• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"Good and acceptable..."

Text: 1 Timothy 2:3

CONSCIOUSNESS OF GOD

The apostle Paul was most conscious of God in his life and ministry. His view about praying for rulers was expressed in the context of whether it would be acceptable in God’s sight.

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.”

1 Timothy 2:3

1. Many different views and responses

a) Paul was aware of the fact that there were many different views and responses.

i) There were those who were negatively inclined towards the government.

ii) There were others who led revolutions against the authorities.

iii) There were still others who were indifferent.

b) Paul’s view:-

i) He offered his view as an apostle.

ii) His view was truly spiritual.

iii) It was theologically defensible.

2. “For this is good and acceptable”

a) From a theological viewpoint.

b) From a spiritual standpoint.

3. “In the sight of God our Saviour”

a) This was the most important of all to the apostle Paul.

b) God’s viewpoint was given full consideration.

HOW DID PAUL ARRIVE AT THIS CONCLUSION?

Paul was an astute theologian. He would not have arrived at this conclusion without having studied and prayed about this carefully. Paul’s theological viewpoint is expressed clearly in his letter to the Romans. The following thoughts may be highlighted.

1. All are to be subjected to the governing authorities (Romans 13:1).

2. All authority is ultimately derived from the Lord Himself (Romans 13:1).

3. Resistance to the rulers is deemed as resistance to the ordinance of God (Romans 13:2).

4. Those who engage in violent resistance risk incurring judgment (Romans 13:2).

5. All who are in authority are seen as “servants of God” (Romans 13:4).

6. All are to practise civil obedience for conscience’s sake (Romans 13:5).