And I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service; although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. The grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
This instruction I commit to you, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which led the way to you, that by them you may wage the good warfare; holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust away made a shipwreck concerning the faith; of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I delivered to Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.
Prayer
Father, Lord Jesus, and Holy Spirit, hallowed be your name. Thank you for your example of Paul. Thank you for your example of Timothy. And thank you for the example of Hymenaeus and Alexander. Without a doubt, the overriding message from Paul to Timothy in his letters is that of doing everything in love. Help us achieve just such a love for our brothers and sisters—a love strong enough and with the will and the strength to care enough about people that when they’ve wandered off your path, to put them outside the church for a while until you can correct their bearings. Father, may this practice of church discipline always be done in humility and fear—a practical fear of you and our own ultimate judgment. May we always pray deeply and mournfully of such harsh things and may we move only when your Holy Spirit moves us. Amen.
