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II Timothy 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved
this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia,
Titus unto Dalmatia
I. II Timothy 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present
world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto
Dalmatia.
A. Paul did not say that Demas had forsaken God, but that Demas had
forsaken him. Demas did not rebel against God openly, but in his heart he
had rather live in peace on this earth than fight the good fight of faith.
1. II Corinthians 11:14 Remember that Satan never appears as evil,
but always as an angel of light. His ways are logical, and good to keep us
out of trouble and deliver pleasure to us. (At least for the short run.)
2. Compare to Alexander who openly opposed and fought Paul and the
gospel of Christ. II Timothy 4:14-15 Alexander the coppersmith did me
much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou
ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
3. There is a very real difference in what Alexander and Demas did to
Paul. One left him, but the other fought him.
B. For Demas hath forsaken me. Demas is honorably mentioned in
Colossians 4:14; Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you,
but nothing more is known of him than what can be gathered from that place
and thisthat he was at first a friend and fellow-labourer of Paul, but
that, under the influence of a desire to live, he afterwards forsook him,
even in circumstances where he greatly needed the presence of a friend.
1. Having loved this present world. This does not mean necessarily
that he loved the honors or wealth of this world; but it means that he
desired to live. He was not willing to stay with Paul, and subject
himself to the probabilities of martyrdom; and, in order to secure his
life; he departed to a place of safety. That he desired to live longer;
that he was unwilling to remain, and risk the loss of life, is indeed
clear.
a. That Paul was pained by his departure, and that he felt lonely and
sad, is quite apparent;
b. but I see no evidence that Demas was influenced by what are
commonly called worldly feelings,
c. or that he was led to this course by the desire of wealth, fame,
or pleasure.
d. He simply wanted to life his own life, his own way, and did not
like the dangers associated with keeping the gospel.
2. And is departed unto Thessalonica; perhaps his native place, Calmet.
a. This reflects a lack of faith on the part of Demas for God to keep
his earthly riches for him.
b. Demas felt compelled to keep his riches himself.
II. Other scriptures that speak about not forsaking God or Gods people.
A. Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures on this earth,
but (verse 20) lay up treasures in heaven.
B. Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he
that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of
riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
1. Luke 8:14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which,
when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and
pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
2. The parable of the sower one type of the seed fell on ground, but
the thorns and weeds of this world caused no fruit to completion.
3. These people are not necessarily involved in gross sin and wickedness
they are simply doing what natural men do best taking care of
themselves, doing what they want to do.
C. Luke 9:57-62 Three different example of people in following Jesus.
There is no evidence that any of these people followed Jesus.
1. Verse 57-58 One man said he would follow, but Jesus reminded him
there was no certain dwelling place.
2. Verse 59-60 Jesus called this man to follow him, but he said he
would have to bury his father first.
3. Verse 61-62 Another man said he would follow Jesus just as soon
as he explained things to his family.
D. Philemon 1:24 mentions the faithfulness of Demas.
E. III John 1:12 If Demas is only a contraction of
Demetrius, and he is the same who is so much commended many years after
this, in, compare to Deotrephes, who does not have a good report among
men.
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