Lessons for a Healthy Church
Living in Peace
1 Timothy 2:1-15
Introduction: Last Sunday we learned that there are times we must confront error. But that doesn’t mean we are to be in a constant state of war with the world or with each other! Paul taught, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). However, without a relationship with the Prince of Peace we cannot be at peace, even with ourselves.
Proposition: By yielding ourselves to God as peacemakers, He can use us to make a difference.
1. In the world’s direction (verses 1-7)
Not unlike today, many in the world viewed the early church suspiciously. But they did so for different reasons.
Today there are two extremes in how the church is viewed:
· As a bunch of right-wing whackos that want to force a political and moral agenda (cite some examples)
· Or as an organization with enough wealth and influence that it can protect its own from child abuse and corruption (cite some examples)
In Paul’s day the church was looked upon as having two completely different problems:
· Many considered the church atheistic. Christians did not support the community’s official pagan temples, nor did they worship and make sacrifices to Caesar.
· Christians were also considered subversive. Their refusal to to along with the norms of their culture made them suspects of opposing the government and undermining the foundations of society.
When the church is seen more as a cult or political movement with an agenda, the good news about Jesus will not find a warm reception.
It is much like the Geico insurance commercials presenting people facing various difficulties. Along the way they encounter others who might offer solutions. They soon find out that their "saviors" are completely detached from their problems, and are only concerned about the money they saved on their car insurance!
The world thinks the church is a racket. We’ve got to offer more than the world thinks we can offer.
So what are we to do when people oppose us? PRAY.
· For the needs of non-Christians
· For the world’s leaders
· For the very ones who would persecute us
If the church is to live at peace in the world, we need God’s intervention in the hearts & lives of those who rule the world.
· Peter & John before the Sanhedrin: Acts 4:18-31
· Paul before Governor Festus & King Agrippa: Acts 26:24-29
People of prayer can change the world’s direction. Are we people of prayer? Charles Spurgeon said that in any congregation, the popularity of the preacher is seen by the Sunday morning attendance; the popularity of the church is seen by the Sunday evening attendance, and the popularity of God is seen by the prayer meeting attendance.
2. In people’s attitudes (verses 8-15)
The practice of praying for governors and kings might defuse the worst of the accusations against Christians, but would not destroy all the suspicions in the community. Paul recognized that it is important for Christians to “fit in” to their culture to give them some credibility.
· Men were to pray publicly with their hands upraised. Both Jews & pagans prayed this way; Paul saw no reason for Christians to act differently when they prayed to the true God.
· Paul wanted the men & women to behave & relate in a certain way. The church was accused of destroying the foundations of society: a) they encouraged slaves to defy their masters; b) they encouraged women to abandon their family obligations. (Note: A woman’s obligation in the home was akin to the obligation of a slave. And Christianity taught the revolutionary concept that all people are equal.)
Paul knew these accusations were false, so he reminded Timothy that conforming to the norms of society is completely acceptable as long as it does not cause Christians to forsake the principles & teachings of Jesus.
· What would we consider “modest” dress today? How would our standards relate to those of our ancestors 100 years ago?
· Paul’s instructions about women not speaking in church cannot be seen as an attempt to minimize the role of women. On the contrary, Jesus profoundly expanded it. (Give examples of Jesus lifting women to equal footing with men)
· Women had responsibilities equal to men in the church (see Acts 16:14-15, 18:24-26, Rom 16:1, 1 Cor, 11:5). Why the restrictions here? The women in Ephesus were involved in false teaching (1:3, 4:7). Paul wanted the women to learn, which was something the Jewish community in Ephesus would have deemed inappropriate.
Paul was determined that those outside the church could not make a legitimate accusation against the believers. May we work as fervently to protect the name and message of our Lord Jesus in this 21st century!
3. In the church’s goals (verses 3-4)
One single concern underlies all of Paul’s teachings to Timothy: The advance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that offers salvation to all people.
Paul wanted the church to live in peace with the world so that the Gospel might gain greater acceptance with those who needed it most.
· To that end, pray.
· To that end, don’t rock the boat.
How are we approaching the opportunity to worship? This is not 1906 or 1956; this is 2006.
· Aside from issues of modesty, do we expect people to "dress up" differently than they normally would? In the 1950’s & 1960’s, the men always came to church in suits & ties, and the women in dresses, gloves, & hats. Today’s world is a lot more casual and relaxed.
· Are we expecting people to sing songs that sound old and antiquated? In my generation, one of the most profound and controversial pieces of music ever written was the rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar." Some Christians utterly objected to it while non-Christians were drawn to Jesus by it. If we are going to reach out to the unsaved, we need to worship in a way that will catch the attention of their hearts.
· Are we frowning on free expressions of worship that are completely acceptable in the Scriptures and widely practiced in churches today?
· Yes, I am talking about changes. But changes for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus. Is the church about us or about Him? As a church and as individual Christians, let’s not ever be guilty of hindering the work or worship of Jesus Christ by our personal preferences!
Conclusion: Because Satan has such a grip on the world, there will never be total peace (see John 16:33). Yet that does not cancel out our call to be peacemakers. Peacemakers are God’s children (see Matthew 5:9).
Are you tired of all the fussin’ & fightin’ in your own life and in the world? Join God’s family today and discover the joy of wonderful peace!
Invitation: Wonderful Peace
Chorus
Peace Peace wonderful peace
Coming down from the Father above
Sweep over my spirit forever I pray
In fathomless billows of love
Verse 1
Far away in the depths
Of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than Psalm
In celestial like strains
It unceasingly falls
O’er my soul like an infinite calm
Verse 2
What a treasure I have
In this wonderful peace
Buried deep in the heart of my soul
So secure that no power can mine it away
While the years of eternity roll
Verse 3
I am resting tonight
In this wonderful peace
Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control
For I’m kept from all danger
By night and by day
And His glory is flooding my soul
Verse 4
And me-thinks when I rise
To that city of peace
Where the Author of peace I shall see
That one strain of the song
Which the ransomed will sing
In that heavenly kingdom shall be
Verse 5
Ah soul are you here
Without comfort or rest
Marching down the rough pathway of time
Make Jesus your friend
Ere the shadows grow dark
Oh accept this sweet peace so sublime
© Public Domain
W. George Cooper / Warren D. Cornell
