ONE GOD AND ONE MEDIATOR

Passage: 1 Timothy 2:1-7

Key verse: 5

NIV

Instructions on Worship

2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers,(A) intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority,(B) that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness(C) and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases(D) God our Savior,(E) 4 who wants(F) all people(G) to be saved(H) and to come to a knowledge of the truth.(I) 5 For there is one God(J) and one mediator(K) between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,(L) 6 who gave himself as a ransom(M) for all people. This has now been witnessed to(N) at the proper time.(O) 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying(P)—and a true and faithful teacher(Q) of the Gentiles.(R)

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

Pray for All People

2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 (A)for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and (B)dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and (C)it is pleasing in the sight of (D)God our Savior, 4 who desires (E)all people to be saved and (F)to come to (G)the knowledge of the truth. 5 For (H)there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man[a] Christ Jesus, 6 (I)who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is (J)the testimony given (K)at the proper time. 7 (L)For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle ((M)I am telling the truth, I am not lying), (N)a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

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Footnotes
  1. 1 Timothy 2:5 men and man render the same Greek word that is translated people in verses 1 and 4
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. God wants all people to be saved (1-4)

The gospel is for all people. Paul urged people to pray with this faith. The power of the gospel not only extends to all people, but God is sovereign over all things, including all earthly powers. The rulers of the world serve their own interests and their own authority. It pleases God when his people serve his purpose and trust in his sovereignty. God is ruling all things so that all people may be saved. It pleases God when we pray and act according to his will and with faith in his power.

2. Christ Jesus, a ransom for all people (5-7)

Jesus is the only mediator between God and mankind. Christ Jesus gave himself as a ransom for all people. His offering has the power to save all people from their sins. His suffering for our sins is the witness of the sovereign God in our times. Paul was given a specific task that was consistent with this truth. He was appointed as an apostle to the Gentiles. His Jewish heritage denied God's mercy to the Gentiles, but Paul served his mission wholeheartedly. He witnessed God's power to give life to the Gentiles through the gospel.

Prayer: Lord, you are ruling to save all mankind. Help me to serve your purpose and see your glory.

One Word: One God, one mediator