841. 1TI 2:1-4. ON PRAYING, &C., FOR ALL MEN

1Ti_2:1-4. On Praying, &C., for All Men

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."’971Ti_2:1-4.

The benign influence of Christianity is seen in all its doctrines and precepts. It is most evidently a religion of love and goodwill to men. It condemns all intolerance, and breathes forth sympathy, charity, and pity to all. In this, it is a perfect transcript of the Divine goodness, which is the glory of God; and which is so fully displayed in all his works."

Now among the varied expressions of goodness, we are to exhibit towards our fellowmen, we may notice’97sympathy, kindness, and mercy; and these are to be accompanied by an earnest spirit of prayer and thanksgiving, on their behalf. How evidently these views are exhibited in the text: "I exhort," &c.

Let us then look,

I. At the coarse we are exhorted to adopt. And,

II. The reasons on which this course is grounded.

The what we are to do, and the why we are to do it, will be the divisions of the text. Notice then, I. The course we are exhorted to adopt.

1. It is a course of prayer.

This is one of the great essentials of religion. Prayer is the breath of the soul. We cannot live, or enjoy a religious life, without it. But the devotional spirit must not be confined to ourselves only, but it is to be like the smoke of the incense, and fill as it were the whole temple of our world with its fragrant odor.

A devotional selfish spirit is a manifest Contradiction in terms. He whose heart does not expand with love to man, will not be rightly affected with the spirit of that worship which will be acceptable to God.

Hence notice,

2. This spirit of prayer is to inclose all men in its solicitudes.

All nations, tribes, and colors,’97all conditions; physical, mental, or moral,’97all classes, from the highest and most exalted, to the lowest and most obscure,’97all moral grades, from the most excellent and holy, to the most defiled and worthless. "All men:" we are not to exclude one human being. Our arms are to be lifted up in prayer, and extended over the whole family of man. No national prejudices’97no personal antipathies’97no isolating influences are to be exerted, so that any shall be forgotten, disregarded, or despised. But when we come to the loving Father of all men, we are to breathe forth the spirit of supplication for all his dependent and needy children.

But observe,

3. We are to make special reference to certain orders of society.

When the Apostle has spoken of the whole race, he then makes more special reference to "kings, and for all that are in authority:" 1Ti_2:2.

Now this class of persons occupy very exalted stations; places of great trust and responsibility; their influence also extends to all other classes. They too are but men, like others. How needful then to seek for them the blessings of Divine providence, and the riches of God’s grace. Often the great and the dignified of the earth are the objects of men’s envy; but if their perils are duly considered, such a feeling will be exchanged for pity, and a tender solicitude for their welfare. And though the text does not distinctly name the poor and the unfortunate, the widow and the orphan, the afflicted and the tried, the prisoner and the captive; yet, these may well be kept in our compassionate remembrance, when we go to God in prayer. These form the other extreme of society; and while we pray that God may mercifully bestow the spirit of wisdom and grace to preserve kings and rulers from infatuation and ruin, so may we seek that he would sustain the poor, deliver the tried, and be the friend and deliverer of those who have no helper.

4. Prayer in its different kinds and variety is inculcated.

Observe, we are to pray for all, that is, ask God on the behalf of all. We are to supplicate; that is, humbly implore; to stand forth entreating on behalf of them; or, as some think the word indicates’97to deprecate the evils to which men are exposed, and seek God’s preventing mercy and preserving care on their behalf. We are to intercede; that is, employ our influence, as a royal priesthood. As Abraham did on behalf of Sodom; and imitate the great High Priest of our profession. This is prolonged prayer, extended supplication.

We are also to give thanks’97rejoice in the happiness of others’97and give the glory to God. Thank God for the general blessings, both of his providence and grace, to mankind.

Here then is the course to which we are exhorted.

Notice,

II. The reasons on which it is grounded.

Or, why should we thus pray for all men?

1. It may rest on the universal brotherhood of mankind.

All men are of one family. Hence, only one species. We ought to feel this, and recognize it before the one Father of the whole human race. Hence our blessed Lord has taught us to address God, as "Our Father;" that is, the Father of our race. In reference to rulers,

2. We should do it that their influence may tend to civil and religious liberty, and peace.

That we may lead a "quiet" unmolested life. Have our civil rights unimpaired, and also that we may not be interrupted in religious exercises and privileges; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life; to which the Apostle adds’97"In all godliness and honesty."

Now, much depends on the spirit and laws of those in authority, as to these things; and it is our duty to seek God’s blessing on their behalf, that they may rule in his fear, and administer wise, and good, and wholesome laws. We are to pray for all,

3. Because it is pleasing to God.

"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour:" 1Ti_2:3. He delights in it. It is a reflection of his own mind. It is the echo of his voice. It is the response to his heart’s pity and love of his own children. "God is love:" and he delights in its manifestation in others. Such are his children’97partakers of his mind and nature’97none else are so; for he who loveth not, is not of God. Hear the testimony of the apostle John:’97"We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him."’971Jn_3:14, 1Jn_3:15. "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us."’971Jn_4:7-8, 1Jn_4:11, 1Jn_4:12.

It is in harmony,

4. With God’s will respecting the salvation of mankind.

"Who will have all men to be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth:" 1Jn_4:4. Now if it be true that God does not love all men, that he has reprobated any, then it would be inconsistent, that he should require us to pray for all. But if God’s mercy reaches to all, if he wills the salvation of all, and if he has provided for the restoration of every perishing sinner, in the gift of the Lord Jesus Christ; then how beautifully is the text in harmony with that; and how forcible and entirely conclusive the reason given’97"Who will have all men to be saved." He hates none’97has reprobated none’97sealed the ruin of none; but on the other hand, seeks the salvation of all and every soul. Just according to his solemn oath’97"Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel!"’97Eze_33:11.

Now this reason for prayer, &c., for all men, is of the highest and sublimest kind. All men have erred and gone astray from God,’97all men are rebels by nature and practice,’97all men are justly exposed to everlasting death; but God has pitied and loved all men, and desires the salvation of every wandering sinner; and he therefore demands that we have a similar spirit of compassion towards all mankind. Now this provision of mercy for all, in the work and mediation of Christ, is presented to us in every conceivable variety of form. The apostle Paul says of him’97"Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."’971Ti_2:6. So again’97"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."’97Heb_2:9. And John distinctly avers in reference to Christ’s sacrificial work,’97"And he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."’971Jn_2:2. And the design of universal mercy is most forcibly expressed,’97"And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world."’971Jn_4:14.

Now we see at once, how beautiful and appropriate it is that the love of God in our hearts, should make us earnest intercessors on behalf of all our fellowmen.

"Would Jesus have the sinner die?

Why hangs he then on yonder tree?

What means that strange expiring cry?

(Sinners, he prays for you and me;)

Forgive them, Father, O forgive:

They know not that by me they live!’

Oh, let thy love my heart constrain,

Thy love for every sinner free;

That every fallen soul of man

May taste the grace that found out me.

That all mankind with me may prove,

Thy sovereign, everlasting love."

Then learn from the text,

1. The comprehensiveness of Christian prayer. "All men." We may pray more for some persons than others, and more intensely. Dear friends and kindred nearest our hearts, may occupy the warmest place in our affectionate remembrances; but they are not to absorb all our devotional solicitudes. Just as a stone thrown into the centre of a lake makes its greatest as well as its first circles, where it strikes the water, then other circles more distant; but at length acts on the whole, till the most outward ones kiss the margin on every side: so in prayer for all men, we are to pray for those nearest to us, and most beloved; but we are not to cease our intercessions until we have sought from God his rich blessing for the whole wide world, and for every creature.

2. See the powerful motives to cherish universal prayer. One reason is in ourselves. It is for "men-"’97our family’97our species’97our brethren. The other is in God, who is so universally good, and so benignant to all. While all men are our brethren, God is the Father and Saviour of all.

3. There are crises when prayer for special persons and objects is most important. Such as the present time, when all the nations of Europe are excited, and preparing for war! Do you believe in God’97in prayer’97in providence? Then let it be offered with supplication and intercession at this momentous juncture, for the rulers and administrators of the nations of Europe, that God may lead them to see the value of peace, and dispose all their hearts to justice, goodness, and mercy; and that the period may be hastened when the nations of the earth shall not learn, or practice, war any more.

Finally: Do you all live in the habit and spirit of prayer? Do you enjoy communion with God’97and are you thus in friendship with him? If so, continue in prayer and thanksgiving; and seek constantly, that the spirit of prayer and supplication may be richly poured into your hearts. And if you have never really, humbly, penitently prayed to God, now bend the knee, and lift up your souls to him, who is rich in mercy to all that call upon his name. Remember that the work and mediation of Jesus opens a way for you to the Father; and whosoever comes to God by him, shall in no wise be cast out. Then with penitent hearts, and lowly souls, wait upon him, and seek his forgiving mercy and renewing grace, that so you may enjoy his blessed favor here, and in the world to come, life everlasting. Amen.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS