“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-7).
I read some years ago about a man who attended a parent-teacher gathering in a very progressive Montessori school. During the meeting the headmaster took it upon himself to explain the purpose of every aspect of the classroom experience. The purpose of this; the purpose of that. On and on he droned.
At the end of the presentation the parent in question raised his hand. “But sir,” he asked., “What is the purpose of all these purposes?” The principal was stumped.
The fundamental things so easily elude us: In developing every aspect of church life we can forget the ultimate purpose for which we exist: To proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). For that purpose every other purpose exists.
Here in this text we learn again that God wants everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. And what is the truth? “There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all.” This is the gospel handed down to us by Jesus and his apostles. There is no other (Galatians 1:7).
To this we are appointed as preachers and teachers. Let’s not forget what we’re here for.
David Roper
4.13.21
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