THE ABANDONED APOSTLE, AND THE FAITHFUL LORD

The study of apostle Paul’s life is, not only very interesting and informative, but also, very inspiring. One of the most important lessons, we would learn from the life of Paul is, his complete faith in God, for all his provision and protection, and his implicit obedience towards God.

For our meditation this morning, let us see, 2 Timothy 4:9-18. In this passage we will see, a while range of issues that were plaguing Paul. He was deceived by those whom he trusted, lonely, left alone, abandoned, and betrayed. Yet we see, Paul standing his ground, because, God stood with him, in all his storms, struggles and sufferings, and protected, preserved, and provided, all what Paul needed, through it all.

How wonderful to study this passage from the life of Paul, and learn for ourselves, how to handle adversity, keep our faith and sanity, intact, and move forward in our walk, as a Christian, and continue faithfully and obediently, the work of the kingdom of God, entrusted to us – just as the apostle Paul did.

PAUL’S CRITICAL CONDITION – ABANDONED, ALONE AND BETRAYED
-*”9 Be diligent to come to me quickly; 10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. 12 And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. 15 You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words. 16 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.” – 2 Timothy 4:9-16

PAUL’S PERSONAL EXPERIENCES –  GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
– “17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” – 2 Timothy 4:17

PAUL’S UNMISTAKABLE CONVICTION – GOD HIS COURAGE AND CONFIDENCE FOR THE FUTURE
– “18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” – 2 Timothy 4:18

Whatever that we are facing in our lives…
– Firstly, we need to have a healthy and balanced view of the storm and the struggles. We can get bogged down by over-emphasizing the problem, and by focusing solely and entirely on it.
– Secondly, we need to have an expectant heart, led by faith in our LORD, and His intervention in all our storms and struggles.
– Thirdly, we need step out in faith and conviction in the LORD’s commitment to help us, and in the certainty of all His promises.
Even so the LORD help us.