Pray for Those “in Authority”

By Jeff Curtis

1Timothy 2:1-2 is a key verse regarding a Christian’s attitude toward civil government. Paul writes; “Therefore I exhort first of all those supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, ² for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” We should keep in mind that, the reigning emperor was Nero, whose vanity, cruelty and hostility to the Christian faith were widely known. Even so, Paul said to pray for him. Someone has said, “If you cannot respect the person, at least respect the position.”

Wherever we live, we should pray for whoever is serving as the head of authority. We should pray for his/her health. We should pray for him / her to have clearness of mind and make good decisions. We should pray that he / she will be more concerned about the country than their political ambitions. If they are a good leader, we can thank God for that. If they are less than they should be, we can pray that they will improve. Above all, we should pray for their salvation.

Paul also said in verse 2 that we should pray, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” Why is it important that we “lead a quiet and peaceable life?” Some may say that’s a strange question. Surely everyone wants a quiet and peaceable life. Paul likely had in mind a more serious purpose than just giving us the opportunity to enjoy life. The verses immediately following focus on God’s desire that all be saved (1Timothy 2:3-4). When the world is at peace, the church can meet without fear of persecution. When the world is at peace, we can talk freely to our neighbors and friends about the Lord. When the world is at peace, we can boldly preach the gospel and spread the news about Jesus Christ. Yes, we should pray for a “quiet and peaceable life,” not only for ourselves but also for our world.

Meditate on this:

Ephesians 2:10    

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

God’s Power

By Jeff Curtis

The book of Ezekiel depicts God’s great power. Although some doubted that God would act, He caused His holy city to be destroyed, sent His people into captivity, and then led them back to the Promised Land. Even though we live under the new covenant and God works differently than He did under the old covenant, He has not lost any of His power.

Through the power of God, the spiritually dead can live. Paul saw the Jews’ acceptance of Jesus as “life from the dead” (Romans 11:14-15). And also, the Ephesians were dead in their trespasses and sins until they were made alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:1-6). Let’s not join the faithless exiles in denying God’s power to raise the dead. Jesus taught the possibility of passing out of death into life (John 5:24-25).

Through the power of God, the physically dead will live. The book of Ezekiel doesn’t deal specifically with the resurrection of the dead at the last day, but, the same power of God, which restores the spiritually dead will affect the resurrection. The people living under the Old Testament were not without information on the resurrection of the dead (Job 14:14; Daniel 12:2). To us, God has given the words of John 5:28-29; “²⁸ Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice ²⁹ and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” Promising “a resurrection of life” to those who did good deeds and “a resurrection of judgment” for those who did evil.

The power of life and death are in God’s hands. He uses His great power to supply all that we need; “For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (Matthew 6:32). Faith in that power will allow the Christian to overcome.

Meditate on these things:

Psalm 119:9-10

⁹ How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
¹⁰ With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!

Last week I was asked to speak at the Port Royal congregation that meets in Spring Hill, Tn.

They asked me to speak on the topic of “Answers to Prayer.”

They received the message well, good comments from the ones I was able to speak with. Made several connections with the good people there to other people that I know from other areas.

I appreciate our elders allowing me the opportunity to speak at different locations when the invitation comes.

I have one more series that I have been invited to speak at.

The Westvue congregation on Kings Hwy. in Murfreesboro has invited me to speak September 29 (Sunday) through October 2 (Wednesday) in just a couple of weeks.

Let me say that I also appreciate the men who step up in my absence to fill a void when the preacher is away. Several churches don’t have this luxury and I’m thankful that we do have these men.