Saturday, September 19, 2009

Today's Verses: 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

Instructions on Worship: I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Both Timothy and Titus were young leaders in the Church who were not "pastors" but assisted Paul in dealing with problems as they arose. The words above were written specifically to Timothy who, perhaps, lacked a certain amount of assertion and maybe needed a little push. Paul wrote the words above near the end of his life, during his first imprisonment in Rome. Paul's focus is the life to which the church is called.

Today's Comments: The words of Paul to Timothy speak to a church which was already in formation during the 60s to the 90s. It speaks to a young man who, today, we would probably consider ordinary, not much different than any of us, today. Paul was handing the church over to a new generation, and in doing so, wants to insure that the intent of Christ, as passed on to the apostles, is carried out by their successors. In this section, Paul instructs us on worship, and the first step to worship is prayer: prayers, thanksgivings, and intercessions for all, even those in authority over us, that our lives may be lived peacefully, quietly, and in holiness. In a later verse, Paul tells us that we are to pray without anger and dispute. Perhaps the Episcopal Church has yet to understand that particular lesson.

No comments: