1 Timothy 2:1–7 “Prayer for Those in Authority”

1 Timothy 2:1-7 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• King Of My Heart – Kutless
• Greater Still – Brandon Lake
• God of This City – Chris Tomlin

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Jesus Is the King! – Lesson for Kids
• He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands | Maker Fun Factory Music Videos | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• No Matter What I’m Facing | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Leaning on the Everlasting Arms | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The Apostle urges Timothy to fulfill his entrusted duty by praying “for all people” (v. 1). Here, the Apostle uses four different Greek words for prayer. Deēsis (“petition”) refers to asking for one’s own needs. Proseuchē (“prayer”) points to spiritual communion with God. Enteuxis (“intercession”) means making requests on behalf of others. Eucharistia (“thanksgiving”) refers to prayers of gratitude and praise, which are an essential element of prayer.

The object of prayer is “all people,” but the Apostle specifically highlights “kings and all those in authority” (v. 2). This recalls Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles in Babylon. Since their captivity would last a long time, Jeremiah urged them to settle there and pray for the peace and prosperity of the city (Jer. 29:7). The believers in Ephesus were not so different from the Jews exiled in Babylon, because, as a minority, they were vulnerable to the abuse of power by rulers. Only when rulers restrain their tyranny can believers “live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

The word “this” in verse 3 refers to praying for those in authority. Praying that rulers govern with justice and fairness is “good, and pleases God our Savior” (v. 3). A prayer that condones or blesses corrupt rulers is detestable to God. But praying for justice and righteous leadership is something He delights in. Since God “wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (v. 4), He rejoices in prayers that seek the just and righteous rule of leaders.

At this point, the Apostle confesses a central truth about God. The declaration, “there is one God” (v. 5), is the most important confession of Israel’s faith, recorded in the Shema (Deut. 6:4–9). The statement, “there is one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,” was the confession of faith for Christians. He alone is the mediator because He “gave himself as a ransom for all people” (v. 6). Jesus came in the flesh “at the proper time.”

The Apostle then testifies that he has been appointed to bear witness to the redeeming work of Jesus Christ. The term “herald” (v. 7) refers to one who proclaims the gospel. “Apostle” refers to one specially called by the risen Lord. Because of this, he became “a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles” (v. 7). He emphasizes that his confession is indeed true.

Meditation:

Among those considered to have strong faith, some say, “I am not interested in politics; I only care about the Kingdom of God.” Others say, “I do not care about worldly matters; I only care about the salvation of souls.” They think this is a sign of good faith, but Scripture does not say so. The Bible does not tell us to shut our eyes to reality and think only of God’s Kingdom. Because the salvation of souls is important, the issues of real-world politics are also important. While we hope for the Kingdom of God, we are also called to practice His will within the realities of history.

We must care about political realities because authority belongs to God. Those in power must remember that the authority they hold has been entrusted to them by God, and they must use it according to His will. Only then can ordinary people “live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (v. 2). But if those in authority act with injustice, corruption, and dishonesty, the lives of ordinary citizens become chaotic, making normal life impossible.

To be concerned with politics does not mean being consumed by political news. Such obsession is a poison that harms our spiritual life. Instead, we must carefully watch over our own spirituality and engage with political reality in a balanced way. This enables us to approach politics prayerfully, avoiding biased thinking and guarding against mistaking a political ideology for our faith.

For believers, the most important thing we can do regarding politics is to pray for those in authority. To unbelievers, prayer may seem useless. But to believers, prayer is the most powerful tool. Supporting and blessing corrupt rulers was the work of false prophets. The kind of prayer that “pleases God” (v. 3) is prayer that rulers may act justly and govern with righteousness. When we pray for leaders in this way, we are also reminded that the little power and influence we ourselves have been entrusted to us by God, and we too must use it faithfully.

Prayer:

Lord, the Sovereign over history, we confess that all power and authority belong to You. Grant those in power a sound mind so that they will not forget that their authority has been entrusted to them only for a time, and help them to use it according to Your will. Grant us also a right mind, so that if even a little strength is given to us, we may use it according to Your will. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God is the true ruler over all authority and power. We are called to pray for leaders so that they may rule with justice and fairness, allowing people to live peaceful and godly lives. Prayer is not weak—it is the most powerful tool God gives us to bring His will into our world.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Who really gives power to kings, presidents, and leaders—people or God?
  • Why do you think the Bible tells us to pray for people in charge, even if we don’t always like what they do?
  • Can you think of one way you could pray for leaders today (like teachers, principals, or even the president)?
    
• Youth
  • What does it mean that God is the ultimate ruler over history and authority?
  • Why might prayer for leaders be more powerful than simply complaining about them or ignoring politics?
  • How can praying for leaders help us see our own “small powers” (choices, words, influence) as something God wants us to use well?