I’ve mentioned before about reading the Bible and seeing something new. I love when that happens…at least most of the time.
This morning’s reading was 1 Timothy 1-3. Paul is writing to Timothy who is a young man Paul seems to love very much. The letter is full of good advice for any of us. But I came across verses 19 and 20 in chapter one and had to read them several times.
holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
What does it mean to be ‘handed over to satan?’ What happens when you’re handed over? How was Paul able to do that? Or was he? Do we learn a lesson when we’re ‘handed over to satan?’ Have I ever handed anyone over to satan? Maybe.
In thinking about this concept, I suppose we have all ‘handed someone over to satan.’ We’ve given up on trying to make them see right from wrong according to the Bible. We’ve given up on trying to help them help themselves. We hand them over hoping they will learn a lesson and come to God or come back to Him.
Maybe we don’t ever give up on them though. We keep on praying God will work His wonders in their life and show Himself to them.
I don’t want to be handed over to satan. I think I’d rather God taught me lessons to learn as He does each day with love.
I don’t think I’d like satan’s teaching methods.