1 Timothy 2:1-7 – One Mediator
Verse 5 of today’s reading begins with the word “For.” When used (as it is here) as a conjunction, the word “for” indicates that what the writer has just said is true because what he is about to say is true. In this case, verses 1-4 are true because verses 5and 6 are true. Therefore, we’ll consider verses 5-6, today, before dealing with the rest of this passage tomorrow.
First, Paul says there is one God. This is revealed throughout Scripture – there is only one God; all other gods are false. Second, there is one Mediator between God and men. This might be better translated, “For God is also the one Mediator between God and mankind.” In other words, God, Himself, is the only Mediator (the only go-between) between God and human beings. Third, that Mediator who is God, Himself, is also a man (literally, “human being”). So, the one Mediator between God and mankind is both divine and human. Lastly, this God-Man is Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all. Thus, we have the most profound of teachings: God, Himself became human so that He could mediate between mankind and Himself. There is no other possible Mediator between God and mankind, because no one else is both God and human. Only the God-Man Jesus Christ can reconcile sinners to our Holy Creator.
Many people are happy to accept that Jesus Christ may be one of many ways to God, but this is not what God tells us. It is vain and foolish to think that there could be anyone else who could properly mediate between God and mankind, for there is no one else who is both God and Man. God has graciously come to us in the Person of Jesus Christ. Let us gladly accept this free gift of Himself (and accept that He knows how many ways he has made between Himself and humankind). For One God is also the only Mediator between God and mankind – the Man Christ Jesus.
Questions
1. How many mediators between God and mankind are there?
2. Who is the only Mediator between God and mankind?
3. Why is He the only possible mediator?
Prayer Points
1. Pray that Christ will be known as the only Mediator between God and mankind.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.