Paul encourages Timothy to pray and to lead the church in Ephesus to pray. Paul’s belief about prayer is substantially different than the prevailing attitudes about prayer in our society. Generally, prayer in our culture is all about control. The idea is that a person can change the circumstances in their life, or another person’s life, by praying and asking God to do something, to change something. This idea even extends to national politics where some people believe prayer can change control of the country from one political party to another. Not only is that a pretty low view of prayer, it is also contrary to everything the scriptures teach about prayer.
Paul is quite specific about the purpose of the prayer he is commending to Timothy: “that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” For Paul, prayer is Christ Centered, and thus always directed to fulfilling God’s purpose of building His Kingdom on earth.
This higher view of the Christian life is also seen in Paul’s teaching about men and women. In Ephesus, the prevailing religion at the time Paul and Timothy were launching the Christian church was the Temple Artemis. This was a women’s cult. Paul is taking careful steps in the beginning stages of this new church to distinguish it from Artemis. He is also showing that for men and women, the defining characteristic of life should be their inner heart attitude toward God. He is teaching the church to avoid the cultural markers of success and admiration such as outward appearance, power and wealth. Rather, let our lives be defined by our love for God and our good deeds offered in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.
What word or phrase in these verses
attracts your attention?
Reflect on that word or phrase.
What insights come to you?
How does this passage touch your life today?
Reading for 12-Apr-12 1 Tim. 3:1-16
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