First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1–4 CSB)
If you back up to chapter one, verse eighteen, you will find the Apostle Paul is instructing Timothy on how to fight the good fight of faith.
Chapter two begins with the words, “First of all…” The first instruction Paul gives Timothy is to pray for the government and those that are in authority. God commands us to make petitions, pray prayers, intercede, and give thanks for our government.
Therefore, if we are to fight the good fight of faith, praying for our government is the first step we must take.
God makes no allowance here for personal criticism of our leaders. It doesn’t make a difference whether we like them; we are required to give thanks for them.
This doesn’t mean we can’t oppose their platform and decisions. It does mean God doesn’t allow us to criticize them personally or run them down. This includes calling them names and making fun of them.
Why does God require us to do this? Because it meets His prime objective stated in verse four:
… who (God) wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
The result of our petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving for our leaders is tranquility and living in peace. (see: verse 2)
When Christians are living in peace, it is the best circumstance for sharing the gospel. Sharing the Gospel is the only avenue for unbelievers to become a believer.
Therefore, what we do concerning our governmental leaders is vital. If you haven’t been doing what God commanded us to do in this area, the time to repent is now.
Let’s join together and do what God commanded. Making a difference spiritually in our federal, state, and local governments. If we do this along with exercising our right to vote, we will make a difference in the world.
Prayer
Father, I come to you according to what you command in First Timothy 2:1-4. I petition you to give your grace and wisdom to the president, vice president, the cabinet, the supreme court, and all other federal courts. My prayer is that they may act according to your will regardless of if they know they are or not. I also pray that our congress will be unified in righteousness because your Word says that a house divided will not stand. I intercede for all of our law enforcement officers and military. Protect them and may they act in your righteousness. Thank you for all my government leaders. I stand in faith that we will live in peace and tranquility, and we obey your Word concerning our government. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Additional Scriptures:
Matthew 12:25; 1 John 5:14-15; Psalm 122:6; Mark 5:25; Proverbs 21:1
Here are articles I wrote that will help your understanding of this devotion:
God’s Word is Final Authority: You Can Be An Overcomer By Faith
Your Purpose in Life: The Reason You are Alive Today
What Does It Mean to Be a Witness?
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