I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen. Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles. Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God.
1 Timothy 1:12-20 NLT
How much patience should we have with sin – in our own lives, and in the lives of those we love? Should we just “not judge” and let people do whatever they want? Paul was shown a lot of grace by God (vv.13-17) – the Lord was patient with Paul, rescued him from his ignorance, and used him as an example of God’s love and patience. But Paul says that he disciplined Alexander – and threw him out of church so that he would learn not to lie about God (v.20). Was Paul wrong in disciplining him?
Paul understood that grace doesn't mean tolerating false teaching—it must be addressed. God’s love includes discipline, as seen when Paul was punished with scales on his eyes. As a leader, Paul disciplined others with strength and love to guide them back to Jesus. Confronting false teaching requires courage, humility, and reliance on God’s strength. Paul urged Timothy to confront with love and boldness, a challenge we also face today.
How can you live in grace yet confront sin and false teaching? How grateful are you to Jesus for His patience and salvation for you?
