THE CHARGE CONCERNING PRAYER & WORSHIP--I TIMOTHY-- LESSON 2

THE CHARGE CONCERNING PRAYER & WORSHIP

I TIMOTHY-- LESSON 2

by E. L. Bynum

Lesson: I Timothy 2:1-15

Memory Verse: I Timothy 2:5

Introduction:

The following three chapters (2-4) in particular deal with the conduct and order of public worship in the church. I Timothy 3: l 5. It could be that their public worship was a failure, because both men and women were disobedient to God's Word. Many churches today are worshiping in an unscriptural way. They are speaking in tongues, and are guilty of disorderly behavior. They use contemporary Christian music, and still say that the Holy Spirit is leading.

I. INTERCESSORY PRAYER FOR OTHERS. vs. 1-7

A. The Proportion Of Such Prayer. vs. 1-2a

1. God's people are exhorted to pray. v. 1a; II Chronicles 7:14-16; Hebreews 4:16, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Prayer has lost its importance in the churches. Announce a church supper and the crowds will come. Announce a prayer meeting and hardly anyone will attend.

2. The intent of prayer. (Four aspects.)

a. "Supplication," in specific. Ephesians 6:18,19

b. "Prayers," in general. Prayer is an act of worship, not just listing our wants and needs.

c. "Intercessions," petitions to a superior.

d. "Thanks giving," gratefulness. This seems to be missing in much of our praying today. Philippians 4:6

3. The extent of prayer. vs. 1b-2a

a. For all men (saved and unsaved). This can only be done in a general way.

b. For kings and authorities in a particular way. (Wicked Nero was then the ruler of Rome! We should pray for evil men in office today.)

B. The Purpose Of Such Prayer. vs. 2b-3

1. That we may lead undisturbed godly lives. v. 2b.

a. We should take advantage of such opportunity. Hebrews 10:25

b. God's people were to pray for peace in captive lands. Ezra. 6:10, That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. Jeremiah 29:7, And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

2. Such prayer is acceptable unto God. v. 3; Cf. 5:4. Pharisees prayed to be seen of men, Matthew 6:5. We should pray to please God.

a. God is Saviour. Titus 1:3; 2:10; 3:4.

b. Christ is Lord and Saviour. Philippians 2:11; 3:20.

c. God the Father and the Son are One. John 10.29.

C. The Pattern for Such Prayer. vs. 4-6

1. Our will must follow the will of God. v. 4; 4: 10; I John 4:14

a. Our mission is to the world. Matthew 28: 19,20

b. Our prayer should be for "all men." v. 1; Romans 10:1

2. Our intercessory Pattern. vs. 5, 6

a. There is one God. Romans 3:29,30. (v. 5)

b. There is one Mediator. (Jesus Christ is the mediator and not Mary). Hebrews 8:6; 9:15; 12:24.

c. There is one Provision. v. 6; Romans 5:6,15; I Corinthians 8:6. "Ransom" means the "price paid for a slave."

D. The Promoter Of Such Prayer. v. 7

1. Paul was ordained to preach such truth. v. 7a

a. It was laid upon him by God. II Timothy 1:11; I Timothy 1:1

b. He strongly asserts his personal feelings about such matters. Cf. Romans 9:1; II Corinthians 11:31

2. Paul was ordained to teach. v. 7b

a. Called to bear the name of the Lord. Acts 9: 15; 13:2.

b. "Faith and verity;" the sphere of the teaching both the spirit of the teacher and the content of the message.

II. THE INDISPUTABLE ORDER OF WORSHIP. vs. 8-15

This is the order of behavior in the public worship when the church is assembled. Cf. I Timothy 3:15.

A. The Conduct & Appearance Of The Men. v. 8; Titus 2:2,6

1. Men are to lead in public prayer.

a. "Every where!" in every church.

b. Prayerful men must be godly men.

2. Men are to live proper lives.

a. Piety not position is the strong point here. James 4:8, Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (A separated walk should characterize the man who prays publicly.) (Jewish men often prayed with their arms extended in front of them, with their palms open toward heaven, and not as the charismatics do.)

b. Purity of heart-"without wrath." II Timothy 2:22

c. Personal faith-"without doubting." James 1:6

B. The Conduct and Appearance of the Women. vs. 9-15; Cf. Titus 2:3-5

Some try to paint Paul as a woman hater, because of what he writes about the woman's place in the Church. The problem is not with Paul or Peter (see I Peter 3: 1-7), but with God who gave the word. II Timothy 3:16-17

1. Their personal appearance. vs. 9-10

a. The apparel for the godly woman. v. 9a (Proper cosmetic) (I Peter 3:3,4)

b. The appearance of the godly woman. v. 9b, 10

(1) Negatively. v. 9b.

(2) Positively. v. 10.

2. Their position appointed. vs. 11-14

a. Proper learning position. v. 11; I Corinthians 14:34,35.

b. Proper teaching position. v. 12; Titus 2:3-5; I Timothy 5:14

c. Proper created position. vs. 13,14; Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:21, 22. (v. 14 Woman subject to deception.)

3. The provision apportioned. v. 15

a. Problems in childbearing because of the fall. Genesis 3:16

b. Promise in childbearing because of faith. v. 15. (It is here implied that woman is to find her right sphere in the relations of motherhood).

(1) Faith unwavering trust.

(2) Charity unceasing love.

(3) Holiness unequaled devotion.

(4) Sobriety unselfish quietness.

Godly Women in the New Testament

1. Devoted women ministered to Jesus.

2. They were present at His crucifixion and His burial.

3. They were the first to herald His resurrection.

4. In the book of Acts we meet Dorcas (Acts 9:36), Lydia (Acts 16:14), Priscilla (Acts 18:1-3), and the godly women in the Berean and Thessalonian churches (Acts 17:4, 12).

5. Paul greeted at least eight women in Romans 16.

6. Women can be greatly used of God, but they are not to teach men in the Church or run the business of the Church. If you have a problem with that, tell God, after all, He wrote the Bible. --W. W. Mosley & edited by E. L. Bynum

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Who are we exhorted to pray for?

2. Quote I Timothy 2:5.

3. To what people did Paul say he was ordained to preach?

4. How are godly men to pray?

5. How are godly women to appear? To Learn?

6. Who was deceived in the transgression?