(1 Ti) 2:1, 4-7 CJB “First of all, then, I counsel that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all human beings, He wants all humanity to be delivered and come to full knowledge of the truth. For God is one; and there is but one Mediator between God and humanity, Yeshua the Messiah, himself human, who gave himself as a ransom on behalf of all, thus providing testimony to God’s purpose at just the right time. This is why I myself was appointed a proclaimer, even an emissary — I am telling the truth, not lying! — a trustworthy and truthful teacher of the Goyim.”

Pray, Trust, Share. These three simple actions summarize how Christians partner with God in His mission of reconciling the world to Himself. Paul urges believers to pray for all people, trust God’s saving purpose, and boldly proclaim the only Savior, Jesus Christ. God alone saves, but He has chosen to accomplish His work through the prayers and witness of His people.

Pray for All People

Paul begins with prayer. “First of all, then, I counsel that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all human beings.”

Prayer is not the last thing we do.

It is the first.

Every Christian should have a growing list of people for whom they pray regularly.

• Family members who need Christ.
• Friends who have wandered from God.
• Neighbors.
• Coworkers.
• Community leaders.
• Government officials.

Paul specifically reminds us to pray for those in authority.

We pray for their salvation.

We pray that God grants them wisdom.

We pray that He would preserve our freedom to worship Christ and proclaim His gospel without hindrance.

Prayer acknowledges that only God can open blind eyes and soften hard hearts.

Trust God’s Saving Purpose

Paul tells us that God “desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.”

This does not mean every person will ultimately be saved, for Scripture consistently teaches that salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. Rather, it reveals God’s gracious heart toward humanity and His delight in seeing sinners repent and believe the gospel.

Because God desires the salvation of people from every nation, tribe, and language, we never prejudge who may or may not respond.

We pray.

We preach.

We trust God with the results.

There is only one God.

Therefore there is only one Mediator between God and mankind:

Jesus Christ.

No religious system.

No philosophy.

No personal morality.

Only Jesus.

Share the Only Savior

Paul explains why he was appointed an apostle:

To proclaim Christ.

That same responsibility belongs to every believer.

Our message is not that Jesus is one option among many.

Our message is that He alone reconciles sinners to God.

This truth must be proclaimed with humility, love, and conviction.

Where false gods are worshiped, Christ must be proclaimed.

Where false religions promise salvation, Christ must be proclaimed.

Where secular culture claims man can save himself, Christ must be proclaimed.

The answer to every false hope is not another argument.

It is the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

As Peter declared, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

That message has never changed.

Neither has our mission.

Partnering with God

God could have proclaimed the gospel through angels.

Instead, He entrusted that privilege to His Church.

He invites us to participate in His redemptive work.

We pray.

We trust.

We share.

God answers prayer.

God changes hearts.

God reconciles sinners to Himself through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

What an incredible privilege to be His ambassadors.

Run Today’s Play

• Ask, who are the three people God has placed in my life that need me to consistently pray for them and intentionally share the gospel with them?
• Write down three names and begin praying for their salvation every day this week.
• Ask God to open one opportunity today to speak naturally and clearly about Jesus with someone who needs Him.