A Tale Of Three Men
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· 11 viewsThree men whoPaul recalls specifically at the close of his ministry.-Based on Mark Copeland's Outline
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Transcript
2 Timothy 4:10–12
10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. 12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
Introduction
Introduction
1. As Paul nears the end of his second epistle to Timothy, he mentions several people
a. Demas, Crescens, and Titus, who are no longer with him
b. Luke, Mark, and Tychicus
2 Timothy 4:11–12
11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. 12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
c. And others as well
2 Timothy 4:14–22
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: 15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. 16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 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. 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.
19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. 21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. 22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
2. An interesting comparison can be made between three individuals in particular...
a. Demas, who had forsaken Paul
b. Luke, who was with Paul
c. Mark, who was to come to Paul
[In "A Tale Of Three Men", there are lessons to be gleaned that hopefully all can take to heart. Let's begin by considering...]
I. Selfish Demas
I. Selfish Demas
A. Demas’ Story
A. Demas’ Story
1. He served as a fellow laborer with Paul
1. He served as a fellow laborer with Paul
a. Joining Paul and others in sending greetings
Philemon 24 (KJV 1900)
24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
Colossians 4:14 (KJV 1900)
14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
b. During the time of Paul's first Roman imprisonment
2. Yet at the end of Paul's life, he forsook Paul
2. Yet at the end of Paul's life, he forsook Paul
2 Timothy 4:10 (KJV 1900)
10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
a. Not that he merely left Paul
b. But that he left him in the lurch, i.e., abandoned Paul- Hendriksen
3. Because he "loved this present world"
3. Because he "loved this present world"
2 Timothy 4:10b (KJV 1900)
10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
a. Barnes and Gill believe it simply means Demas did not want to die
b. Clarke contends Demas reverted back to Judaism
c. The tradition is he became apostate from the faith - cf. Erdman
d. Loving the world is certainly contrary to loving the Father
1 John 2:15–17 (KJV 1900)
15 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.
4. At best, he deeply disappointed Paul; at worst, he fell away from the Lord
B. Will We Follow In The Steps Of Demas?
B. Will We Follow In The Steps Of Demas?
1. Beginning a life of faith, only to fall away/backslide?
1. Beginning a life of faith, only to fall away/backslide?
a. It is possible in practice to fall from grace
Galatians 5:4 (KJV 1900)
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
b. We can become entangled again by the pollution of the world
2 Peter 2:20–22 (KJV 1900)
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
c. We can fall from our own steadfastness
2 Peter 3:17 (KJV 1900)
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
d. We can become hardened by sin's deceitfulness
Hebrews 3:12–14 (KJV 1900)
12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
2. Loving the world, more than we love God and our brethren?
2. Loving the world, more than we love God and our brethren?
a. Letting the world's distractions render us fruitless?
Luke 8:14 (KJV 1900)
14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
b. Leaving our brethren and God in the lurch?
[The cause of Christ is often hindered by those who forsake their faith and brethren because of their love for the world. On the other hand, consider...]
II. Steadfast Luke
II. Steadfast Luke
A. Luke’s Story
A. Luke’s Story
1. He too was a fellow laborer with Paul
1. He too was a fellow laborer with Paul
a. A Gentile, a medical doctor, "the beloved physician"
Colossians 4:11 (KJV 1900)
11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
Colossians 4:14 (KJV 1900)
14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
b. Who first joined Paul at Troas on his second journey (note the "we”
Acts 16:10–11 (KJV 1900)
10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. 11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
c. Who stayed at Philippi until he rejoined Paul on his third journey
Acts 20:3–5 (KJV 1900)
3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. 4 And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 These going before tarried for us at Troas.
d. Who went to Rome with Paul for his first imprisonment
Acts 27:1 (KJV 1900)
1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band.
Acts 28:16 (KJV 1900)
16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.
2. He proved to be a steadfast companion and faithful Christian
2. He proved to be a steadfast companion and faithful Christian
a. Who wrote the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts
b. Possibly the "brother whose praise is in the gospel"
2 Corinthians 8:18 (KJV 1900)
18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
c. Who was with Paul during his first imprisonment
Philemon 24 (KJV 1900)
24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
Colossians 4:14 (KJV 1900)
14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
d. Who was with Paul during his last days
2 Timothy 4:11 (KJV 1900)
11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
B. Will We Follow In The Steps Of Luke?
B. Will We Follow In The Steps Of Luke?
1. Living a life of faith characterized by steadfastness?
1. Living a life of faith characterized by steadfastness?
a. Faithful to the Lord in our service?
1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV 1900)
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
b. Remaining faithful steadfast to the end?
Hebrews 3:14 (KJV 1900)
14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
2. Pleasing not just the Lord, but a constant source of encouragement to the brethren?
2. Pleasing not just the Lord, but a constant source of encouragement to the brethren?
a. As the Colossians were to Paul?
Colossians 2:5 (KJV 1900)
5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
b. Refreshing the hearts of brethren, as did the household of Stephanus?
1 Corinthians 16:15–18 (KJV 1900)
15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) 16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. 17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. 18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
[What a contrast between Demas and Luke! The difference was determined by the direction of their devotion. Demas loved the world; Luke loved the Lord and his brethren. But let us also note...]
III. Penitent Mark
III. Penitent Mark
A. Mark’s Story
A. Mark’s Story
1. A man who proved unreliable at first
1. A man who proved unreliable at first
a. His name was John, surnamed Mark, son of Mary
Acts 12:12 (KJV 1900)
12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
b. He joined Paul and Barnabas on their return to Antioch
Acts 12:25 (KJV 1900)
25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
c. He started with Paul and Barnabas on their first journey
Acts 13:5 (KJV 1900)
5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
d. He left them prematurely and returned to Jerusalem
Acts 13:13 (KJV 1900)
13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
e. His departure later caused a rift between Paul and Barnabas
Acts 15:36–41 (KJV 1900)
36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. 37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; 40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
2. A man who eventually redeemed himself
2. A man who eventually redeemed himself
a. He later proved useful to Paul for ministry
2 Timothy 4:11 (KJV 1900)
11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
Colossians 4:10 (KJV 1900)
10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
Philemon 24 (KJV 1900)
24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
b. He was also dear to Peter
1 Peter 5:13 (KJV 1900)
13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
c. He wrote the gospel that bears his name (Mark)
d. Thought to have gone to Alexandria in Egypt and martyred in 62-63 A.D.
B. Will We Follow Mark?
B. Will We Follow Mark?
1. Perhaps we are more like Mark than Luke
1. Perhaps we are more like Mark than Luke
a. Our service to God and brethren has not been what it should be
b. We have not been as steadfast and dependable as Luke
c. Rather than like Luke, we have instead been 'lukewarm'
Revelation 3:15–16 (KJV 1900)
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
d. Maybe like Mark (and Demas), we have left other brethren 'in the lurch'
2. Yet the example of Mark gives us hope and direction.
2. Yet the example of Mark gives us hope and direction.
a. Mistakes can be corrected, sin forgiven
b. We who may have been useless can still become "useful for ministry"
c. Accepting opportunities for restoration and service
Acts 15:39 (KJV 1900)
39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
Revelation 3:18–19 (KJV 1900)
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
d. Responding to calls to get back up and continue the race of faith
Hebrews 12:12–15 (KJV 1900)
12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. 14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
1. And so we have "The Tale Of Three Men"...
a. The apostate Demas
b. The steadfast Luke
c. The penitent Mark
2. In the course of our spiritual sojourn in this life, which person will we be like...?
a. Hopefully never Demas!
b. Ideally like Luke
c. But if necessary, then at least be like Mark
Remember, the difference is determined by the direction of your devotion. Will you love the world, or will you love the Lord and His brethren...?