The Only Way To God
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your Word and for all the richness I find in it each day.
Read 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-15
[1] I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. [3] This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. [5] For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, [6] who gave himself as a ransom for all men-the testimony given in its proper time. [7] And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle-I am telling the truth, I am not lying-and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles. [8] I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. [9] I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, [10] but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. [11] A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. [12] I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. [13] For Adam was formed first, then Eve. [14] And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. [15] But women will be saved through childbearing-if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What do you learn about the Father and Son here?Paul prays that leaders would set the right standards (2). We also should have high standards for our lifestyles, even though this can be an enormous challenge with all the temptations and anti-Christian messages that surround us today.
Verse 5 makes two bold assertions: first, that there is one God; and second, that there is one mediator between God and humanity. Some see believing that there is only one God as offensive and intolerant, but that would be to misunderstand the implications of the statement. Because of God’s supreme glory, he is above everything, but we must still show love and respect to people from other backgrounds. Jesus’ status both as the sinless human and the holy God allows him to be mediator between God and humans. No other religion has a Savior like this, and because of this no other religion can assure you of heaven.
God calls everyone to turn to him, and Jesus died for everyone (6). On a recent trip to India it was encouraging walking into a church filled with people eager to worship God, just as I would be doing back home.
Apply
Pray for someone you know who is not a Christian and for an opportunity to share your faith with them.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, I praise You as God alone. May the day come soon when everyone hails You as Savior and Lord.
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