1st Timothy 2:2. “For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” GODLINESS AND HONESTY. One is before God and the other one before men, But when linked together, there is power when The godliness God sees and implants in me – Can be revealed in public honesty which men can see.
The one starts with love and a deep inner desire To be like the One, who though in every way is much higher – Left us an example that we should walk in His steps That we might be like Him in life, love, and lips.
In the past, people took notice of those who were with Jesus. I wonder what impression they have, or what they say when they see us. Godliness is the result of learning to think like God – And that in turn comes from attentively listening to His Word.
If godliness is in place, then we are caused to consider, That unbelievers have expectations of us that they don’t have of each other. They expect that in my work, I will do the best I can – And if someone needs help, I will give them a hand.
Honesty in life isn’t limited to my business. People in my own family have a right to see this. Even closer than those is what my wife can see Because she knows without question if I am acting honestly.
These two go together, so I can be what God intends. What I am inside comes out in what I do and how I spend. The biggest consideration is what does God perceive in me? If that is in proper order, He can use what people see.
“Yesterday was a good day with Thy people, Father. Today means much of what will be done will be done before an unbelieving public. May this quiet and peaceable life be truly one of godliness and honesty. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
When we meet as an assembly of believers to pray, this should be a habitual act on the part of the saints. The scope of our praying is for all men, kings, and all in authority (Intercessions). We owe the government our prayers [Pr. 29:2; Rom.13:1-7]. Examples of this are Moses, a selfless leader [Ex. 32:1-14] who was willing to be blotted out of the Lord’s book as long as Israel was spared. Samuel, the faithful prophet [1Sam.7:8-9; 15:24-31] pleaded for Israel and Saul because of their sin. Daniel, who was a humble statesman [Dan.9:3-20], pleaded for Judah by identifying himself with the sin of the nation. Epaphras, a loving brother [Col.4:12], interceded for the Colossians that they might stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Paul was an intense soul winner [Eph.1:16-20; 3:16-21] who made earnest pleas for the Ephesians that they might have God’s unparalleled riches. John, the loving disciple [3Jn.2] prayed for Gaius that his soul might prosper. The greatest example of all is Christ, our gracious Lord; our faithful High Priest [Lu. 22:32; Jn. 17] who prayed for Peter that his faith would not fail, and He prays for us now.
The men pray out loud publicly, and the women pray in silence publicly. The "Amen" following the prayer indicates a mutual agreement in relation to what was said. God is no respecter of persons, and His offer of salvation extends to "all men everywhere," so our prayers are to be for "all men." The nature of the Gospel message excludes no one. God loves the whole world and knows every individual intimately. When we make earnest prayer for all men, there are results that take place all over the world of which we are a part. Praying is for our own good. The benefits of praying are a quiet (circumstances around us) and peaceable (attitude within us) life, godliness, and honesty. Our prayers are to be for all men: saved and lost, near and far, enemies and friends, kings - even emperor Nero, who was on the throne at that time. All who are in authority: judges, police, etc., need our prayer. The reasons for prayer: its object is for men to be saved. This is good, fair, and beautiful in its nature, not just its effects. This is pleasing to the Lord: not a selfish act, with the salvation of souls as its reason, not without exception but without distinction. This depends on the “knowledge of the truth.”