Introduction:
This is the last words of this chapter and some of the last words spoken by Paul. There are many characters that surround Paul. He is writting to one of them and writing about another. No doubt that Paul and others had high hopes for Demas. But something happened and now Demas has departed.
Let me say that there is never a good time to quit, especially when the need is so great.
Paul here gives the reason and leaves no questions as to why Demas quit. Paul says that he departed loving this present world.
(1 John 2:15-17) "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. {16} For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. {17} And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."
When you begin to look at the world and you’ll do things that you never thought you would. Notice what Paul says:
(Ephesians 6:10-12) "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. {11} Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. {12} For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Notice this diary of this deserter known as Demas.
1. Maximum Christian (Philemon 24)
(Philemon 1:24) "Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers."
A. Determined
B. Dedicated
C. Desirous
D. Devoted
2. Minimum Christian (Col 4:14)
(Colossians 4:14) "Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you."
He is no longer refered to as a fellowlabourer
A. Just there
B. Cooled off
C. Lost his fervor
D. Lost his zeal
Why? he was focusing on the world.
3. Missing Christian (2 Time 4:10)
(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."
A. Casualty
1. Notice the word. Casual ty
B. A has been.
C. AWOL
Close:
We need never forget what the results can be looking at the world.
