Reflection
(1Ti 2:1 ESV) First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,
(1Ti 2:2 ESV) for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
(1Ti 2:3 ESV) This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,
(1Ti 2:4 ESV) who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
(1Ti 2:5 ESV) For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
(1Ti 2:6 ESV) who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
(1Ti 2:7 ESV) For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
(1Ti 2:8 ESV) I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;
Discussion
It is vital as we study prayer to keep in mind that God does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Additionally, God’s will does not change. He will see through His will from beginning to end.
So if God is not changed when we pray, then it must be that He is able to change the people and circumstances we pray about. This includes you as the person who prays. When we prayerfully seek the will of God we are also seeking that we be transformed to match up with that will.
When that transformation happens we begin to uncover a greater joy than anything the world can bring for us. We find our highest satisfaction in seeing God move and work in us and through us to improve the eternal lives of those around us. We love to see God save and transform sinful people into redeemed people who love Jesus.
Connection
What is one big thing in your life today that you need to pray about?
Who is one person you know that does not live in a manner that shows they are saved?
How can you pray for that one person this week?
How can you seek to be part of seeing this person’s life changed to love and serve God?
What is one action step you can take this week to make the gospel known to a lost person or people group?
Expansion
God Will Build His Church
Colossians 1:15-20, Colossians 3:15, Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Matthew 22:37-39, Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:42-27
Calling Of God
Romans 8:27-30, Ephesians 1:3-14, Ephesians 2:1-10, 2 Timothy 1:8-9, John 1:12-13, Romans 6:16-18, Romans 9:10-24, John 6:43-45, Romans 10:10-21