Peace with a Purpose
I Timothy 2:1-4
“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 quiet 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.”
The Bible provides us with many flavors of the word “Peace”. It’s a concept that has many nuanced meanings based upon the context in which it is used. Regardless, it must be said that peace, as it relates to the human condition, is never a bad thing. It is something that should be pursued, embraced, and promoted.
First, and most importantly, peace is found in God. Like any good thing, it originated in Him, and He dispenses it at His will.
The psalmist David, in chapter 4:8, says:
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
And again, in Psalm 29:11:
“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace”
Benedictions clearly place God as the source of peace:
“May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” Romans 15:13
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16
As Christians, we find peace in the assurance of our salvation:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1
The text today reveals a purpose for peace. In verse 1, Paul urges the Ephesian Christians through Timothy to hold up in prayer those who God, in an earthly context, has placed in authority over them. This verse has been used throughout the centuries to give Christians an answer to the question of how we should view and treat those in government positions. For the Ephesian Christians, this may have come as a surprise, as it was the emperor Nero himself who had had Paul imprisoned already once. But notice Paul is not instructing prayers and intercessions for health and success and a good life made for these authorities. Rather, the focus of the prayers should be that governments provide an atmosphere of order and peace so that the Christians could live quiet, dignified, and holy lives. The benefit for Christians is that they could better please God in how they lived, and more effectively carry out the job of evangelism, promoting the gospel message to the world around them.
Paul realized evangelism could more effectively be done in a society of order and peace, as opposed to constant fear, hardship, and chaos. Second century theologian Tertullian famously stated “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church”. And while there is certainly some truth to this claim, Paul, having already experienced persecution and hardship for his evangelistic activities, instead makes a logical connection between the salvation of non-Christians on one hand and the ordered and tranquil lives of those Christians who would bring them the message of salvation on the other. Convincing someone of the supernatural work of Jesus Christ on the cross for their salvation is much more difficult when true believers of this gospel could be rounded up and imprisoned at any moment. Paul desired for authorities to provide an atmosphere more beneficial for the spread of the gospel. This is how he wanted Christians to focus their prayer for those political leaders.
Of course Paul is placing the same directive at our feet today. His words to Timothy ring true to us in the same way as it did to those first century Christians. Anyone can see there is no shortage of disorder, chaos, and upheaval in the world today. Firstly, as Christians, we must concentrate on living lives contrary to what is going on around us. In this sense, we need to be “counter-cultural”. Being examples of peace, dignity, and godly conduct will be noticed by those who are seeking but not yet finding. Being drawn into the chaos and angst of the world is also noticed, but most assuredly will be counterproductive to our mission.
Secondly, our prayers for governing authorities need to follow the guide given by Paul. We live in a world where everyone is enticed to take sides. This is not surprising, as the differing worldviews held by people are moving down increasingly divergent paths. This was occurring in Paul’s day as well. But instead of getting caught up in taking sides and fighting for rights, Paul kept his focus on the dispersion of the gospel. If we are to follow Paul’s directive today, our prayers and petitions for governing authorities must be less about how they will vote on key issues of politics, society, and the economy, and instead primarily on their interest in creating an orderly and peaceful social environment more conducive to the proclaiming of the gospel. We live in a world that is growing more complex by the day. What a blessing it is that our mission is so clear and concise.
“Father, God of peace. Dispense your peace on those individuals and authorities entrusted to governance in your world. Give them a spirit of humility and concern for your creation. Make them understand their roles and responsibilities in seeking to provide an orderly society. Help us to operate within that order to more effectively spread the gospel message. For your glory, Amen. “