Lessons From A Lonely Apostle Series

LESSONS FROM A LONELY APOSTLE

II TIMOTHY 4:9-18

Introduction: Someone once said, “It’s lonely at the top.” I have news for you. “It’s lonely at the bottom too!” Paul closes out this letter with some personal remarks. From this passage we learn several truths.

I. There Will Always be People Who Disappoint You (9-10)

Demas had deserted him. See Philemon 24. He was not an apostate but a fellow worker. Paul was disappointed over Demas’ own self-interest. The Devil will always have a Thessaloncia awaiting you.

There are three men mentioned in the New Testament who represent three kinds of church members. Demas – he started well but the charms of the world were too much for him. Diotrephes (III John 9) - He wanted power, position, prestige and preeminence. They are still with us. These want to rule, boss and control. Demetrius (III John 12) – He was quiet, steady and faithful.

People can be a double-edged sword. They can be our greatest potential or our greatest problem. If we keep them at a distance they won’t hurt us, but neither will they help us.

II. One Person Cannot Meet All My Needs (11)

“Only Luke is with me.” As good as Luke was, he wasn’t enough. No pastor can meet everyone’s needs.

III. Some Difficult Relationships Can be Healed (11)

“Get Mark.” This is the same Mark that deserted Paul on their first missionary journey. People do grow up. They do overcome mistakes made in the past. Paul could have remained bitter but he wanted Mark back. “Hurt people hurt people.” “Hurting people are easily hurt by other people.” Repair ruptured relationships.

IV. You Will Have People Working Against You (14)

“Alexander.” There are people who won’t be on your side. You will never win everyone over. Let the Lord take care of your enemies (Psalm 64).

V. There Are Times When You Will Have to Stand Alone (16)

“No one stood by me.” See Psalm 142

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VI. God Will Stand With Me When Others Leave (17)

How did Paul combat his loneliness?

A. He Utilized His Time (13) – Note “coat” and “books.” May as well get some work done. He didn’t mope. He didn’t gripe. He made the best of a bad situation. He could have wished to be in the arena preaching; instead he was in the prison studying. That’s how we got most of the New Testament.

B. He Minimized His Hurts (16) – He’s not resentful. He’s adjusting. Don’t nurse, curse or rehearse your hurts, instead reverse them. Getting hurt is a part of life. Turn the other cheek. Take the high road. Leave your emotional baggage at the cross.

C. He Recognized God’s Presence (17-18) – God was with me and he will be with me. He delivered me yesterday and he can do it today.

D. He Poured His Life Into Others (17) – Note the word “proclaimed.” Life’s goal ought to be to help others.

Conclusion: You can learn a lot in a lonely prison.

* Much of this sermon was borrowed form a study led by John Maxwell.