2 Timothy 4:9-15 – Various Messages

Paul wants Timothy’s company and help, and he asks Timothy to hurry and come to him. Several have left him, some for bad reasons like Demas. Demas left Paul either for fear of suffering (because Paul is now a prisoner, and he is afraid he will get into trouble) or because he has become entangled in worldly affairs. Demas’ first love to Christ and His gospel was forsaken and forgotten, and he fell in love with the world. Love of this present world is often the cause of turning away from Jesus Christ. Demas has gone to Thessalonica, Crescens has gone one way, and Titus another. Luke however remains with Paul, but Paul loves the company of his friends, and he wants others to be with him also.

Paul speaks respectfully concerning Mark. Probably this is the same Mark that had caused a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. In the past Paul hadn’t wanted to take him on a journey with himself because Mark had hesitated and drawn back, but now it seems that Paul has become reconciled to Mark and has a better opinion of him. This teaches us to have a forgiving spirit and not write off forever those who make mistakes now.
Paul also asks Timothy to bring some things he has left behind – his cloak that he needs in a cold prison and books and parchments for study. Paul mentions Alexander and the trouble he has caused. Some think this is the same Alexander spoken of in Acts 19:33. It seems that he professed to be a Christian, and yet he did much evil to Paul. Paul was in as much danger from false Christians as from open enemies. Yet Paul knows that God will deal with him, and he warns Timothy to be careful, so that he too will not be betrayed by this man.

Questions
1. What had Demas done?
2. Why does it seem Paul had forgiven Mark?

Prayer Points
1. Pray that you would have a forgiving spirit.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.