1 Timothy 2
by Philip Layton
Timothy receives instructions on attitudes to worship
Click here to read 1 Timothy 2
Discussion Questions
- Is Paul demonstrating sexism or are these instructions (vv 11-15) based on Jewish traditions and order in worship? Can these verses be reconciled to modern worship?
- Is Paul referring to the fact that Eve was an ancestor of Jesus Christ (v 15)?
Share your thoughts below, or tweet about it with the #boundlessbible hashtag. Don't forget this week's Children's Challenge!
Going Deeper From 'Words of Life'
Corporate worship is a wonderful phenomenon. Coming together as a people to worship Creator God. To pray and sing; to praise, glorify and bless God. There is nothing quite like it! Then to know that Christ mediates on our behalf and interprets all that’s on our hearts:
For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (v 5).
We are encouraged to ‘lift up holy hands in prayer’ (v 8). Paintings have been found on the walls of the catacombs in Rome which show Christians holding up their hands in prayer and worship. They are worshipping the one who gives us life, breath and purpose.
But Paul quickly follows by saying we are to do this without showing anger or holding grudges against others. It must be true and authentic worship. Worship and prayer that is pleasing to God. Adoration.
Author Richard Foster says: ‘Adoration is the spontaneous yearning of the heart to worship, honour, magnify, and bless God…It is the air in which prayer breathes, the sea in which prayer swims…We focus on nothing but his goodness.’
And so, let’s spend the next few moments worshipping God in prayer, using our key verse for today:
Requests. Right now, let’s bring before God two or three requests that come immediately to mind…
Prayers. In complete reverence, let us praise God – simply for who he is…
Intercession. Let’s pray on behalf of others, mentioning their specific needs…
Thanksgiving. As we conclude this precious time of worship, let us thank God for all that is in our hearts just now…
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for our brothers and sisters around the world. As we worship you together, may it be a pleasing offering in your sight.
Beverly Ivany
Tags: 1 Timothy