Dear Brethren,

MEDITATION
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

OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION
1. Comments about different people
a) Demas
i) He had once been faithful
ii) He had not forsaken Paul
iii) He had loved the world instead of the Lord
iv) He had departed to Thessalonica
b) Others had remained faithful
i) Crescens had gone to minister in Galatia
ii) Titus had gone to Dalmatia
c) Luke the physician
He had stayed to accompany Paul in his ministry
d) Tychichus
Paul had sent him to minister at Ephesus
2. A special word of warning
a) Alexander the coppersmith
i) He had brought much harm to Paul

ii) Paul prayed against him.
iii) The Lord would judge him for his sins!
b) Timothy must be on guard
i) He must not be naïve
ii) He must know that Alexander would continue to resist the Lord
c) Remembering an occasion
i) Paul was deserted by all
ii) Alexander’s threat must have frightened many away
iii) Paul prayed that they may be forgiven for fleeing

APPLICATION TO LIFE AND MINISTRY
1. Lessons of life
a) It is good to note the following
i) Those who are unfaithful
ii) Those who are faithful
b) It is good to keep in touch with those who are serving faithfully
i) Thank God for those who serve fervently
ii) Thank God for each and every faithful servant

2. Things that we must ensure:
a) That we are faithful and focused
b) That we are strong and courageous

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charles Tan