Blasphemy

 1 Timothy 1:20 ESV

 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.


This is a scary verse. How were Hymanaeus and Alexander blaspheming? We're not explicitly told, but there are hints in context. 

The Apostle Paul wrote about the importance of holding fast to the faith and to a good conscience. It's not enough to profess faith in Jesus. We need to have good consciences.

Hymanaeus is mentioned in 2 Timothy (assuming it's the same person) as someone who claimed the resurrection of the dead had already taken place. He denied the faith, and shipwrecked his spiritual life. True faith and good conscience go together like horse and carriage.

Alexander, we can reckon, is the same Alexander as in 2 Timothy, who did Paul a great deal of harm and strongly opposed his message. What we believe matters. It will impact on how we act.

'Lord God Almighty, help us to realise that we do what we believe in. Help us to repent of wrongdoing, and hold on to the faith. For we pray in Jesus' name, amen'.

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