Read 1 Timothy 2:5-6. What three parties are mentioned in verse five?
Why is a "mediator" needed?
How did Jesus "give himself" as a ransom in verse six?
For whom was He given?
Was anyone excluded?
What difference does this make to us today?
How can you share this story with others?
Who can you pray for to receive such an incredible gift?
Read Matthew 15:25-28. How does Jesus initially react to this woman’s request?
What explains His behavior?
What was responsible for Jesus' change in response?
How can this incident give us confidence in approaching the Father in prayer?
Read 2 Timothy 2:11-13. Horton says, Horton’s Faithfulness: “I meant what I said, and I said what I meant, and an elephant’s faithful one hundred percent!”
How much greater is God’s faithfulness!
How does Paul describe the faithfulness of God in comparison to our own?
What does that tell us about God? About us?
What does that mean for God’s promises to us?
Read Matthew 5:44 and Matthew 15:21-23. How do the disciples make this woman feel small?
Why do they so easily dismiss her request?
Is there a political party, an ethnic group, another religious view that leads you to be tempted to look down on others?
In Matthew 5:44, Jesus tells us we express love for our enemies by praying for them?
Who is on your easy to dismiss list or your look down upon list that you need to pray for today?
Read 1 Timothy 2:3-4 and 2 Peter 3:9. Horton declares, “A person is a person no matter how small.”
How does that attitude line up with Paul’s and Peter’s word in these verses?
When are you tempted to put people in the “small” category of little or no consequence?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to put God’s value and worth on all people?
Read 1 Timothy 2:1-4. How does Paul’s words about prayer in the first two verses tie into God’s desire in verses three and four?
How do your daily prayers align with Paul’s direction here?
How can your prayer life grow to prayer for leaders and the Lord’s desire for all to be saved?
What will you pray for specifically today?