Why You Should Give Thanks for the Governing Authorities
Thinking about 1 Timothy 2:1-7.
After warning about the danger of false teachers who misuse the Scriptures and setting the record straight about the gospel of Jesus Christ, Paul begins building on that foundation in 1 Timothy 2.
The Importance of Prayer.
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men [people], (1 Timothy 2:1)
“First of all” gives importance and priority to prayer. Paul by inspiration is helping Timothy lay the foundation for a strong, faithful church of Christ - and he begins with prayer “first of all.”
What does it say about our Christianity if prayer has become an afterthought or last resort?
Paul goes on to break these prayers down into four main groups:
Supplications = this means expressing personal needs.
Prayers = this word for prayer is closely connection to worship and devotion.
Intercessions = a word that means a family meeting or conversation.
Thanksgiving = being grateful for past blessings.
These four groups cover every type of prayer that we can offer to God - many prayers include all four of these groups.
Who to Pray For.
Paul continues:
…for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (1 Timothy 2:2)
These prayers are to be made on behalf of all people - which is broken down further into two groups:
Kings = the supreme ruler of the country.
All in authority = this includes various levels of authority.
Behind the command to pray for all those in positions of authority is the reminder that God is the ultimate authority who rules in the kingdoms of men (Daniel 2:21; 4:17; Psalm 22:28). The authority of those in positions of government comes from the Most High God Himself (Romans 13:1).
The Lord is able to work in the kingdoms of men to accomplish His will, which includes:
Discipline and Justice (2 Chronicles 36:11-17).
Peace (1 Kings 3:11; 4:24-25; 11:9-14).
Relief (Ezra 1).
Why You Pray for Them.
The goal of the prayers offered on behalf of all people - including kings and those in positions of authority - is so God’s people might live peaceful, quiet, undisturbed lives. This includes being free from outer distress (such as government interference or persecution) and inner distress (problems in the church such as false teachers).
The peaceful life we pray for is supposed to be a life lived in all godliness and reverence. It means putting our faith into action in a reverent, dignified way.
A Call to Action.
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
The blessing of not facing distress or persecution from governing authorities should not lead to laziness or spiritual complacency, although it sometimes does.
What is good and acceptable in God’s sight is this:
He desires the salvation of all people (2 Peter 3:9).
He desires all people, once saved, to grow to maturity in their knowledge of the truth (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Peter 3:18).
Having freedom and peace from outside forces should be all the more reason for the church to be busy taking the gospel to others - beginning in our own communities.
What is the church - what are you - doing with this blessing, this opportunity, this responsibility?
Brethren and friends, many Christians throughout history have not experienced the blessing extended to us in the United States by God of being able to assemble together without fear of the government coming through the doors and hauling us off to prison.
Many Christians have not been able to freely proclaim the gospel of Christ without being afraid of imprisonment, or even death.
We do not have these fears - and what a blessing from God that is! But what are we doing with this opportunity? Will we take our ease in Zion or will we seize this God-given opportunity to reach the lost souls around us God wants to be saved?
Souls hang in the balance - do we even care? Or are we more interested in our own comfort?
This salvation is extended to all people through Jesus Christ.
For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. (1 Timothy 2:5-7)
He gave Himself a ransom for all. Picture a prisoner of war exchange - the King of kings gave Himself for us who had been taken captive by the enemy because of what we had done in rebelling against Him.
Why Did Jesus Have to Do This?
We rebelled against God when we sinned against Him (1 John 3:4).
God’s holiness (Isaiah 6:3) means He cannot ignore our sins (Habakkuk 1:13). His justice (Psalm 89:14) demands fair payment for our sins (Romans 6:23).
For us to be reconciled to God, someone innocent had to step in and pay the price for us (Isaiah 53:11; Romans 5:8-11). Jesus did this, and God is just in declaring us justified in Jesus (Romans 3:24-26).
This is the message Paul rejoiced in (1 Timothy 1:12-17) and took to the world.
This is the same message you and I ought to rejoice in and our prayers for our leaders ought to reflect our desire to take His gospel into the world so that others may obey God’s glorious gospel.
Good lesson. I struggle with this at times. Especially when they approve of things against Gods will, and His word.
Christians have an incredible opportunity today to reflect on Jesus' teachings and consider how they might align with values in politics that prioritize compassion, justice, and support for those in need. Here’s a look at how Democratic policies often connect with the heart of Jesus' message to love, serve, and lift each other up:
HEALTHCARE FOR ALL
Jesus’ Teaching: Jesus famously said, “For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat… I was sick, and you looked after me” (Matthew 25:35-36). He taught us to care for the sick and those in need.
Democratic Policy: Many Democratic policies focus on expanding healthcare access, like the Affordable Care Act, so people don’t suffer or die simply because they can’t afford a doctor. This reflects Jesus’ call to be there for those who are hurting and make sure no one falls through the cracks.
SUPPORT FOR THE POOR AND MARGINALIZED
Jesus’ Teaching: Jesus said in Luke 4:18 that He came to “proclaim good news to the poor… to set the oppressed free.” His ministry was dedicated to lifting up those who were forgotten or struggling.
Democratic Policy: Democrats often support policies to reduce poverty and help the working poor, like raising the minimum wage and providing food and housing assistance. These programs aim to give everyone a chance at a decent life, echoing Jesus’ commitment to those who are overlooked and in need.
WELCOMING REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS
Jesus’ Teaching: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Jesus calls us to treat strangers and those in need with love and compassion.
Democratic Policy: The Democratic Party generally supports compassionate immigration policies, including offering protections and a fair path to citizenship for those who come seeking safety and opportunity. This mirrors Jesus’ call to open our hearts and our communities to people who may be different from us but are still children of God.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND CLIMATE ACTION
Biblical Principles: Genesis 2:15 teaches that God entrusted us to “work and take care of” the earth. Jesus also taught us to love our neighbors, and caring for the environment is a way to protect our neighbors from harm.
Democratic Policy: Democrats prioritize climate change and environmental protection because pollution and climate issues often harm the most vulnerable. Protecting God’s creation aligns with the idea that we are caretakers of the earth for each other and for future generations.
EQUALITY AND RACIAL JUSTICE
Jesus’ Teaching: The Bible says, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile… for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Jesus broke down barriers, showing that all people are equal and loved by God.
Democratic Policy: The Democratic Party emphasizes equality and justice for everyone, often supporting policies that address racial discrimination, promote fair treatment in the criminal justice system, and protect marginalized communities. This reflects the belief that everyone is equal in God’s eyes and deserves respect and dignity.
TAX POLICIES TO SUPPORT THE COMMON GOOD
Jesus’ Teaching: Jesus taught, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Luke 20:25). While He didn’t talk taxes in detail, He encouraged using wealth to serve others, as in the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.
Democratic Policy: Democrats often push for fair taxation, where wealthier people and large corporations pay their share to help fund education, healthcare, and infrastructure that benefit everyone. This principle reflects Jesus’ call to help the poor and seek a just society where everyone has a chance to thrive.
These values—caring for the sick, supporting the poor, welcoming the stranger, protecting creation, upholding equality, and promoting the common good—are not just policies; they’re foundational to Jesus’ teachings. Aligning with these principles is a powerful way to live out our faith in a way that makes our society more compassionate, fair, and loving, just as Jesus taught us to be.