One God and One Mediator

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. [1 Timothy 2.1-6]

There is a powerful truth hidden in this passage that many never realize. So, let's have a look at it!

First, we really need to back up to verse 18 of chapter 1 to remain in context of what is being said in chapter 2:

Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles. [1 Timothy 1.18]

So, Paul's instructions about prayer in chapter 2 are to equip Timothy to fight well in the Lord's battles. Who's battles? God's. They are not our battles - we work and fight for God. Paul's words encourage us not only to fight, but to fight well.

With the information above now established, consider chapter 2. Prayer is how we engage in God's battles! The prayer Paul encourages is specific: to ask for help and to intercede for all people. He also specifies that thanks should be given for all people. Paul explains the necessity of praying this way for those in authority. He goes on to declare the goodness of engaging God in this way because God wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. This is all remarkable in what it reveals...

There is more however.

Beginning with verse 5 of chapter 2 we see something of significant Kingdom importance. Paul says, For, there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 

What is a mediator? It would be one who intercedes on behalf of others.

But isn't that what Paul told Timothy to do? YES IT IS. 

Pay attention to this! Paul told Timothy to intercede - to mediate on behalf of all people - and then went on to say there is one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 

Why did Paul say this? What does this mean? Was it a mistake? Absolutely not!

When we intercede on behalf of others, we are taking up our cross and following Jesus. We are doing the works of Jesus. We are being Jesus Christ reconciling the world to God!

Pretty cool, huh? It is the Word of God and it is true. But we must live it.

Father, help me to live a life worthy of Your call. Let those I encounter see and experience only Jesus.