When was the last time you found yourself criticizing those

in authority? You know, the Bible has clear and often uncomfortable commands

concerning our response to leadership. Today, Alistair Begg explores those

commands as we look at the Apostle Paul's advice to a young pastor named Timothy.

Can I encourage you to take your Bibles and turn to 1 Timothy chapter 2 where

we continue our studies and we're going to read the first eight verses. Paul is

writing to Timothy as a young pastor facing the potential confusion and

controversy of some within his church who are raising their ugly heads and

causing trouble. I urge then, first of all, that requests prayers, intercession and

thanksgiving be made for everyone, for kings and all those in authority that we

may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and

pleases God our Savior who wants all men to be saved and to come to a

knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and

men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men, the testimony

given in its proper time. And for this purpose, I was appointed a herald and an

apostle. I'm telling the truth, I'm not lying, and a teacher of the true faith

to the Gentiles. I want man everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer without

anger or disputing. Father, before we turn to the word of the Lord, we turn to

you, the Lord of the Word and acknowledge that without your help, we can do

nothing as we ought. And so we pray that you would help in speaking and hearing in

understanding and in obeying for Jesus' sake. Amen. I have just two main

headings this morning with three subpoints under each, but I want, first of all, to

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