1 Timothy 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
I Timothy 2:3 reveals the proper pronoun for the “Who” found in the prior verse. Simply put, God desires for all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Jesus died so that we might live. He made the ultimate sacrifice for us to be saved. This is the nature of the Lord in that His great desire is to seek and to save that which is lost. He is tender in mercy; long-suffering in disposition; and forgiving in action. Jesus is the Savior Who will have all men to be saved. His intention is clear. The question is not whether Jesus will allow the sinner to be saved. The question is whether we will have all to be saved. God will, but will we?
I’ve lost a little apprehension in my older years so I’ll just say it with clarity: What are we willing to give up so that someone can be reached, saved, and restored? Where is our sacrifice and how can we claim to believe in the Cross and not lead people to it? It is not enough to learn about Jesus; we must teach others about Him. It is insufficient to know the truth and not share the truth.
Calvary demands a witness. Someone must teach them the words of Jesus in John 3, “You must be born again of the water and the Spirit.” Someone must disciple and cultivate a relationship with those who do not understand this great Gospel. It’s more than just inviting people to church. Reaching people means time spent and effort exerted. It means prayer and breaking through the forces of darkness until they see the light. The world is filled with layers of guilt, shame, confusion, and false concepts and we must be His witnesses. Jesus said pray for laborers, not the harvest.
I’m calling out to the Body of Christ to push away from personal pursuits. We must reach the lost with the name of Jesus. God will. Will we?
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole
