Wednesday 24th January 2024
PRAY FOR SALVATION
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 Timothy 2:3–4
Paul encouraged prayer for all groups of people in the preceding verses. He now affirms that it is good for us to pray for all people to come to the saving knowledge of Christ. There are some observations from the passage that tell us why we must be occupied with praying for all people:
• God’s desire is for everyone to be saved – “who desires all men to be saved.”
God wants the world to experience what He has already done for them. Our salvation was secured when Christ died in our place that we should no longer live in sin and bondage but in righteousness and freedom.
• Pray for the salvation of sinners – “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.”
Jesus showed us the perfect example when He prayed for the forgiveness of those who were nailing Him to the cross. He could have prayed for the Father to destroy those who were hurting Him, but He chose to pray for their forgiveness. In addition, the Lord offered salvation to the thief on the cross who asked to be accepted in His Kingdom.
• Pray for people to come to the knowledge of the truth – Jesus is the Messiah.
The One who came, lived among us, died, rose again, and will return. There are many ideas in our world competing for attention. Sometimes, in people’s quest for spiritual knowledge, they turn to false beliefs. As we seek to bring people to salvation, we must specifically pray that they come into contact with the truth of the gospel. Although God is able to do all things by Himself, He chooses to work with and through His children to accomplish His purposes on earth. Our prayers for the salvation of people are an important part of his plan to save them.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your priceless gift of salvation. Use me to draw people to your grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 2
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