Scripture Read: 1 Timothy 2:3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Application: In this Scripture we see it stated very clearly that God desires all men to be saved. But what does that mean, can any desire of God's be frustrated? If God is God, then who could resist Him? This is the question that humans have asked for centuries. In the Church this question has spawned all kinds of explanations and “isms” that try to explain how the Sovereignty of God works alongside the choice of humans. I think it is desired by God that we stretch our minds and contemplate these weighty issues of Bible Doctrine, but we should neither argue over them nor delude ourselves into thinking that our explanation is the final word. How can finite figure out the Infinite? Father, I believe you desire us to have some fun stretching ourselves, but more importantly, consider the “truth” that is being communicated, even if we cannot understand it’s workings. When we consider what the word “desire” means we will come away with no doubt that in Your heart Lord, You wish all to know You.
Desire: θέλω thélō; To will, wish, desire, implying active volition and purpose.[1] God’s θέλειν is always characterized by absolute definiteness, sovereign self-assurance and efficacy.. It is resolute and complete willing.[2] The literal Greek is, “who wills all men” etc. It marks a determinate purpose.[3]
Sadly, we spend too much time arguing how this works instead of seeing Your heart Dad! I know that You choose us and we choose You, how that works I will most likely never understand, maybe not even in heaven, but what we can see is that it is Your will that all would come to a saving knowledge of You. The proof is in the price You paid! You withheld nothing, and You continue to extend grace to all, IF they will turn from their sin and trust You. Only God is powerful enough to supply a salvation that is open to all but forced on none! Father, lead us to spend our time sharing with all we know this great desire You have for all to come to You. We will leave the “how it works” to You!
Meditation Questions: How much time do you spend trying to figure God out, compared to the time you spend learning what He is and wants? Do we have to understand how salvation works to share the good news with people? Are we? When was the last time you were able to share with someone how much Jesus loves them? Do you believe when God state something in his word he means it? If not, why? If so, how do you treat that?
[1] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.
[2] Theological dictionary of the New Testament. 1964- (G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley & G. Friedrich, Ed.) (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
[3] Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest's word studies from the Greek New Testament : For the English reader (1 Ti 2:3). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
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