The word all is important in this section. We pray for all men (1). God desires that all men would be saved (4). Here Paul seems to be speaking to what is the true teaching. In chapter one Paul speaks against false teachers and teaching. Now he is affirming what is true. The false teachers are likely saying only a limited number can be saved or that there is some special knowledge that only they know. And they will share with you for the right price (wink).
Paul makes it clear that God wants all to be saved. And what is required is not special.
The other word that is important here is one. There is only one God and one savior Jesus Christ (5).
These are the simple truths that Paul is affirming against what the false teachers are trying to add.
Paul concludes this section by saying we should all pray together, in agreement (8) for all men and all rulers (1).
Paul begins and ends this passage speaking of prayer. The first verse explains what we should continually pray about ,and why. The last verse tells us how we should pray:
1) in every place and for every one
2) we will be holy before God
3) we will come to God without holding grudges against one another
Unless we follow those last two conditions our prayers will be blocked. Our lives need to be consistently holy, in private and in public - God sees.
And we must not stay angry with other people in the church, holding grudges, acting divisively.
I naively want to think that if all men accepted Christ as savior my life would be easier. Everyone would love me and not take advantage of me. Alas I will never find out. But if my relationship with Christians I do know is any example it is not true. Perhaps it is my selfishness or theirs but Christians are among the most trying people I deal with. I suspect it is just it takes work to be loving and patient.
If people were all Christians my life would not be a bed of roses. People would rightfully call me to responsibility. They would expect me to serve. They would expect me to work for the good of all. Maybe more than they do now.
I suspect heaven will be like this too. Only we will our part joyfully.
Monday, September 26, 2011
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