1 Timothy, Devo

Show A Follower Both

Show A Follower Both

1 TIMOTHY SCRIPTURE JOURNAL

By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. — 1 Timothy 1:19-20

How would you like to be these two guys? Somehow they got on the naughty list. Santa's not stopping at their house this Christmas. It sounds like Satan is. 

So I don't want to skip over the phrase "handed over to Satan." The meaning is a little cryptic. We don't know precisely what Paul means, but we can guess, given the context. It either infers that Paul prayed against their destructive doctrine so they would learn a lesson, or he had them put out of the assembly and left them to their own vices.

But remember, this is mentioned to Timothy in conjunction with the last text. Paul just gave Timothy a charge. He told him to act and believe in good conscience. But here, he illustrates to Timothy what acting and believing in corrupt conscience will do. Isn't this what all great leaders and mentors do with their disciples, children, and followers? They show them both. First, they show them what to do. Second, they show them what not to do. Because sometimes, we cannot imagine the results of actions and beliefs well done without seeing the consequences of actions and beliefs poorly done.

So if you are having trouble getting the people you lead to do what you want them to do, show them both. What to do, and what not to do. And then maybe they will see the importance of staying off the naughty list.

ASK THIS: Who do you need to show both to?

DO THIS: Share their first name below.

PRAY THIS: God, show me your ways and those that are not.

PLAY THIS: Show Me Your Glory.

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9 thoughts on “Show A Follower Both”

  3. Eddie Ackerman says:

    My kids and my in-laws. All professing believers, thanks be to God on that one, but not always acting as professing believers. My oldest son has an anger issue, my oldest daughter has a fear/anger issue, my in-laws have anger/bitter/foul language issues. I don’t know how exactly to speak into their lives, individually, so God, please help me find the words of encouragement as well as the words of admonishment and speak the truth IN LOVE. Amen.

  4. Massimo says:

    Paul and Timothy are a great representation of the mentor mentee relationship for us today. Mentors teach from their failures in-order to show the right way. To show the consequences of the wrong way in the hopes the mentee doesn’t repeat it in their lives. Sometimes we as people are so stubborn that we have to stop talking and encouraging and allow others to go and make their mistakes. I feel this is what Paul means when he said “give them over to Satan”. I could be wrong but he’s done talking and encouraging and allowing them the space to give in to the desires of the flesh.

  5. David L. Trima says:

    God blessed me with 4 daughters…..occasionally I would charge them with “remember who you belong to”

    • Chris Caliguire says:

      I’m 52 years old and my Dad would always say that to me! Every once in a while I would go golfing with a great friend, non believer, that I previously partied with in my past life. If Dad knew I was doing that, he’d always say that comment, He was so nervous I’d briefly stumble, but praise the Lord I didn’t. I’ve since had to ditch that friend, and my Dad is deceased, but you’re Daughters will always have that pinging in their head, even if sometimes you don’t get the response you desire. Good job!

  7. Jeffry G says:

    Over the years I’ve had people say “be a good example” my reply: “I’m always a good example; sometimes of what not to do. “

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