God’s plan for reaching your community and the world
1 Timothy 2:1-6
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quite life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.”
1 Timothy 2:1-6
God’s plan to reach all people is clearly laid out in these verses. Below, we will review the means, the motivation, and the message of the God’s plan.
God’s MEANS for reaching all people is prayer.
This passage begins by exhorting us to pray for all people. Of course, we can pray for all people in general, but for those who are in our community and in our circles of influence, there is a better way. We can reach out to them personally, understand what their needs are, pray for those needs specifically, and follow up to stay informed of how they are doing. When we do this intentionally and consistently, doors to share the gospel will be opened.
The MOTIVATION to pray for all people is to align our hearts with God’s heart.
“God our Savior desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4) “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) Praying for all people – both for their needs and for them to come to faith in Jesus as their Savior and Lord – is God’s will and God’s heart. And it pleases God when our hearts are aligned with His.
The MESSAGE to proclaim to all people is the gospel.
There is only One Way to God – only One Mediator between God and men – the man Christ Jesus. Jesus “gave himself as a ransom for all” so that any who call on His Name can be forgiven and have eternal life.
If you are a follower of Jesus, seek opportunities to reach out and pray with others in your community, work, school, anywhere. Trust God to use these opportunities to draw people to Himself for their salvation and for His glory.
