1 Timothy 2:1-8

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Public Prayer in the Church: the Role of Men

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The role of men in the church demands public praying.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Let’s pray more now so that we will have less regret in heaven.

QUESTIONS

  1. The distinctive roles of men and women in the church are given in 1 Timothy. Are these roles only applicable for the early church?

  2. See 1 Timothy 2:8. Does the word “man” mean mankind in general, or does it mean males and not females?

  3. Is public praying optional for men?

  4. What does “everywhere” mean?

  5. “Lifting up holy hands.” Is this a physical position or a spiritual condition?

  6. What should we pray for in reference to those in authority and for mankind in general?

  7. What kind of prayer should be made in light of perilous times and persecution of believers?

  8. Is there more than one road that leads to heaven?

ANSWERS

  1. No. These guidelines are standard for the church today as well.

  2. It means males as distinct from females. It is a different Greek word than the word translated man in verses 4-5.

  3. No, it is not an option.

  4. All functions and meetings of the church.

  5. It is a spiritual condition, but it does not exclude a physical position.

  6. For peace and quiet so believers can live out their lives in godliness and reverence.

  7. We should pray that the work of God will continue.

  8. No. There is one God and one Mediator, the Lord Christ Jesus.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Read 1 Timothy 2:4-7, 2 Peter 3:9, and Ezekiel 33:11. What is the Bible telling us in these verses?

  2. The full humanity of Christ and the full deity of Christ is of utmost importance. Read 1 Timothy 2:5-6. Jesus was both man and God. Why is it important that He is both man and God?

CHALLENGE

  1. Are the men in your church praying publicly? Do their prayers follow the pattern outlined in this section of scripture? How could you encourage men to pray publicly?

  2. When we get to heaven, we will wish that we would have prayed more now. Keep your personal times of prayer sacred. Don't let “things”, even important things keep you from these necessary times of prayer.

KEY VERSES

  • “ I exhort that supplication, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. ” - 1 Timothy 2:1-2

  • “ God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ” - 1 Timothy 2:4

  • “ There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus. ” - 1 Timothy 2:5

  • “ Men should pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. ” - 1 Timothy 2:8



1 Timothy, New Testament, TalksDeb Harms1 Timothy 2:1-8