To Save All People

[전승훈2]

Summary:
Paul urges that prayers, petitions, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, including kings and all those in authority, so that believers may live peaceful and quiet lives in godliness and dignity. Such prayer is good and acceptable to God, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.


Teaching:
The instruction to pray for kings and those in authority does not mean that they should take priority in our prayers. Rather, we are to pray that presidents, politicians, and public officials will have a favorable attitude toward the church, allowing it to spread the gospel effectively. We should also pray for political leaders and nations that do not interfere with places of worship or church systems that enable the gospel to be proclaimed.

The reason there are no churches in North Korea is that its political leaders eradicated them. This is why it is extremely important to pray for kings and all those in positions of authority.

Therefore, the church should not hastily oppose or despise political leaders simply because their political beliefs differ from ours or because they are hostile toward the church. Instead, the church must respond to them wisely and seek ways to encourage them to view the church favorably.

The expression‎ “to be saved” is passive, whereas “to know the truth” is active. In other words, salvation is something God must accomplish for us. Once we have received salvation, we must actively acquire the knowledge of the truth.

Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Aug 20, 2026
1 Timothy 2:1-4