Kansas City, Missouri, United States - Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living - “No Jesus, No Peace” – Sunday, 22 June 2014 - Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-15

Kansas City, Missouri, United States - Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living - “No Jesus, No Peace” – Sunday, 22 June 2014 - Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: 2 for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 4 who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all; the testimony in its own times; 7 to which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth in Christ, not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
8 I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting. 9 In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety; not just[1 Timothy 2:9 The word “just” is inserted here in English to preserve the meaning of the whole original Greek sentence in context. The word for “not” is the negative particle “μη” which denies an expected idea, as opposed to the usual word for “not” (ου) which denies a fact. Thus “μη” in this context is denying an expected idea (that women can be properly dressed without good works).] with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing; 10 but (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works. 11 Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection. 12 But I don’t permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 Adam wasn’t deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; 15 but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.
“No Jesus, No Peace” by Brian Charette
The “No Jesus, No Peace/Know Jesus, Know Peace” bumper sticker may be an unwitting commentary on a foundational New Testament text: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).
According to Thayer’s Lexicon* the Greek word translated “mediator,” in the text is a form of the Greek mesitays, [mess-EE-tace] “one who intervenes between two, in order to make or restore peace.” That is what Jesus has accomplished. It couldn't have been accompished by any other or in any other way. He has provided an opportunity for people to be at peace with God.
Imagine it.
If that doesn’t inspire a passionate pursuit of Christ, perhaps thinking of the absence of peace with God will provide more of a jolt. What must a life (or an eternity) of war with God be like? That’s opposite of peace, isn’t it? Apart from Christ, one has no peace with God, and that goes far beyond a passive apathy or agnosticism—it's a raging conflict with God, himself.
With that as an alternative, give me Jesus.

* J. Thayer, Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Hendrickson, 1996)

Hymn for Today:

“Give Me Jesus” by Fanny Crosby
1. Take the world, but give me Jesus,
All its joys are but a name;
But His love abideth ever,
Through eternal years the same. 
Refrain:
Oh, the height and depth of mercy!
Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption,
Pledge of endless life above!
2. Take the world, but give me Jesus,
Sweetest comfort of my soul;
With my Savior watching o’er me,
I can sing though billows roll.
Refrain:
Oh, the height and depth of mercy!
Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption,
Pledge of endless life above!
3. Take the world, but give me Jesus,
Let me view His constant smile;
Then throughout my pilgrim journey
Light will cheer me all the while.
Refrain:
Oh, the height and depth of mercy!
Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption,
Pledge of endless life above!
4. Take the world, but give me Jesus;
In His cross my trust shall be,
Till, with clearer, brighter vision,
Face to face my Lord I see.
Refrain:
Oh, the height and depth of mercy!
Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption,
Pledge of endless life above!
Thought for Today:
“Through Christ, the chief of sinners may approach God with confidence, and feel perfect peace” (J. C. Ryle)
Prayer Needs:
Many people in Ghana will come to know Jesus the Christ, Yeshua the Messiah, and receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
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