Therefore, 

I want the men in every place to pray, 

lifting up holy hands without anger or argument. 

1 Timothy 2:8 CSB

Whenever there's a "therefore" we need to check what it's there for.

Paul is writing to Timothy to stay in Ephesus to stand against false teachers. Paul shared his own testimony, reminded Timothy it's going to be a battle, gives some thoughts on prayer, reminds him of who Jesus is, and then that he is called to teach "gentiles", people who are not Jewish, who haven't had what we call the Old Testament.

In these churches in Ephesus there's some things Paul is asking Timothy to address.

Seems that the men aren't praying, or when they do theyre making a point about something or they are angry about something.

Paul has just talked about praying for others, wanting everyone in the Kingdom, and it seems that some in the church are more about their own agenda.

So when we get together do I come with my agenda, or am I there to lift holy hands, to praise God, to put my stuff down, my pet project, my way of wanting things done in church, and come to worship the One who gave his life for my freedom?

#letters

#lettertoTimothy

#freedomishere

#therefore

#thereforeLoveGodandLovePeople