1 Timothy 2:1-4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that 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. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that 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. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Not only are we to wage the warfare with those in the church who stray or mislead, we are to get on our knees and fight the good fight for all outside the body. This means we ask for guidance, help, and the needs of our leaders, regardless of how godly they appear. Those outside of Christ are not to be judged, but lifted to the throne of mercy and grace, if perhaps God will grant them repentance to salvation. The side effect of leaders whose hearts are guided like rivers by God is a quieter life for the believers, with some life moments of quit and peace. Of course, we still face certain persecution for the testimony of Jesus Christ, for the gospel condemns all as sinners with Christ’s work and righteousness as the impetus to stir up the pride of fallen man against us. But we pray, knowing God’s ultimate love and desire would be that all know the truth of our nature and standing in the knowledge of the Holy One. We pray for Him to call His people out of all positions of earthly authority to subjugate themselves to His sovereign authority and grace.
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