AS WE ANTICIPATE THE ELECTION

AS WE ANTICIPATE THE ELECTION

1 Timothy 2:1-6

One of the self-destructive tendencies of American politics is the eagerness of both parties to overpromise. Candidates make pledges that are difficult, sometimes impossible, to keep. When they aren’t redeemed, disillusioned Americans turn to the other party, which trots out its own pleasing and overblown promises. This is a cycle that never stops corroding public trust.

--Robert J. Samuelson, Thursday’s Opinion

section of the Orange County Register

1 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. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time.

--1 Timothy 2:1-6

HOW SHOULD WE BE PRAYING?

RequestsDo not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

ASK and it will be given to you . . . 8 For everyone who ASKS receives . . . . (Matthew 7:7-8)

9 "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ASK him! (Matthew 7:9-11)


RequestsAgain, [Jesus said] I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ASK for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. (Mt. 18:19)

if you believe, you will receive whatever you ASK for in prayer. (Matthew 21:22)

Therefore [Jesus said] . . . whatever you ASK for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11:24)


RequestsAnd I will do whatever you ASK in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ASK me for anything in my name, and I will do it. (John 14:13)

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ASK whatever you wish, and it will be given you. (John 15:7)

ASK and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. (John 16:24)


Requests36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 ASK the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matthew 9:36-38)

What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? (Mk. 8:36)


RequestsYour Father knows what [we] need before [we] ASK him (Mt. 6:8)

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)


PrayersGod’s Transmitters – broadcasting our requests and needs to God, and God’s power to others.

Filling the atmosphere with faith in and praise to God, holding back the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. (Eph. 2:2; see also 2 Thess. 2:1-7)

Part of the armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18), as well as a divinely powerful weapon (2 Cor. 10:4), preserving nations (see Pro. 14:34).


IntercessionA privilege and power shared with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (see Rom. 8:26; 34; Heb. 7:25).

A means of truly being the Body of Christ in the world.


Thanksgiving1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. (Rom. 13:1-4)

thanking God for those in authority is one way we recognize God’s sovereign authority and express our total trust in Him.

WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRAYING FOR THOSE IN

AUTHORITY AND LIVING PEACEFUL, QUIET LIVES IN ALL GODLINESS AND HOLINESS?

When we look to human leaders for peace, we place too heavy a burden on them.

The heart [of man] is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? (Jer. 17:9)

That’s why all men [need] to be saved and . . . come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4).


AUTHORITY AND LIVING PEACEFUL, QUIET LIVES IN ALL GODLINESS AND HOLINESS?

Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have PEACE. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

And 4 . . . everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 Jn. 5:4-5)

Know Jesus, know peace. No Jesus, no peace.


AUTHORITY AND GOD’S DESIRE FOR ALL MEN TO BE SAVED AND

TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH?Our ultimate goal is not to merely live peaceful

and quiet lives.

Our ultimate goal must be to come to the knowledge of the truth so as to be saved.

And that truth is 5 . . . there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men-- (1 Tim. 2:5-6).


AUTHORITY AND GOD’S DESIRE FOR ALL MEN TO BE SAVED AND

TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH?Our ultimate purpose in life must be the same as

Paul’s (see 1 Tim. 2:7): to witness to the truth that there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men . . . (1 Tim. 2:5-6)

So What!?

Knowing our primary goal and purpose in life—and pursuing them—is the essence of godliness and holiness—both of which produce the peace we need and desire.

So, inform yourself on the candidates and issues that will be voted on in just a few weeks. We are, of all nations, the most free and privileged!

But as Christians, we have the greatest freedom and privilege to , ask of God, pray, intercede and offer thanksgiving for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

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AS WE ANTICIPATE THE ELECTION