1 Timothy chapter 2
Here in the first two verses we find the commandment, that we are to pray for all people, no one excluded, especially those in leadership roles locally and nationally. We may not vote for a person, but clear in the second verse we are commanded to pray for people in governance over us. Why, because in verse three Paul says this is 'acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;'. No on comes to power without God's knowledge, and we are to accept the things that God has allowed to come to place. That doesn't mean we don't pray for God's will to be done, or for righteous people to be elected or come to power, but we pray for our leaders in either case.
The forth verse is so important. Christ died for all, not leaving anyone out. His purpose was that all men might be saved. John 3:25 says 'That whosoever believeth in him should not perish', and then so does the famous 16th verse. It is man's sin that causes separation from Christ and not Jesus himself. We have choice and free will. We may not feel that we choose hell, but when we deny his son, we are making a choice.
Then here comes the chain of command if you will. The order of all things in this world. One God, one mediator who is Christ Jesus. That is the only way to get to heaven and eternal live with Jesus and there is no other way.
I believe when we turn our lives over to Jesus Christ we will discover our 'calling'. God has a purpose for us in this life. We are not some grand experiment, and he does not forget about any of us. The story of the three servants and the talents comes to mind over and over for me. God have given us talents, gifts, and he expects us to use them in service to him. We are not only to do our utmost for his highest, but in being a light and example inspire others to do the same. Paul recognizes his calling. He realizes he is the apostle to the Gentiles. Oh, and we have God and Paul to thank that he did such a good job so that we might have the Word that we have today. We have this Word to know how to set up and run the church, and how to run our families.
From the eighth verse on we have how we are to act in Church and at home. Men lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting (I paraphrased). How sin has made a mockery of what God put in motion! God did not intend for man to abuse his power, his wife or his children. He intended for man to be an example of Christ's love and protection for his people. We see how many have not done anything with the talents given to them by God.
Later Paul is describing the way that some women dressed at the time. The point here is to dress moderately and not something you're not. I know that is open to interpretation, but I guess our best guide is a humble conscience. Paul then goes on to mention silence. My own interpretation of this is that woman are not supposed to be in a position of authority, or command in the church. We know that the early church had prophetesses and that they spoke by revelation of God. I believe if there is an exception, it is by the Spirit or God and nothing else. Paul goes on to give his argument why this is, and reminds everyone of the fall of Adam in the garden. God always gives hope and due benevolence, because he finishes the chapter with miracle that all men would be delivered by, and that is through the birth of Jesus by the woman Mary.
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