Holy Hands – 1 Tim 2:8

I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting

This statement by Paul follows his exhortation that we pray for all sorts of people. My focus this evening – what is meant by “holy hands”? The primary definition of “holy” is very similar and related to “sacred.” Both primarily mean set apart from common use to God’s use.

G40 ἅγιος hagios (ha'-ǰiy-os) adj. holy (set apart by Yahweh God unto himself and apart from the world).

1 Tim 2:8 says men lifting up holy hands are to be without wrath/anger and doubting. This reinforces the definition of holy – being devoted to God pushes fleshly impulses aside.

Short message linked to this sentence.  

Righteousness, holiness, sanctification.

Righteousness, Holiness, and Sanctification. Gifts of God to us and works of God within us. Be confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

This sermon can be listened to here

Biblical Gospel

What is more important to those made in God’s image than being cleansed from the sin that stains and separates us from our Creator? Jesus said it’s more important than the whole world! And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels (Luke 9:23-26.) If we take God at His Word, we will want to get this part right. Proclaiming His message of reconciliation is the only role He has given us in His grand plan of redemption. We can’t save anyone’s soul, we can’t know who God will save. All we can do, and it is a glorious privilege, is to be faithful with His Gospel, trusting Him to do what only He can do.

Listen to this message here.