“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,” (1 Timothy 2:1–3 (ESV).
As children, we wanted to hear someone say we had done a good job. We wanted to know an individual was pleased with us. Perhaps it was when you sang a solo in a church, or school, Christmas program. Or maybe it was when you performed well in a given sport. You scored a goal, hit a home run, threw a touchdown pass, made a game saving tackle, or made a game winning basket from the free throw line.
As adults, we too enjoy hearing these words: good job, well done, or outstanding effort and achievement. There is a sense of inner satisfaction in such a recognition.
The Scriptures clearly indicate the believers’ aim and goal in life is to please the Lord. Here is but a sampling.
Proverbs 16:7 (ESV0 – “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
2 Corinthians 5:8–9 (ESV) – “8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.
Galatians 1:10 (ESV) – “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ”
Colossians 3:23–24 (ESV) – “23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
When the Apostle Paul gave Timothy instructions about praying for political leaders and those in government service, he also provided an incentive for his young protégé to do so. Praying for such officials, whether they were good or bad, was good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.
For God to call something good (καλὸν; kalon) means it is beautiful, praiseworthy and fitting. Therefore, it is a good, beautiful, praiseworthy and fitting thing to pray for presidents, governors, mayors and other government officials. For God to call something pleasing (ἀπόδεκτον; apodekton) means it is pleasant, welcomed and acceptable.
“To the eye of God such praying is excellent or admirable. To his heart it is acceptable, most welcome. This stands to reason, for his name is “God, our Savior” (see on 1 Tim: 1:1). Though men may at times feel inclined to skip prayer for kings and those who are in authority, especially when the co-operation from the side of princes is not what it should be, in God’s sight the matter looks differently. He does not see things as we see them (1 Sam. 16:7). In more ways than one, conditions of tranquility and calm promote the spread of the gospel of salvation,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.[1]
“As in modern times, some in the Ephesian church were prepared to question the validity of a prayer for the salvation of all men. Thus, Paul defended his instructions by pointing out that such a prayer is good, and pleases God our Savior (cf. 1:1). Literally, the Greek says that such a prayer is “acceptable before” (in the presence of) God. Many prayers are unacceptable to God, but not this one.”[2]
Do you want to please God? One way we can certainly do so is by praying for those individuals He has sovereignly placed in government (Dan.2:20-23; Rom. 13:1-2). Instead of criticizing them, how about praying for them. I may not agree with a politician’s platform, but I can certainly pray for their soul and for their salvation in Christ. I can also pray for the Lord to give the leaders He has appointed to lead with His wisdom.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 95.
[2] A. Duane Litfin, “1 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 734.
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