hink back over the last few discussions you have had on the subject of politics, and then reflect on the character of those conversations. Most, if not all of them, were probably made up of complaints about the government and disparaging remarks about various elected officials. From one perspective, there is a lot to complain about. We have seen gross immorality enacted into law, and God's word listed as contraband. But this is not God's perspective. When we Christians grumble about civil government, we forget that all the wrong and rebellious acts of evil governments are vanity, and that the Lord laughs at their efforts (Ps. 2:1-4). We forget the sovereignty of God.
When we approach the problems in government in this way, we violate at least two commandments. The first is negative. It is a prohibition of a certain behavior. You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people (Exodus 22:28; cf. Acts 23:1-5). Our rulers are God's representatives on earth. (Rom. 13:4). They are appointed by Him and owe their allegiance to Him (Dan. 4:17). Since God has placed them in that position for His glory and our blessing, we are not allowed to revile them.
The second biblical requirement we violate by complaining is affirmative: it tells us what we must do instead of complaining.
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 (1 Tim. 2:1-4).
Paul applies this command to all men, but he lays special emphasis on coming before God with supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving for kings and all who are in authority. This is a far cry from offering complaints. Notice that this command is not conditioned upon the authorities being good authorities. It is absolute. We must give thanks for our leaders whether they are good or bad, wise or foolish. We must intercede for them before the throne of grace, asking God to give them wisdom in their office and, where necessary, to bring them to repentance. And when we hear our brethren complaining, we must exhort them also to pray.
Paul tells us at the end of this exhortation: that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. Praying in this way produces a specific result: peace for Christians. If we give thanks for and intercede on behalf of our rulers, they will leave us alone. But the peace is also broader than this. Living a peaceable and quiet life requires more than simply leaving the Christians alone. It requires peace and stability throughout the whole jurisdiction. It will not be possible for scattered households or communities to be at peace while the rest of the land is in chaos. The whole nation must have peace. Praying according to this verse brings that result.
While this is the desirable end of the prayer, we should pray in this manner ultimately because it is pleasing to God: 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 (1 Tim. 2:3-4). Praying in this manner is one of the means by which God will accomplish His salvation. Praying for kings and all who are in authority facilitates the spread of the gospel. When the government is at peace, Christians are freer to move throughout the realm and preach the word.
Look back at the beginning of this passage. Paul begins with the word "therefore." Why was Paul giving this exhortation to Timothy? The answer is found at the beginning of the epistle. As I urged you when I went into Macedonia -- remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith (1 Tim. 1:3-4; cf. 1:18). Paul had left Timothy to perform the task of preventing the dissemination of false doctrine. In order to accomplish this task, it was necessary that Timothy have the ability to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. Paul instructed Timothy in how he should pray in order to achieve that end.
In addition to teaching us that we must pray for the authorities, this passage provides us with a wonderful example of the depth and breadth of the providence of God in salvation. Jesus assured us that none of His sheep, the elect, will be lost (John 10:29).
We are also told that the sheep hear and know Jesus' voice, and that faith comes through the hearing of the gospel (John 10:27; Rom. 10:17). This passage in 1 Timothy reveals that the preaching of the gospel, and thus the salvation of men, is facilitated by giving thanks and making supplications, prayers, and intercessions for all men, for kings and all who are in authority. We see revealed in this passage one of the means by which God will establish his pre-ordained end.
When we see the folly that goes on in civil government (and there is much to see), we must not forget that God is sovereign and that He has established His own King and given Him the nations for His inheritance and the ends of the earth for His possession (Ps. 2:6-8).
When we adopt the world's strategy -- complaining -- we forget that God has ordained civil governments to accomplish His
purpose. If they are not accomplishing that purpose, He has given us the means, through prayer, to effect a change.
