2 Timothy 4:9-12

Summary retelling of 2 Timothy 4:9-12

Paul asks Timothy to try and come see him in prison soon.  He then immediately remembers Demas, who was a disciple but left the discipleship path because of the things of this world.  Paul also says that Crescens is in Galatia, Titus is in Dalmatia, Tychius is being sent to Ephesus (probably delivering this letter to Timothy), and Luke is with Paul.  Paul mentions a desire to see John Mark again and notes his value. 

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

We’re going to focus on the dark spot first today.  Demas has turned away from the path of discipleship.  He was too much in love of the ways of this world to stay on the path of discipleship.  Can you not hear the heart of Paul aching here?  It stings to be left for someone/something else, but it stings even more to watch someone leave God for other pursuits.

Have you ever had a moment where your discipleship wasn’t as important as something in the world?  Why did you get sucked away from God for a time?  What brought you back into the faith?

On a side note, can you imagine getting to Judgment Day and realizing that you had the opportunity to learn about Jesus Christ at the feet of one of the greatest evangelists of all time and you walked away?  I can’t imagine being Demas, who was lucky enough to be in a relationship with Paul himself, and walking away from that opportunity!

Second Thought:

The next person that I would like to single out is John Mark. Remember John Mark from our study in Acts.  John Mark was brought with Paul and Barnabas on their first journey.  He went part of the way and then got homesick so he abandoned Paul and Barnabas.  On their next trip, Barnabas wanted to bring John Mark again but Paul refused.  The debate eventually split up Paul and Barnabas.  Now at the end of his life, Paul has accepted and forgiven John Mark.  John Mark has been able to show some maturity and make amends for his prior mistakes.  The contrast between Demas and John Mark could not be clearer.  Demas made mistakes and so far has not sought repentance.  John Mark made mistakes, repented, and was welcomed back into ministry.  The life of the disciple is not about perfection; the life of a disciple is about how we handle our mistakes.

How do you handle your mistakes?  Do you seek forgiveness?  Do you actually admit you were wrong to the people you’ve offended?

Third Thought:

The last thought about this chapter involves all the other names.  Paul lists a host of people who are busy doing work all throughout the various places where churches have been planted.  Paul is in prison, but the work goes on.  Just because the leader is imprisoned doesn’t mean that the work of God halts.  In fact, one can state that the model of Christianity is that when the leader suffers persecution then the work spreads even more.  When Christ was arrested and killed, the work of His disciples was only just beginning.  The same is true with Paul.  As he faces execution, the work of the disciples that he has helped to raise is only beginning.

What allows the work to go on?  How is it that when Paul is in prison all of his disciples can go about the work of God rather than coming and comforting Paul?  What does this show us about the perspective of the disciple of Jesus with respect to setting priorities in our life?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Timothy 4:13-15