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Daily Devotions

1 Timothy

1 Timothy 
Day 
Day 26

"Supplications, prayers, intercessions..."

Text: 1 Timothy 2:1

THE PRIMACY OF PRAYER

The apostle Paul had urged Timothy to minister in Ephesus because of the threat of false teachers. The need to wage a good spiritual warfare against false teachers was paramount in Paul’s mind. After setting the context of Timothy’s ministry in Ephesus, Paul highlighted the primacy of prayer in life and ministry.

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.”

1 Timothy 2:1

1. “Therefore”

a) The word “therefore” is an inferential particle.
b) In the previous chapter Paul gave clear instructions to Timothy.
i) He must understand the problems that threatened the church in Ephesus.
ii) He must not be afraid of the false teachers but dare to engage them in battle.
c) Because of the challenges Timothy must “therefore” pray.

2. “I exhort first of all”

a) This underscores the primacy of prayer.
b) He must seek to teach well to counter false teachings.
c) He must confront false teachers.
d) But first of all he must learn how to pray.

.

i) Praying invokes the name of the Lord
ii) Praying acknowledges the need to ask for God’s help.

3. Four different types of prayer

Four aspects were highlighted. However, prayer is not limited to just these four aspects!

a) Supplications

This suggests intensity of effort in prayer.

b) Prayers

This is to make requests of God.

c) Intercessions

This is to plead on behalf of others.

d) Giving of thanks

It is natural that we should give thanks to God for hearing and answering prayers.

4. “Be made for all men”

This highlights prayer as a ministry. Prayer for personal needs does not constitute a ministry. However praying for others would certainly indicate ministry. Prayer is a ministry that ought to be cultivated diligently.