PRAY for OUR NATION           	Pastor Bob Chroninger 
Trinity C.U.  4-29-01  A.M.   		1 Timothy 2:1-8    	
	People all over the world live under various kinds of governments and the Bible doesn't define 
the "right" one.  The Jewish nation was to be a "theocracy".. Jehovah God was to be their "King".  They 
rejected God and called for a king of their own. 
	It really doesn't matter... Monarchy... Oligarchy... Dictatorship... or Democracy... if people don't live 
by godly rules... the system ends up being Anarchy.. (political disorder, violence and lawlessness)  It 
appears that the U.S.A. is on a "slippery slope" leading to "anarchy" because few are willing to abide by 
the "rules" or are "hell-bent" on making their own godless rules...  
	WE NEED TO PRAY FOR OUR NATION... AND OUR WORLD... 
I.  BECAUSE WE LIVE UNDER THEIR AUTHORITY...  vs.2 
  A. Everyone is to be subject to the "higher powers"  Ro.13:1 
    1. There is no power but of God... 
	- The powers that be are ordained of God.. !!  (Even The Roman Emperor) 
  B. Everyone who resists the power.. resists God (?) WOW !!  Ro.13:2 
	- And the "resisters" condemn themselves !! 
  C. Everyone is to be "subject"... 
	- Not just for fear of punishment..  Ro.13:5 
	- But.. for conscience sake.. vs. 5;  1Pet.2:13-16; Titus 3:1; Heb.13:17 
  ** However.. we ought to obey God rather than men  Acts.4:19,20; 5:29
II.  BECAUSE RULERS ARE TO PROMOTE "GOOD" RATHER THAN "EVIL"  Ro.13:3 
  A. They are to be a "terror" to the evil.. not the good !! 
    1. They need to be filled with the knowledge of God's will . Col.1:9 
  B. They are "ministers" of God... for good.  Ro.13:4 
    1. They need to know what is "right and what is wrong" 
    2. They are to promote the "good" and punish the "evil"..  
	- 1 Pet 2:14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, 
	   and for the praise of them that do well. (KJV) 
	- "he beareth not the sword in vain."  Ro.13:4 
	- "he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." 
 ** They will recieve their own judgment from God to whom they are accountable !!
III.  BECAUSE WE HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO SHARE THE GOSPEL... 1Tim.2: 
  A. And.. A Peaceful Place Makes It Easier.. 
	- Psalms 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. (KJV) 
    1. "That we may lead a quiet and peaceful life.."  1Tim.2:2 
	- One that reveals godliness and honesty !! 
  B. And.. It Is Good And Acceptable In The Sight of God our Savior. 2:3 
    1. Why?.. Because He wants all ... 
	- To be saved.. vs.4  (from the penalty, the power, the presence of sin) 
	- To come unto the knowledge of the truth.. 
    2. Why?.. Because..  1Tim.2:5 
	- There is one God... 
	- There is one mediator between God and men... 
	- There is one.. the man Christ Jesus... who gave himself a ransom for all.. 
  C. And.. Therefore.. Men... pray everywhere 
    1. Lifting up holy hands... be right yourself.. (myself) 
    2. Without wrath..(animosity.. anger.. grudges...) or doubting 

WE LIVE IN A COUNTRY WITH A GREAT HERITAGE.. A GODLY HERITAGE... 
   WE ARE SEEING THOSE VALUES BEING ATTACKED AND ERODED... 
	(In politics; In education; In the justice system; In society as a whole) 
      WE NEED TO PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS, OUR PEOPLE, OUR CHURCHES, 
	AND OUR WORLD!