Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-8

1) I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2) for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3) This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4) who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5) For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6) who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. 7) And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles. 8) I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.

God is not looking for or at our past transgressions – God is in the business of redemption, not condemnation!

This seemingly unremarkable passage packs a punch when we understand the power of Paul’s declaration that Jesus, the only mediator between God and man, died for all men – God wants everybody to be saved. Again, this simply means that God wants everybody to know God and to be in right relationship. Jesus sacrificed his life for all of us, from the most vile to the most benign.

In the previous chapter, Paul contends that God saved him, a persecutor and blasphemer and aggressor – Paul was shown mercy because he acted out of ignorance and unbelief. If he could be forgiven, saved and used by God, all of us can. Over and over we’ve said, at Desert Oasis Chapel, that God is not looking for or at our past transgressions – God is in the business of redemption, not condemnation! God is a lot quicker to forgive your sins than some of us are to forgive our own – or others’ sins.

But this letter is not a declaration of universalism. Paul puts his readers on notice that certain continuous and unrepentant behaviors – those whose actions violate God and do evil to other people – remain under “the law” and will not be forgiven. The list includes those who profane (call holy that which is not holy and vice versa), those who murder, liars against others’ reputations and those who kidnap children or adults. It also includes adulterers and perverts. We spent that past two weeks identifying that Paul was addressing, in 1 Timothy, men who sexually violate others for their own gratification or purpose. It does not refer to any man who consensually enters into a sexual relationship or encounter with another man. This rogue’s list of perpetrators does not include normal gay guys who have sex. And it doesn’t talk about women at all.

God is not looking for ways to trip us up. God wants us to rise to a standard that’s honorable – to be quick to pray, give thanks, and forgive others and to be slow to anger or bicker. Opposite of the world! Does God ask too much? As we get to know God, we find He gives so much.