Paul's advice to Timothy in this chapter reminds us of God's sovereignty and God's sometimes mysterious purpose.
At a time when Christians are being persecuted, often brutally, by the ruling authorities, he instructs Timothy to instruct the churches he is overseeing to pray for everyone, especially for those leaders in high positions. In fact, Paul goes even further: Teach them to give thanks to God for the authorities! Ask God for things on their behalf!
Paul's point is that all authority comes from God, and that authority actually protects human dignity and serves His saving purpose. As a Christ-follower, our first responsibility to others is to ask God's favor to work in them and through them so that in God's plan everyone receives the maximum opportunity to come to "knowledge of the truth" of Christ.
That kind of prayer makes no sense unless we believe that God is in control, directing the course of events..
Faith in general makes no sense unless we believe that God is good and that his plan for all the world, in every detail, is to bring people to know him and love him truly and fully, which is the highest possible joy of every human life. When we lift our hands in prayer, we acknowledge the futility of anger or quarreling, rather, we recognize God's good purpose in everything for those called according to His purposes.
In every circumstance then, our response, first of all, is to pray. And to trust that God is at work even when we don't understand.
Used by permission from NewSpring Church
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