2 Chronicles 23:1-21

THE KING’S SON SHALL REIGN

Keywords 23:3b

Jehoiada said to them, "The king's son shall reign, as the LORD promised concerning the descendants of David.

 

1. Joash is anointed as king (1-11)

Jehoiada the priest was bold and courageous as he sought God’s will for the nation. While hiding Joash from Athaliah, he worked hard to form an alliance of military, religious, and family leaders throughout Judah. Their godly purpose was clear: “The king’s son shall reign, as the LORD promised concerning the descendants of David.” Careful plans were made for the young king to be safely anointed, and everyone obediently did their part. By faith, Joash was anointed, and they shouted, “Long live the king!”

 

2. Living as the LORD’s people (12-21)

When Athaliah heard the shouts and celebration, she went out to see what was happening. When she realized that Joash had been made king, she shouted “Treason! Treason!”, but it was too late, and she was put to death by Jehoiada’s men. A new covenant was established to live as the LORD’s people. The temple of Baal was torn down, and the temple of the LORD was restored. It was a time of peace and renewed hope for God’s people.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for Jesus, our great and eternal king. We commit ourselves to live as your people.

One Word The rightful king was anointed

2 Chronicles 22:1-12

GOD PRESERVES ONE DESCENDANT

Keywords 22:11a

But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the royal princes who were about to be murdered and put him and his nurse in a bedroom.

 

1. King Ahaziah’s brief reign (1-9)

Before Jehoram’s painful death, raiders came and killed all his sons except for one. Ahaziah, his youngest son, survived. When Jehoram died, Ahaziah was made king, and he reigned over Judah for 1 year. Like his father, he followed the wicked ways of Ahab instead of seeking the LORD. God brought about his downfall by the hands of Jehu who was purging Israel of Ahab’s family.

2. One descendant is preserved (10-12)

After Ahaziah’s death, his mother Athaliah seized control and sought to destroy all the remaining members of the royal family. With great courage, Jehosheba, a daughter of King Jehoram, stole the young prince Joash away and put him and his nurse in a bedroom. He was the sole survivor of the line of David. In this way, God fulfilled his promise to maintain a lamp for the house of David and his descendants. No amount of deception and wickedness can ever prevent God’s wonderful plan of salvation from moving forward.

 

Prayer Father, no matter what evil surrounds us, we know that your word will always prevail.

One Word The word of God is unstoppable!

2 Chronicles 21:1-20

GOD IS FAITHFUL TO HIS PROMISES

Keywords 21:7

Nevertheless, because of the covenant the LORD had made with David, the LORD was not willing to destroy the house of David. He had promised to maintain a lamp for him and his descendants forever.

 

1. The end of Jehoshaphat’s reign (1-3)

King Jehoshaphat died and was given an honorable burial with his ancestors in the City of David. Jesus said that “a good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart.” This can be seen in Jehoshaphat's life in the way he provided for his sons and established them in fortified cities. No doubt, he wanted to protect and strengthen the nation through their leadership.

 

2. The reign of King Jehoram (4-20)

King Jehoram failed to follow the good example of his godly father. Instead, he was influenced by his wife, a daughter of Ahab. It was a very dark era in the nation’s history. Jehoram slaughtered his brothers and led the people of Judah into idolatry. Nevertheless, the LORD was not willing to destroy the house of David. He remembered his promise to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever. God is faithful, even when his people are not.

 

Prayer Father, your mercy is beyond measure.

One Word God remembers his promises

Deuteronomy 28:1-14

THESE BLESSINGS WILL COME ON YOU IF...

Keywords 28:2

All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God:

 

1. You will be blessed (1-8)

For many chapters, Moses reminded the people of all of God’s laws. More than a list of rules, they represent a lifestyle and covenant relationship with God: He shows how life works best. God promises that carefully following and obeying all His law produces blessings. His blessings are not vague, but very personal and intimate, covering every realm and area, whether urban or rural, in the fields or the kitchen, going in or coming out, even dealing with enemies, and everything we put our hands to. There is no area of life outside the benevolence of our loving God, and he knows each one intimately.

 

2. Established as his holy people (9-14)

God’s blessing was for the nation. He redeems and establishes them as his holy people, just as he promised if they obey. The result is profound: All nations would fear them. They would be a blessing that overflows to the world both materially and spiritually. They would be influential as the head, never the tail. All this blessing is predicated on obedience to his words, avoiding all idols.

Prayer Father, you are a God of blessing and are present in every area. In Jesus, all your promises are “yes.” Help me follow him carefully today.

One Word God’s blessing granted in Christ

Deuteronomy 27:1-26

TWO MOUNTAINS AND A CHOICE

Keywords 27:10

Obey the LORD your God and follow his commands and decrees that I give you today."

 

1. “Write all the words of this law” (1-8)

After crossing the Jordan river and arriving in the promised land, the first thing Israel was to do was write the words of God on stones and set them up with an altar on Mount Ebal. The word of God was the basis of their relationship with God as his covenant people. Similarly, Jesus said to us, “The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life” (John 6:63b).

 

2. Curses for disobedience (9-26)

Next, the twelve tribes were to split into two groups of six, with one group standing on Mount Gerizim to pronounce blessings for obeying the law and the other group standing Mount Ebal to pronounce curses for disobedience. The Levites read curses, with the people responding “Amen” after each one. The people needed to understand that their choice to obey or disobey the words of God made the difference between a blessed or cursed life.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for giving us your words of life. Help me make them the foundation of my life.

One Word God’s words free us from a cursed life

Deuteronomy 26:1-19

THE PURPOSE OF OFFERINGS

Keywords 26:9-10a

He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, O LORD, have given me."

 

1. Giving the firstfruits with thankfulness (1-11)

Moses commanded that after the Israelites took possession of the land of Canaan and settled in it, each family was to take a portion from the first harvest of all their crops and offer it in the temple—a firstfruits offering. While giving the offering, they were to confess God’s goodness in rescuing a nation of wanderers and slaves and giving them a land of milk and honey. This was the best way to keep their attitude right before God. We can make our giving meaningful and pleasing to God by confessing God’s grace to us when we give.

 

 

2. Giving tithes to be a blessed nation (12-19)

The other purpose of offerings and tithes is to give relief to the poor and to support those who serve God full-time. When we remember the needy, God can bless our nation. God reminded his people of their special status as his treasured possession to encourage them to keep all the decrees of his law.

 

Prayer Lord, your gifts of grace to me are beyond measure. Help my giving be an expression of my thankfulness.

One Word Giving with thanksgiving

Deuteronomy 25:1-19

JUSTICE AND RESPECT

Keywords 25:15

You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

 

1. Preserving people’s honor (1-16)

Israel’s laws called for corporal punishment for various crimes, but even that was limited to preserve the human dignity of the guilty person. A man whose brother had died was required to honor the dead by carrying on his family. Cheating others with dishonest prices was a serious type of disrespect; God detests it. A stable and holy society can be built if every person’s dignity is respected.

 

2. People with no fear of God (17-19)

Moses commanded Israel to never forget the evil that the Amalekites did to them on their way out of Egypt. When the Amalekites preyed on the innocent, they showed that they had no fear of God. The purpose of this was not to encourage people to hold grudges or take revenge. Rather, remembering how painful it was to be taken advantage of when they were weak, the Israelites could fear God and not take advantage of others.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for teaching us the dignity we have because we are made in your image. Help me to respect others and live with the fear of God.

One Word Respect others in the fear of God

Deuteronomy 24:1-22

REMEMBER THAT YOU WERE SLAVES

Keywords 24:18

Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.

 

1. Protecting the sanctity of marriage (1-5)

In these laws, Moses gives limitations on divorce. These conditions effectively prevented women from being traded back and forth like property. Moses also insists that every newlywed couple has a right to a “honeymoon” period. This reveals the honor that God gives to the institution of marriage. We should honor marriage also.

 

2. Not depriving others of justice (6-22)

Moses gave many laws to prevent the rich from taking advantage of the poor. They could not keep someone’s cloak or source of livelihood as security for a debt. They were to pay their workers’ wages promptly, leave some leftovers for the poorest, and not deprive anyone of justice. God told Israel not to forget when they were slaves in Egypt. When sinners become prosperous, they easily forget their former struggles and may even begin to take advantage of others. We must remember how God and others have helped us and practice the same compassion.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for delivering me from slavery to sin by Jesus’ blood. Help me to show that I remember your grace by the way I treat others.

One Word Remember God’s grace

Deuteronomy 23:1-25

A HOLY ASSEMBLY AND CAMP

Keywords 23:14

For the LORD your God moves about in your camp to protect you and to deliver your enemies to you. Your camp must be holy, so that he will not see among you anything indecent and turn away from you.

 

1. Keeping the assembly and camp clean (1-14)

Moses gave Israel exclusive standards for who could gather to participate in worship. This helps us understand God’s holiness and the depth of God’s grace in Jesus, which enables unclean sinners like us to come into God’s presence. Even when Israel’s army went to battle, they had to keep their camp clean, recognizing God’s presence. We can keep the spirit of these commands by examining our hearts and repenting of sin when we worship.

 

2. Laws of compassion (15-25)

God gave Israel laws that taught them to practice compassion and love for their neighbours. They were to protect helpless slaves and not charge interest. The hungry could eat from their neighbour’s vineyard or grain field but not to the point of exploitation. The warning against hasty vows was emphasized by Jesus himself.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for your grace toward sinners that welcomes us into your holy presence. Please make my heart clean on the inside; especially, help me practice deeds of mercy for my neighbor.

One Word God dwells in our camp

 

Deuteronomy 22:1-30

BE RESPONSIBLE

Keywords 22:3

Do the same if you find your brother's donkey or his cloak or anything he loses. Do not ignore it.

 

1. You shall not neglect them (1-7)

God commanded his people to be responsible for their neighbors’ lost animals and possessions. Instead of thinking, “That’s his problem,” God wants us to take stewardship of others’ lost property and restore it. We must repent of our selfishness and love one another as God commands. Then our community can be instilled with godly values. We can become truly civic people who preserve nature and life thoughtfully.

 

2. Make others responsible (8-30)

Individual acts of sexual folly should be dealt with in order to teach others responsibility and a sense of shame and guilt. Those who destroy a woman’s reputation should be fined and made responsible for her. Immorality should be dealt with strongly, for it disgraces and destroys a family and a community. Those who abuse innocent women should be held accountable and punished accordingly. Sex should be treated as binding, and those involved should accept responsibility for each other. The boundaries established for sex should be respected to protect the community from the forces of evil. A community with high morality protects families and can flourish.

 

Prayer Lord, help us to be responsible for our neighbors and repent of our selfishness and folly.

One Word Take responsibility and raise up strong families and communities

Deuteronomy 21:1-23

 FORGIVE AND REDEEM YOUR PEOPLE

Keywords 21:8

Accept this atonement for your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, O LORD, and do not hold your people guilty of the blood of an innocent man." And the bloodshed will be atoned for.

 

1. Forgiveness and redemption (1-9)

In this passage, there are deep overtones of Jesus’ death and sacrifice for our sins. If a man is murdered mysteriously and the perpetrator cannot be determined, then the nearest community should assume collective responsibility and sacrifice a new heifer to make atonement for the sin and purify the land of guilt. This required a deep sense of God’s forgiveness and redemption, as well as a longing for national holiness. The power of sin is random and life-threatening and brings a curse. We need to accept responsibility and pray for our community and nation to be forgiven and redeemed.

 

2. Protection for women and children (10-17)

A foreign woman who was captured and taken as a bride was given rights in the Israelite community. The inheritance of a firstborn son should be protected in the case of a second marriage. We need to respect those for whom we are directly responsible.

 

3. Disobedience and curse (18-23)

A rebellious son should be stoned before the community. A man worthy of death should be hung on a tree as a sign of being cursed. Jesus bore all our rebellion before God and was cursed in our place.

 

Prayer Lord, we need to be forgiven and redeemed through Jesus.

One Word Pray for godly leaders!

Deuteronomy 20:1-20

THE LORD WILL FIGHT FOR YOU

Keywords 20:4

For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.

 

1. Do not be afraid (1-9)

Times of war were bound to come. God’s people did not have fortified cities or highly developed weaponry and armies. In periods of aggression, they should guard their hearts and minds so as not to be fearful or panic. They should believe God’s promise that he will fight for them and give them the victory. Also, they should not take those who are hesitant and involved in civilian affairs. A soldier should have God’s calling to fight for his people.

 

2. Do everything God has commanded (10-20)

God gave them certain guidelines for attacking their enemies. First, they should seek a peaceful surrender. If a distant nation refuses a truce, they should destroy all their fighting men and plunder the women, children, and flocks, which God would give to them. If a warring nation lives in the land that God promised to them as an inheritance, they should refuse terms of peace and completely destroy them as God commanded them. Otherwise, the enemy will become a snare to turn them from God. In destroying the enemy, they would be wise not to destroy the fruit trees. We easily become proud and carried away in the midst of victory. We need to obey God by faith and be wise to bear his successes.

 

Prayer Lord, take away my fear and help me to trust you and follow your wisdom carefully.

One Word The Lord will fight your enemies

 

Deuteronomy 19:1-21

PROTECT THE INNOCENT

Keywords 19:19

then do to him as he intended to do to his brother. You must purge the evil from among you.

 

1. Establish cities of refuge (1-14)

When God blessed the Israelites to inherit the land, it was essential to establish a justice system that provided for mercy and wisdom to protect the innocent. In times of tragedy, it is easy to act in vengeance. But a godly nation must be patient, wise, and just. So God commanded them to establish three cities of refuge for perpetrators of involuntary manslaughter where they could live in safety and be protected until their innocence could be proven. As God blessed the land to increase, they had to continue to devote themselves to establishing a just and wise punitive system. A nation must be blameless before God. Our justice system represents the nation and dictates the times.

 

2. Establish honest witnesses (15-21)

In a trial, one witness is not enough to establish guilt. Though it is very difficult at times, a verdict must be established on the testimony of at least two witnesses. In the case of falsifying testimony, the court must be severe to prosecute the false witness in order to root out corruption in the justice system.

 

Prayer Lord, please help me to be fair, wise, and just in my judgments and protect the innocent.

One Word A nation must be innocent before God

 

Deuteronomy 18:1-22

A BLAMELESS PEOPLE

Keywords 18:13

You must be blameless before the LORD your God.

 

1. You shall be blameless before the Lord (1-13)

God commanded the Israelites to follow the Levites, whom he instituted as priests among them. The priests were to commit themselves to God and be servants of the Lord (2). In return for their service to God, the Israelites must give them their first fruits as their offerings. The people must regard the Levites highly as God’s servants and learn from them how to worship God and to honour God in their lives (7). They must resist imitating pagan idolatry around them that leads them into demonic worship and destroys their society. Idol worship makes us detestable to God and invites God’s punishment. To overcome the pressures of the world, they must have an attitude to be blameless before the Lord. They must accept the shepherds and Bible teachers God provides for them and learn how to walk with God and be blameless before the Lord, like Noah (Ge 6:9).

 

2. I will raise my prophet among you (14-22)

God promised to raise prophets who would give them his words. They needed to learn to discern from prophets sent from God and false prophets who spoke presumptuously. They would know when they carefully listened to know the truth.

 

Prayer Lord, please raise up servants who can teach us your ways and to know the truth. Help me to follow them and be blameless before you.

One Word Live blamelessly before God

 

1 Timothy 6:11-21

GOD, THE BLESSED AND ONLY RULER

Keywords 6:15-16

which God will bring about in his own time--God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honour and might forever. Amen.

 

1. But you, man of God ... (11-16)

In conclusion to his letter, Paul gives a final charge: flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. This life will require us to fight the good fight of faith. Eternal life is promised to those who make the good confession and take hold of it! Jesus gave us an excellent example. We are charged to keep this command without spot or blame until Jesus comes again in God’s own time. Look up to God, our blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords. He alone is immortal and lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honour and might forever. Amen.

 

2. Guard what has been entrusted to you (17-21)

Sometimes the rich are distracted by money and need to be commanded to turn back to God, doing good, so that they may store up treasure in heaven. In final admonishment, we need to guard what is entrusted to our care, which is the gospel.

 

Prayer Father, you are King of kings and Lord of lords. Help me fight the good fight of faith.

One Word To him be honour and might forever

1 Timothy 6:3-10

GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT

Keywords 6:6

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

 

1. Is godliness a means to financial gain? (3-8)

Instructions for God’s household lead to Jesus and godly teaching. This builds up God’s family and brings glory to him. Some taught different things that spread controversy and strife. They thought that godliness was a means to financial gain. Everything was evaluated with a business mindset. But godliness with contentment is great gain. When we see our lives from an eternal perspective, simply having food and clothes for today is enough. Our true riches are in heaven, and they are lavish.

 

2. Love of money: a root of all kinds of evil (9-10)

Desiring to get rich is the way to fall into Satan’s trap. This leads to foolish and harmful appetites that plunge people into ruin and destruction. Sadly, even members of the church at times love money and are drawn away from the faith. Grief follows.

 

Prayer Father, help me to pursue godliness and be content in you. Protect me from the love of money.

One Word Grow in godliness, waiting on God’s reward

 

1 Timothy 5:1-6:2

WITHOUT PARTIALITY OR FAVOURITISM

Keywords 5:21

I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favouritism.

 

1. Respect, affection, and purity (5:1-2)

Members of God’s household need to treat each other as family members, respecting elders and loving siblings in all purity. We cannot be indifferent.

 

2. Managing church finances (5:3-20)

The early church took up a collection to provide for the widows who needed help. Only godly and truly needy widows should be provided for so that God’s household finances may not be abused. Elders who serve the ministry by preaching and teaching should be supported. Those who do well are given double honour, and those who are sinning should be rebuked publicly. Accusations against leaders must be handled carefully. 3. Keep these instructions impartially (5:21-6:2) Paul charged Timothy in the sight of God and Christ Jesus to keep these instructions impartially and without favouritism. Slaves and masters as well need to treat each other with respect and love.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for your clear instructions. Help me to keep them impartially before your eyes.

One Word In the sight of God

1 Timothy 4:11-16

 SET AN EXAMPLE

Keywords 4:12

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

 

1. Set an example for the believers (11-14)

Commanding and teaching requires authority, and Timothy was young. However, true leadership comes from example, not position. We set an example for believers through our speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Timothy was to be devoted to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and teaching. These were his gifts that he was not to neglect, but develop. We also need to develop our gifts.

 

2. Be diligent in these matters (15-16)

Setting an example is not done in a moment; it requires diligence and wholeheartedness. As everyone sees your progress, your example, those who want to grow too will follow. To avoid hypocrisy, we must watch to see that our life and doctrine are aligned and that we practice what we teach. As we persevere, we will save ourselves and our hearers.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for Christ’s good example. Help me to diligently follow his example so that I may be a good example for believers.

One Word Follow Jesus’ good example

1 Timothy 4:1-10

BE A GOOD MINISTER OF CHRIST JESUS

Keywords 4:6

If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

 

1. Everything God created is good (1-5)

False teachers abandoned the faith to follow demonic teachings. This happened when their consciences were seared as with a hot iron. One aspect of their hypocritical teaching was extreme asceticism: they forbade people to marry and required them to abstain from certain foods. But marriage is established by God, and everything created by God is good and is to be received with thanksgiving.

 

2. Godliness has value for all things (6-10)

A good minister points out false teachings to plant faith in the Creator God. By avoiding myths and wives’ tales, a good minister will train to be godly. Physical training, or exercise, keeps our body healthy. But godliness has value for all things. We need to take responsibility for our spiritual health, training to be aware of God and to imitate him. This is not natural or easy, but requires good ministers to labour and strive with hope in God.

 

Prayer Father, thank you that everything you created is good. Please help me to avoid ungodly talk and activities and to train myself to be godly.

One Word Train yourself to be godly

1 Timothy 3:14-16

GOD’S HOUSEHOLD

Keywords 3:15

if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

 

1. The church of the living God (14-15a)

Paul’s leadership qualifications are very high due to his right view of Christian community as God’s household. The church is not a building or a human organization, but it is established by God. The living God dwells with his people. This realization helps us when we gather to worship God so that we can come into his presence with reverence and awe (Heb 12:28). God’s household implies God’s family. God is our Father, and we are brothers and sisters in one family.

 

2. The pillar and foundation of the truth (15b-16)

God’s church has a purpose related to his desire for all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (1Ti 2:4). The church is to keep hold of the truth (3:9), guard the truth (6:20), and proclaim the truth (4:13). Jesus’ incarnation, death and resurrection, message, and ascension are great mysteries from which true godliness springs. The church must be grounded in the truth of Jesus.

 

Prayer Father, help me to have a right view of the church as your household where you dwell.

One Word The church is where the living God dwells

1 Timothy 3:1-13

WHOEVER ASPIRES TO BE AN OVERSEER

Keywords 3:1

Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.

 

1. Desiring a noble task (1)

Paul’s second trustworthy saying concerns those who want to serve God as an overseer (pastor). This person has the responsibility to meet the practical and spiritual needs of people entrusted to him by God (Ac 20:28). Such an aspiration is not selfish ambition, as this task comes from God’s inspiration. While not easy, this is a noble and excellent task. Aspiring to serve God by taking care of his flock should be encouraged.

 

2. A noble character for a noble task (2-13)

The qualifications for church leaders extend to family life, ministry, personal life, and dealings with outsiders. Character, discipline, and faithfulness are emphasized. The following are some of the qualifications: above reproach, self controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, and not a recent convert. The one who serves well gains excellent standing and great assurance in his faith in Christ Jesus.

 

Prayer Thank you, Jesus, for being our great overseer. I aspire to follow you in this noble task.

One Word Desire a noble task

1 Timothy 2:8-15

ADORNED WITH GOOD DEEDS

Keywords 2:10

but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

 

1. Praying men, lifting up holy hands (8)

Men have a tendency to become angry and dispute with one another. However, Paul wants men everywhere to pray. Paul wants men to grow as men of prayer in all areas of their life.

 

2. Women who profess to worship God (9-15)

Women have a tendency to dress themselves with elaborate hairstyles, gold or pearls, or expensive clothes. Paul wants them instead to dress modestly and be adorned with good deeds that reflect their inner attitude of love and worship toward God. In Ephesus, women were influenced by Diana worship and were inappropriately exalting the position of women over men. To counter cultural influence, Paul wants women to learn in quietness and full submission, like Mary at the feet of Jesus. Paul did not permit women to assume authority over a man based on Genesis 2 and 3. Paul encouraged women to continue in faith, love, and holiness, extolling their feminine identity in God.

 

Prayer Lord, help men to pray and women to be adorned with good deeds.

One Word Worship God appropriately

1 Timothy 2:1-7

GOD WANTS ALL PEOPLE TO BE SAVED

Keywords 2:4

who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

 

1. Pray for all people (1-2)

Paul urges Timothy, as the first priority, to mobilize the church in prayer for all people, rather than become inward-focused and selfish. He specifically calls for prayer for those in authority, who were godless rulers. Maintaining peaceful and quiet lives of godliness and holiness under such rulers was not easy. They needed to pray for God’s intervention. We also need to pray for all people.

 

2. Jesus, the mediator between God and us (3-7)

Why should we pray for all people? God wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. The truth is that all people can be redeemed through Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. He paid the full price for our sins by his blood. Jesus is the one mediator between a Holy God and sinful mankind. He is the only way to come to God (Jn 14:6). God, at the appointed time, raises up witnesses like Paul and us to herald this truth as faithful teachers so that all who believe may be saved.

 

Prayer Father, broaden my mind and heart to pray for all people to come to Jesus and be saved.

One Word Pray with God’s heart for all people