Character Study Of Demas – Forsook Paul For The World Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF DEMAS – FORSOOK PAUL FOR THE WORLD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Timothy 4:10

"For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia." (2 Timothy 4:10, KJV)

Supporting Texts: Colossians 4:14, Philemon 1:24, Matthew 6:24, 1 John 2:15-17, Hebrews 10:38-39

INTRODUCTION

Demas is a character in the New Testament who is briefly mentioned in Paul’s letters. Initially, he was a co-labourer with Paul in ministry, working alongside Luke, Mark, and others. However, towards the end of Paul’s life, Demas abandoned him, choosing the pleasures of the world over his commitment to Christ. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of worldliness and the importance of staying faithful to God.

1. DEMAS STARTED AS A FAITHFUL WORKER

a) Demas was a companion of Paul (Philemon 1:24)

Paul mentioned Demas as one of his fellow labourers, indicating that he was active in the work of the gospel.

b) He was associated with faithful men (Colossians 4:14)

Demas worked alongside Paul, Luke, and Mark, great men of faith who endured hardships for the gospel.

c) He had the opportunity to grow spiritually (2 Timothy 3:14-15)

Being with Paul, Demas had access to deep teachings and spiritual mentorship.

d) He witnessed the power of God firsthand (Acts 19:11-12)

Paul performed many miracles, and as his companion, Demas saw God's mighty works.

e) Biblical Example: Judas Iscariot (Luke 6:16)

Like Demas, Judas was close to Jesus and His ministry but later chose personal gain over faithfulness.

2. DEMAS WAS DRAWN TO THE WORLD

a) He loved the present world (2 Timothy 4:10)

Demas forsook Paul because of his attachment to worldly pleasures and desires.

b) The love of the world is dangerous (1 John 2:15-17)

The Bible warns that love for the world leads to spiritual destruction.

c) He left his calling for Thessalonica (2 Timothy 4:10)

Instead of enduring hardship with Paul, Demas chose an easier life in Thessalonica.

d) He was not rooted in Christ (Matthew 13:20-21)

Like the seed on rocky ground, Demas could not withstand the trials of ministry.

e) Biblical Example: Lot’s wife (Genesis 19:26)

Lot’s wife looked back at Sodom because her heart was still attached to the world, just as Demas turned back from the gospel.

3. WORLDLINESS LEADS TO SPIRITUAL BACKSLIDING

a) No man can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24)

Demas tried to serve both Christ and the world, but eventually, he chose the world.

b) Friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4)

A believer cannot love both God and the sinful world.

c) The pleasures of sin are temporary (Hebrews 11:25)

Demas forsook eternal rewards for temporary enjoyment.

d) Worldliness leads to unfruitfulness (Mark 4:18-19)

Jesus warned that the cares of this world choke spiritual growth.

e) Biblical Example: King Saul (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

Saul started well but lost his position because he valued personal gain over obedience to God.

4. THE DANGERS OF SPIRITUAL COMPROMISE

a) Backsliding is a gradual process (Proverbs 14:14)

Demas likely drifted slowly before completely forsaking Paul.

b) The devil deceives through worldly desires (2 Corinthians 4:4)

Satan blinds people by making worldly things appear more attractive than God’s kingdom.

c) Backsliders risk losing their rewards (2 John 1:8)

Demas might have lost the eternal rewards he once laboured for.

d) The world can never satisfy the soul (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11)

Earthly pleasures are temporary and ultimately unfulfilling.

e) Biblical Example: The rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22)

He wanted eternal life but could not give up his wealth, just as Demas could not give up the world.

5. HOW TO AVOID THE MISTAKE OF DEMAS

a) Stay focused on eternal rewards (Colossians 3:2)

A believer must set their heart on things above, not earthly things.

b) Remain steadfast in trials (James 1:12)

Endurance through hardship brings eternal blessings.

c) Surround yourself with godly influences (Hebrews 10:25)

Being in the company of strong believers helps prevent spiritual decline.

d) Maintain a strong prayer life (Luke 18:1)

Prayer keeps believers connected to God and resistant to temptation.

e) Biblical Example: Paul (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Unlike Demas, Paul remained faithful to the end and received his reward.

STRENGTHS OF DEMAS

1. Initially committed to the gospel – He started as a co-labourer with Paul.

2. Worked with great men of God – He was associated with Paul, Luke, and Mark.

3. Had a great spiritual opportunity – He had firsthand exposure to the power of God.

WEAKNESSES OF DEMAS

1. Loved the world more than Christ – He abandoned his calling for worldly pleasures.

2. Could not endure hardship – Unlike Paul, he was unwilling to suffer for the gospel.

3. Did not finish well – He lost the eternal reward he once worked for.