Young People's Group

Having a Deep Concern for People

by Mitchell Tan
August 12, 2016

PRAYING FOR ALL MEN

Young people, have you learned what it means to have a sense of concern for others? More often than not, we tend to be focused on ourselves rather than on others. It is a good thing to learn how to show more concern for people by expressing it in praying for them. This was something that Paul wrote about in 1 Timothy 2.

1. MAKING IT A PRIORITY TO PRAY FOR ALL MEN

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplication, prayers, intercession and giving of thanks be made for all men…”
1 Timothy 2:1

Paul saw it as a priority that all types of prayer should be made for all men. He had a deep concern for people who were in need. He challenged Timothy to learn to intercede and to supplicate for others. He also wrote of how he should give thanks for people and for leaders in authority. Young people, let’s learn to have a deep concern for all people that we may seek to pray for them.

2. SEEING HOW MAKING PRAYERS IS GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE TO GOD OUR SAVIOUR

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour”
1 Timothy 2:3

What is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour? It is learning to pray and give thanks for all men. It is to pray for leaders for our country that they may lead us well that we in turn may live a tranquil and peaceable life. God our Saviour sees practising prayer as something good and pleasing to Him. Young people, let’s seek to pray so much more for all people including our leaders.

UNDERSTANDING GOD’S WISH FOR ALL MEN TO BE SAVED

God is known as our Saviour because He is the grand architect behind redemption’s plan. In the New Testament, it was Mary who rejoiced in God as her Saviour (Luke 1:47). He was the one who initiated and brought about spiritual salvation through His Son, Mary being the mother of Jesus.

The Lord Jesus also spoke of how it was God who so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). God’s love is for the whole world and He wants everyone to come to believe in the Lord Jesus. This was what Paul wrote concerning God as Saviour.

1. HE DESIRES ALL MEN TO BE SAVED

“Who desires all men to be saved”
1 Timothy 2:4

The Lord God strongly desires all men to be saved from judgment and destruction. He does not wish that any soul should perish. This is the great grace and love of the Lord God. There is a strong sense of purpose in wanting people to be saved in Christ. This should also be our concern.

2. HE DESIRES ALL MEN TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH

“And to come to the knowledge of the truth”
1 Timothy 2:4

God also desires that people hear of the saving knowledge of the truth of the gospel. Paul wrote to the Ephesians of how when they heard the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation, and as they exercised faith, they were saved and were sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). Young people, let’s seek to know the truth of the gospel well and to share it with others that they too may be saved.

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