323. 1TI 2:1. ON SUPPLICATION, ETC., FOR ALL MEN

1Ti_2:1. On Supplication, Etc., for All Men

"I exhort, therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men."’971Ti_2:1.

We have no subject so frequently brought before us in the Holy Scriptures, as that of prayer. The reason is obvious. It is the very life of experimental religion. It is an exercise, which should form the basis of all duties. It is the procurer of all blessings; the averter of all dangers; and our solace in all distresses. Prayer may either be the silent address of the heart, or the express utterance of the lips. It may be for ourselves, the church, or for the world at large. At present, we have to do with the public prayer of God’s house. Here is the will of God given to us by his servant and apostle Paul, to Timothy, his son in the gospel. "I exhort," &c. Notice,

I. The varied Form of Expression the Apostle adopts.

II. The Extent.

III. The Grounds on which the Exhortation may be urged.

I. The varied Form of Expression the Apostle adopts.

1. Supplications.

Seems to be nearly synonymous with the next term employed. But it is most likely intended for that particular part of prayer which has for its object the removal of evil, or preservation from it.

2. Prayers.

May refer to petitions for positive blessings upon men, either as it respects their bodies or souls, either for time or eternity.

3. Intercessions.

To the employment of our influence with God, as his friends and children. Hence, Christ is the great intercessor of his church. Abraham and Moses, also thus interceded. Hence, God told Jeremiah not to intercede for Judah. See Jer_15:16.

4. Thanksgiving.

Here we are called, not only to feel for all men, but to rejoice in their success. To bless God for his general goodness, or his providential interposition in behalf of men. "To rejoice with them that rejoice." If we love all men, we shall be glad in their prosperity.

II. The Extent of the Exercise enjoined.

"For all men." Let us just glance at a classification which may assist us. There are,

1. Our immediate relatives.

These especially should share our kindest regards. Parents for children, sisters and brethren for each other, &c.

2. Our spiritual associates.

These are spiritual relatives. Belong to the same family, table, &c. Fellow-pilgrims.

3. There is Christ’s universal church.

Scattered over the face of the wide world. Of every Christian name, &c. "Grace be with all who love," &c.

4. There is the nation in which we dwell.

Religion enforces patriotism. Sanctifies it, &c. Moses was a patriot. So was Nehemiah. So was David, Paul, &c. Hence kings, magistrates, and rulers, must have a place, &c. Ver. 2.

5. Then there is the world at large.

The universal family of man. Men of all colors, climes, tongues, &c. Men of all classes, and degrees. Not one man must be excluded. "All men."

III. The Grounds on which the Exhortation may be urged.

1. On the ground of one common humanity. Act_17:26. All distinctions are of a minor character. But one race of human beings. All God’s creatures, and our relatives.

2. On the ground of one common providence.

God is the great Father of all the human family. He who feeds us, and clothes us, &c. Does so for them. All liable to the game providential calamities.

3. On the grounds of God’s good-will to all men.

Ver. 4, "He is good to all, and his tender mercies," &c. He desires the salvation of all. "As I live," &c.

4. On the ground of Christ’s universal death for all.

Ver. 6, "For this we know, and testify," &c. "For he is the propitiation," &c. If Christ died for all, shall we not pray for all?

5. On the grounds of the divine approval of this exercise.

Ver. 3, We shall so far resemble God. Enjoy his favor and blessing.

Application

1. Let me ask you, Do you merely hear, or do you join in public prayer?

2. Have we not lost the fervor of the primitive Christians in this exercise? Where is the sign that the people are praying with the person publicly engaged? Let me refer you to three cases. See 1

Chron. xvi. 35; Psa_106:48; 1Co_14:16.

3. We cannot thus pray for all men without possessing the spirit of Christian benevolence.

4. Some here, perhaps never pray for themselves. Let it be said of you, as of Saul. "Behold," &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS