Take The Risk
Some friends are for a reason. Some friends are for a season.
Some friends are for a lifetime. Jesus is for eternity.
KEY VERSES
2 Timothy 4:9-22 (NASB)
9 Make every effort to come to me soon; 10 for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Take along Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. 12 But I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the overcoat which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Be on guard against him yourself too, for he vigorously opposed our teaching. At my first defense, no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus sick at Miletus. 21 Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, also Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters. 22The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.
UNDERSTANDING
Paul wrote in verse 7 of this chapter that he had finished the race, but not Demas (v. 10). What kept Demas from finishing the race well?
What did Paul ask Timothy to bring to him? Why do you think Paul would have wanted these particular items?
Who were the other people Paul mentioned in these verses? Which names are you familiar with? How had they been important to Paul in his ministry?
How does continuous, daily study of the Scriptures strengthen us to persevere in the Lord’’s work, even when friends disappoint us?
What can we learn about trusting God from Paul’s words regarding Alexander?
What gave Paul confidence to trust God, despite the wrong that had been done to him?
How do Paul’s example and your experience help you understand God is present in the highs and lows of your relationships?
What can we learn from Paul’s words about the way God uses disappointment in friendship for good in our lives?
What was Paul’s comfort at a time when all people had deserted him?
How does God’s eternal protection encourage you to take the risk of friendship?
What does it tell you about Paul that he favorably identified so many people as hewrapped up his letter to Timothy?
How do you explain why Paul’s disappointments in people hadn’t caused him to give up on friendship?
APPLICATION
What grace and comfort has the Lord given to you in relationships with others? Are you content with what He has provided for you or do you demand more?
How have you experienced the Lord’s preserving work in your life and relationships?•We learned the following points of application in this week’s message: 1. Don’t allow the betrayal or desertions of those who have hurt you to mar you for life. 2. Choose not to go through life as the Lone Ranger. 3. Hold on to the reality of your ultimate rescue. 4. Some friends are for a reason. Some friends are for a season. Some friends are for a lifetime. Jesus is for eternity. Which of these stands out to you the most personally? Why?
WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?
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GIVING
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