Tag: discipline

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1 Timothy 1:20 – Curse or Consequence?

Picture (renaissance style) of two people standing apart from the congregation. (Grok)

Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

Summary: Paul’s language in this passage may seem abrupt, but it is rooted in deep biblical precedent. God sometimes uses what feels like a curse to teach us the consequences of disobedience.   

There are a lot of questions that come to mind as we read Paul’s words in this passage. Who were Hymenaeus and Alexander? What had they done? What does it mean to “blaspheme”? What does it mean to have someone over to Satan? What can Satan teach us, and how does he do it? 

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Colossians 2:5b – Pleasing Jesus

… and delight to see how disciplined you are …

Summary: Words often can be used in more than one way. The word “discipline” is one of those words. Paul is not thinking of external discipline, but the kind that flows naturally from a loving heart.

One definition of the word “disciplined” might be “Doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done.” That is a rather gentle definition and one that Paul might have liked. Another definition he might have liked is that being disciplined is like “knowing your place.” 

When people of faith are disciplined, they work together without complaint. Each person is content, knowing that they are part of the body of Christ, and following the Spirit’s lead. The “feet” do not wish they were a “hand,” and the “hands” do not complain because they are not “eyes” (1 Corinthians 12:12-26).

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