God would give me more practical faith in Him! Where is now the Lord God of Elijah? He is waiting for Elijah to call on Him. --James Gilmour of Mongolia Five-Finger Prayers Pray for one another. — James 5:16 Today's Scripture: James 5:13-18 Prayer is a conversation with God, not a formula. Yet sometimes we might need to use a “method” to freshen up our prayer time. We can pray the Psalms or other Scriptures (such as The Lord’s Prayer), or use the ACTS method (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication). I recently came across this “Five-Finger Prayer” to use as a guide when praying for others: When you fold your hands, the thumb is nearest you. So begin by praying for those closest to you—your loved ones (Philippians 1:3-5). The index finger is the pointer. Pray for those who teach—Bible teachers and preachers, and those who teach children (1 Thessalonians 5:25). The next finger is the tallest. It reminds you to pray for those in authority over you—national and local leaders, and your supervisor at work (1 Timothy 2:1-2). The fourth finger is usually the weakest. Pray for those who are in trouble or who are suffering (James 5:13-16). Then comes your little finger. It reminds you of your smallness in relation to God’s greatness. Ask Him to supply your needs (Philippians 4:6,19). Our prayers ascend to heaven's throne Regardless of the form we use; Our Father always hears His own Regardless of the words we choose. —D. De Haan It's not the words we pray that matter, it's the condition of our heart. F B
1 Timóteo 2
Spurgeon - I have heard of a man who knew how to swim, but, as he had never been in the water, I do not think much of his knowledge of swimming: in fact, he did not really know the art. I have heard of a botanist who understood all about flowers, but as he lived in London, and scarcely ever saw above one poor withered thing in a flowerpot, I do not think much of his botany. I have heard of a man who was a very great astronomer, but he had not a telescope, and I never thought much of his astronomy. So there are many persons who think they know and yet do not know because they have never had any personal acquaintance with the thing. A mere notional knowledge or a dry doctrinal knowledge is of no avail. We must know the truth in a very different way from that. How are we to know it, then? Well, we are to know it, first, by a believing knowledge. You do not know a thing unless you believe it to be really so. If you doubt it, you do not know it. If you say, ‘I really am not sure it is true,’ then you cannot say that you know it. That which the Lord has revealed in Holy Scripture you must devoutly believe to be true. In addition to this, your knowledge, if it becomes believing knowledge, must be personal knowledge, a persuasion that it is true in reference to yourself. It is true about your neighbour, about your brother, but you must believe it about yourself, or your knowledge is vain; for instance, you must know that you are lost, that you are in danger of eternal destruction from the presence of God, that for you there is no hope but in Christ, that for you there is hope if you rest in Christ, that resting in Christ you are saved. Yes, you. You must know that because you have trusted in Christ you are saved, and that now you are free from condemnation, and that now in you the new life has begun. (Full sermon Salvation by Knowing the Truth) ILLUSTRATION OF POWER OF PRAYER - "Even those who will not allow you to speak to them about God, cannot prevent you speaking to God about them. What mighty conquests have been won this way-Hudson, a young schoolboy, reading tracts in his father's study one Sunday afternoon while his parents were away for the weekend; his mother constrained, where she was, to pray specially for her boy, who was called that very afternoon, miles away, to the Savior, and to become the great Hudson Taylor, of the China Inland Mission. Reuben, a dissolute young man who has left home, has one night got out of bed to commit suicide; his mother, miles away, has that very hour been constrained also to get out of bed, and to pray specially for her erring son, who, instead of suicide, was saved, subsequently to become the famous American evangelist, Dr. R. A. Torrey." (Guy King) Faithful Prayer [Pray] for kings and all who are in authority. —1 Timothy 2:2 Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-7 In June 2009, 95-year-old Emma Gray died. For over two decades, she had been the cleaning lady in a big house. Each night as she did her work, she prayed for blessings, wisdom, and safety for the man she worked for. Although Emma worked in the same place for 24 years, the occupants of the residence changed every 4 years or so. Over the years, Emma offered her nightly prayers for six US Presidents: Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, and Carter. Emma had her personal favorites, but she prayed for them all. She followed the instruction we read in 1 Timothy 2 to pray for “all who are in authority” (v.2). The verses go on to speak of how living “a quiet and peaceable life” and being a godly and reverent person “is good and acceptable in the sight of God . . . who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (vv.2-4). Because God “hears the prayer of the righteous” (Prov. 15:29), who knows how He used Emma’s faithful prayers? In Proverbs 21:1, we read: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” No leader is beyond God’s grace When righteous people pray; For when God’s children intercede, The Lord will have His way. —D. De Haan To influence leaders for God, intercede with God for leaders. ILLUSTRATION OF SIX ANCIENT PRAYERS FOR THEIR LEADERS - Chuck Swindoll has an interesting list of prayers in the early church for their leaders..."Amazingly, the church has been faithful to pray for its pagan leaders, even during times of terrible persecution. Take note of these quotes from church fathers living in difficult times: To our rulers and governors on the earth—to them Thou, Lord, gavest the power of the kingdom by Thy glorious and ineffable might, to the end that we may know the glory and honour given to them by Thee and be subject to them, in nought resisting Thy will; to them, Lord, give health, peace, concord, stability, that they may exercise the authority given to them without offence. - Clement of Rome, ca. AD 96, during the brutal reign of Domitian Whence to God alone we render worship, but in other things we gladly serve you, acknowledging you as kings and rulers of men, and praying that with your kingly power you be found to possess also sound judgment. -- Justin Martyr, AD 110–165, written to Emperor Antoninus Pius, and also addressed to “Verissimus the Philosopher,” a.k.a. Marcus Aurelius, under whom Justin suffered martyrdom Does the sovereign order the payment of tribute, I am ready to render it. Does my master command me to act as a bondsman and to serve, I acknowledge the serfdom. Man is to be honoured as a fellow-man; God alone is to be feared. -- Tatian, AD 110–172, around the time of Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher-emperor Wherefore I will rather honour the king [than your gods], not, indeed, worshipping him, but praying for him. But God, the living and true God, I worship, knowing that the king is made by Him. You will say, then, to me, “Why do you not worship the king?” Because he is not made to be worshipped, but to be reverenced with lawful honour, for he is not a god, but a man appointed by God, not to be worshipped, but to judge justly. For in a kind of way his government is committed to him by God.… Accordingly, honour the king, be subject to him, and pray for him with loyal mind; for if you do this, you do the will of God. -- Theophilus, ca. AD 181, shortly after the death of Marcus Aurelius, during the reign of his notoriously capricious and corrupt son, Commodus Without ceasing, for all our emperors we offer prayer. We pray for life prolonged; for security to the empire; for protection to the imperial house; for brave armies, a faithful senate, a virtuous people, the world at rest, whatever, as man or Caesar, an emperor would wish.-- Tertullian, AD 160–225, written during the reign of Septimius Severus, a brutal persecutor of Christians [Christians] always exult in the Lord, and rejoice and are glad in their God; and the evils and adversities of the world they bravely suffer, because they are looking forward to gifts and prosperities to come.… And yet we always ask for the repulse of enemies, and for obtaining showers, and either for the removal or the moderating of adversity; and we pour forth our prayers, and, propitiating and appeasing God, we entreat constantly and urgently, day and night, for your peace and salvation. -- Cyprian, ca. AD 252, in reply to Demetrianus, the proconsul of Africa, who contended that Christians should be blamed for wars, and famine, and pestilence because they do not worship the gods Aren’t these remarkable attitudes to have toward those who rule? How do you regard those in political leadership today? Do you spend as much time praying for them as you do criticizing them? Paul expected Timothy to lead his flock in prayer for all who are in authority, even if they rule as enemies of the church. (See Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus) King (935) basileus occurs throughout Greek literature, including the Septuagint (e.g., Genesis 14:1; Exodus 1:8; Judges 3:8; et al.), with the same meaning, i.e., “a king.” It is used 118 times in the New Testament. It refers to secular rulers such as kings and emperors: Herod (Matthew 2:1), David (Matthew 1:6), Agrippa (Acts 25:13), Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:1), and kings in general (1 Timothy 2:2). Basileus refers to divine rulers: God (Matthew 5:35); Christ, as King in general (Luke 23:2), as King of kings (1 Timothy 6:15), as King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2), as King of Israel (Matthew 27:42), and as King of saints (Revelation 15:3). Authority (5247)(huperoche from huperecho - to hold above, be superior from huper - above + echo - hold) means literally elevation or prominence (as a natural formation that protrudes or projects) but only figuratively in the NT of excellence, superiority, state of excelling (1Co 2.1) and in the only other NT use meaning a place of prominence describing those who are in authority or in an important position (1Ti 2.2) Gilbrant - Classical writers used huperochē to describe the peak of a mountain, the top of a beam, an excess of money, a rank that exceeds another, and the like (Liddell-Scott). In the New Testament huperochē occurs twice. In 1 Corinthians 2:1 Paul used the word with reference to his speech: “I . . . came not with excellency of speech.” The second occurrence of huperochē occurs in 1 Timothy 2:2 where Paul exhorted Timothy that prayer be made “for all that are in authority.” (Complete Biblical Library) Tranquil (2263)(eremos) means quiet manner of life and used only in 1Ti 2:2. Tranquil means free from commotion or disturbance, free from anxiety, tension, or restlessness and thus compose, steady. This word speaks primarily of the absence of disturbances from without, restfulness unmarred by disturbance. Quiet (2272)(hesuchios from hesucho - still, quiet) means well ordered, undisturbed from without. Vine says hēsuchios "suggests the stillness that accompanied restfulness, in contrast to noisy commotion and merely bustling activity." In 1Pe 3:4 it refers to the "quiet spirit" of a godly wife. 1Ti 2:2 is the only other NT use. Used in Isa 66:2. For the desire in the ancient world to live a peaceable life. Gilbrant - This adjective is used in classical Greek to describe a disposition or character that is “quiet, gentle, still.” These are not merely descriptions of outward appearance but of one’s inner nature or spirit. Its only use in the Septuagint is at Isaiah 66:2 where God described the kind of man that He would look upon with favor. This same meaning is reflected in the only two occurrences of hēsuchios in the New Testament. It was used once by Peter to describe the proper attitude of a godly woman, one who is “of a meek and quiet spirit” (1 Peter 3:4). Paul also used it once to exhort Timothy to pray for those in authority, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life” (1 Timothy 2:2). (Complete Biblical Library) Godliness (2150) eusebeia from eu = well + sebomai = reverence. Sebomai is in turn derived from "seb" which refers to sacred awe or reverence exhibited especially in actions) most literally means "well worship" describing reverence that is well directed. Eusebeia is true religion that displays itself in reverence before what is majestic and divine in worship and in a life of active obedience which befits that reverence. It is a right attitude to God and to God’s holiness, majesty, and love Eusebeia is a term used only of men. It describes the particular manner of life characterized by reverence toward God and respect for the beliefs and practices related to Him. Eusebeia - note it is a key word in the Pastoral Epistles - 15v - Acts 3:12; 1 Tim. 2:2; 1 Tim. 3:16; 1 Tim. 4:7; 1 Tim. 4:8; 1 Tim. 6:3; 1 Tim. 6:5; 1 Tim. 6:6; 1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 3:5; Titus 1:1; 2 Pet. 1:3; 2 Pet. 1:6; 2 Pet. 1:7; 2 Pet. 3:11 Dignity (4587) semnotes from semnos = venerable) refers to decency, gravity, venerableness (calling forth respect through age, character, and attainments; conveying an impression of aged goodness and benevolence), dignity and a seriousness of purpose. Vine correctly notes that semnotes "is a necessary characteristic of the life and conduct of Christians" Semnotes - 3x - 1 Tim. 2:2; 1 Tim. 3:4; Titus 2:7 1 Timothy 2:3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
1 Timóteo 2
Spurgeon - from Sermon A Mediator ‘A mediator is not a mediator of one,’ but he studies the interests of both parties. Such is our Lord Jesus Christ. Coming here on earth, did he come to save men? Yes. Did he come to glorify his Father’s name? Yes. For which of these two purposes did he chiefly come? I will not say. He came for both and he blends the two. He looks after the interests of man and pleads the causes of his soul: he looks after the interests of God and vindicates the honour of God, even unto death. Is he obedient, that he might magnify the law of God, and make it honourable? Yes, but he is mediator that he may deliver us from the curse of the law. Beloved, our blessed mediator is not a mediator for one. An umpire must not take sides, and a mediator that did not understand more than one side and was not concerned for anybody but one side would be unworthy of the name. Our mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ, has both natures. Is he God? Verily, he is very God of very God. Is he man? Assuredly, of the substance of his mother, as truly man as any man among us. Is he most God, or is he most man? This is a question not to be asked and, therefore, not to be answered. He is my brother. He is God’s Son. Yes, he is himself God. What better umpire can we want than this divine human being, who can lay his hands upon us both, who counts ‘it not robbery to be equal with God’, and yet calls man his brother? ‘A mediator is not a mediator of one,’ since he wears both natures and espouses both causes. How dear to the heart of Christ is the glory of God! He lives, he dies, he rises again to glorify the Father. How dear to Christ is the salvation of men! He lives, he dies, he rises again and pleads for the salvation of sinners. ’Tis by the merits of Thy death The Father smiles again; ’Tis by Thine interceding breath The Spirit dwells with men.’ David Jeremiah - REDEEMED OR RELIGIOUS? 1 TIMOTHY 2:5–6 Don’t think of Christianity as a religion, a ritual, a routine, or a set of rules. It may have elements of all those things, but it is primarily and essentially a relationship with the living God through Christ our Redeemer. As quarterback for the Oakland Raiders, Rich Gannon enjoyed his share of fame and fortune. But the high point of his life came while playing backup quarterback with the Minnesota Vikings. “I went to chapel, and I heard a speaker give his testimony. I felt so guilty inside,” he said. “I was a young, strapping athlete who had basically everything. But I felt I wanted something he had. I knew what he had was that inner joy and peace that a relationship with Jesus brings.” It’s a relationship with Jesus that brings joy to our lives. Someone said that religion is man seeking God; Christianity is God seeking man. Becoming a Christian isn’t primarily a matter of doing good works, but of coming to Christ in simple faith and asking forgiveness for sin. When you receive His forgiveness, gained through His shed blood, your sin is washed away and His righteousness takes its place. If you’ve never done that, why not today? Why not now? (from Morning and Evening) H A