Unusual Tool

TODAY'S READING: 1 Timothy 1, 2, 3, 4

SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 1:18-20 (emphasis added)
¹⁸ Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, ¹⁹ holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. ²⁰ Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

OBSERVATION: So God uses Satan as a tool to teach people not to blaspheme? Hmm... Interesting to say the least! This scripture has flummoxed many a Christian. I've heard several explanations from theologians and pastors over the years as to the meaning of this. The one that makes the most sense to me is, "I'm not sure what this means, or the implications of this, but I would be careful about turning anyone over to Satan." I thought that was the most honest teaching on it. However, I think it may mean that if someone has known the Lord, and then goes astray, it is better to let them experience the full effects of their sin without trying to mitigate or rescue them from the consequences of it so that they will learn that serving and obeying the Lord is a much better way to live. The hope is restoration, not punishment. Sometimes, when people refuse to repent when confronted with their sin, experiencing the consequences of their sin is the only hope for bringing them to their senses.

APPLICATION: Whatever the meaning of this verse, I agree with whoever it was that I heard say that this is an extreme measure and one we should be extremely careful about employing. While my life experience has taught me that it is often true that rescuing someone from a bad situation that is a direct result of their own disobedience is a sure way of interfering with what God wants to do in them, it is also true that God often wants us to help people who have problems, even of their own making, in order to show them the love and forgiveness of Christ. So, what are we to do? PRAY! Each situation needs to be brought before God and we need to listen for his instruction.

PRAYER: Father, give me wisdom! I want to be obedient to you in every situation. I do not know what each individual needs and how you have been dealing with them in their lives. Give me insight and let me function fully in the gifts of the Spirit. Make me an agent of reconciliation and restoration in your kingdom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.