Paul Handles Harmful People (2 Tim. 4:14-15)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 9-24-02

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  Harmful people

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  2Timothy 4:14,15

 

            Message of the verse:  “14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.  15 Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching.”

            Paul had mentioned an Alexander in 1Timothy 1:20 whom he had turned over to Satan.  Some commentators have suggested that this could be the same man and others say no because he calls this man a coppersmith, which some believe is an idol maker.  (Compare Acts 19:24)  “For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing no little business to the craftsmen.”

I like the way that the NLT has this verse:  “Alexander the coppersmith has done me much harm, but the Lord will judge him for what he has done.”  The point is that Paul knew that his life was in the hands of the Lord and even though this man had done harm to Paul he knew that it was up to the Lord to take care of what He wanted to do for him and not Paul.  He does however point this out to Timothy so he will not get around him.  There is speculation as to what this man had done to Paul, as some think it had something to do with Paul’s trial, being a false wittiness or something of that nature. 

 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  I believe that the way Paul dealt with this man is the point of this verse for me today.  I am sure that he was angry with him, but he left the outcome of his offence with the Lord.  I know that if left up to a natural man this would not be possible, but in the power of the Holy Spirit he could do this.  I think of the Lord Jesus Christ, and how he dealt with those who crucified Him when He said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”  The Lord knew the whole picture and so He endured the crucifixion, and thus Paul knew the Lord knew the whole picture here and left this situation in the Lord’s hands.

           

            I could see the Lord Jesus in the Word of God today.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  I trust the Lord to give me wisdom as I work with the men today on our shed.  I trust the Lord to give me victory over fear and lustful thoughts today.