2 Timothy 4:9-22
Today's Passage: 2 Timothy 4:9-22
As Paul closes his second letter to Timothy, we learn a lot from Paul based on the people he addresses. We see some positive examples of faithfulness and some negative ones. We see how Paul deals with disappointment. What can we ourselves learn?
Are you in danger of being in love with the world?
Demas, a one time ally of Paul, has deserted him for the world. You have to assume that Demas, at one time, was externally following Jesus in partnership with Paul. And yet, he did not persevere. Instead of persevering in the face of suffering, he chose the world.
Is there someone you need to restore?
If you go back and read Acts 15:36-40, Paul and Mark have a falling out of sorts. Paul doubted his commitment and perseverance. But something has changed. Paul did not treat Mark's failure as a fixed condition. Mark has grown and is now useful for Paul for ministry.
Do you trust in the Lord when people fail you?
Demas failed Paul. Alexander harmed him. No one stood by him at his defense—everyone deserted him. How did Paul respond? Was he bitter at God for leaving him alone? Was he bitter at people for deserting him? That is not the picture that Scripture paints for us.
Look at how he responds in a godly way:
How do you need to respond to God’s Word today?
Written By: Graham Withers
As Paul closes his second letter to Timothy, we learn a lot from Paul based on the people he addresses. We see some positive examples of faithfulness and some negative ones. We see how Paul deals with disappointment. What can we ourselves learn?
Are you in danger of being in love with the world?
Demas, a one time ally of Paul, has deserted him for the world. You have to assume that Demas, at one time, was externally following Jesus in partnership with Paul. And yet, he did not persevere. Instead of persevering in the face of suffering, he chose the world.
Is there someone you need to restore?
If you go back and read Acts 15:36-40, Paul and Mark have a falling out of sorts. Paul doubted his commitment and perseverance. But something has changed. Paul did not treat Mark's failure as a fixed condition. Mark has grown and is now useful for Paul for ministry.
Do you trust in the Lord when people fail you?
Demas failed Paul. Alexander harmed him. No one stood by him at his defense—everyone deserted him. How did Paul respond? Was he bitter at God for leaving him alone? Was he bitter at people for deserting him? That is not the picture that Scripture paints for us.
Look at how he responds in a godly way:
17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
How do you need to respond to God’s Word today?
Written By: Graham Withers
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