Jump Start # 3838
2 Timothy 4:14 “Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.”
Troublesome Alexander. His name goes down through eternity and across the planet from generation to generation as one who caused harm to one of God’s chosen ones. He was a worker in metals, a coppersmith. Did his work include making idols? That we do not know. Nor, do we know if this was the same Alexander who is linked with Hymenaeus in the first letter that Paul handed over to Satan. The Alexander of our passage is said in the next verse to have vigorously opposed our teaching.
Phillips says: He has been an obstinate opponent of our teaching.
ESV: He strongly opposed our message
Peterson: He caused no end of trouble
Obviously, Alexander disagreed with the divine message of God. Was it because it was different? Was it because he would have to stop doing wrong? Was it because it was bringing an end to his livelihood? Whatever the problem, he took it out on Paul. Paul was only the messenger. Alexander’s real problem was with God. And, like the ole’ saying, ‘mad at the dog, so you kick the cat,’ Alexander was blaming Paul. Such it is today. Some get mad at the church, the shepherds, the preacher, when their real problem is their lifestyle and what the Bible says. Mad at God, they take it out on others.
Now, there are some lessons we ought to see from this:
First, it is a troublesome sin to discourage God’s people. Saints are to be in the encouraging business, but far too many are on the wrong sidelines. They discourage. They complain, point out problems, and are quick to blame others. How terrible and how said it would be to stand at the feet of God and to realize that we have discouraged His people. Because of our attitudes and our words, some dropped out. Because of our loose tongue some became confused and started doubting. Rather than turning the light on, we were responsible for turning the lights out. Many a man has quit preaching because of the discouragement from his own brethren. Shame on them. When will we ever learn. God left this story about Alexander in His holy record for us to know. Complaining about shepherds should not be allowed.
Second, Paul did not harm back Alexander back. Human nature wants to retaliate. Get even, is what our minds tell us. The Lord will repay, is how Paul left it. The Romans were told, “Leave room for the vengeance of God.” Some don’t leave any room. They take it all. God will deal with Alexander as the Lord sees fit. Don’t let the actions of others to get you out of focus and off the pace you are walking with the Lord. Don’t lose your soul because of others. Turning the cheek, not taking others to court, as in 1 Corinthians six, leaving room for the wrath of God—these are all the steps that we must take. In the end, God will repay. In the end, you have kept yourself righteous and noble.
Third, Paul warned Timothy about Alexander. He was doing this to protect young Timothy. If Alexander opposed Paul, he’d likely do the same to young Timothy. Some would think that this was gossip. It wasn’t. It wasn’t because this came from the Holy Spirit and God doesn’t deal in sin. It wasn’t because love compels us to guard and help others. To know how dangerous Alexander was and to remain silent would create more problems and possibly even hurt Timothy eternally. Romans 16 tells us to “keep your eye on,” or “mark” those who cause trouble contrary to the teaching of the Scriptures. There are troublemakers both in and out of the church. There are those who are not content with God’s way of things. There are those who love to irritate and stir things up. There are those who would rather create wars than be peacemakers. There are those who are always seeking what is different, unusual, and longing to be the first to push the envelopes of right and wrong. They ignore the boundaries of God. They mock tradition and the generations of faithful work from years gone by. They drink deeply from the wells of error and want very little to do with the righteous today. And, because such voices are among us, some have closed their eyes to the damage and harm that is being done today. Paul warned Timothy. Be on guard against him, was the words from the apostle. And, in these days, we need not be shy about telling others to be on guard against the discouragers and troublemakers in and around the kingdom today.
How sad to go through history being known as one who caused harm to an apostle. And, as such, some will go down the same path today. They have left a trail of destruction, like a Texas tornado and everywhere they have gone, churches have been upset and people have been discouraged. To this we say, “God will repay.”
Make sure you are known as an encourager and a help among God’s people. Be sunshine, not a thunderstorm. Be the one that lifts spirits and helps your fellow man on the road of life.
The opposite of Alexander, who did me much harm, would be an Alexander, who did me much good. Which one will you be?
Roger