This Sunday we’ll be reading 1 Timothy 2:1-7. Paul started off his letter with instructions about keeping the Gospel streamlined…not adding sensational stories or heavy-handed rules. From doctrine, he moves to practical instructions about the church’s place in this world, and our primary means of making a difference.

In v1-2, Paul gives specific instructions about how we are to deal with our fellow human beings…from our neighbors to our president.  What is his instruction?  Why does he make that such a priority?

Paul’s call to pray for the leaders is interesting considering who was in charge when he was writing this. At the time that this was written, it was established in Rome that whoever was in charge should be worshipped as a deity. The fact that Paul says to pray FOR and not TO the leader is an act of rebellion. Why do you think Paul doesn’t continue the rebellion by telling the Christian’s to fight back against such a tyrant?

In v3-7 Paul describes the ultimate way we as the church make a difference in this world.  In light of the prevalent call to political activism, these last verses seem to temper our understanding about what the church is called to do and represent.  What does that mean about our primary mission in the world?

We invite you to join us this Sunday at 10 as we study the word together and learn how these words from so long ago can apply to our own lives today.