DCLM Higher Everyday 5 May 2024 — Demas was a disciple
Topic: Demas was a disciple
Text: 2 Timothy 4:9-12
9Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
11Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
12And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
Key Verse: “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia” (2 Timothy 4:10)
Message
Lester Sumrall said,“The Christian is not ruined by living in the world, but by the world living in him.” This is in tune with Apostle Paul’s declaration,“For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica…” His departure was not for further commitment to the ministry but for the pursuit of worldly pleasure. Indeed, Demas was listed among the fellow labourers of Paul – he was a disciple. But he fell! The Scriptures warn believers against friendship with the world, which is enmity against God.
Departing from Christ and the fellowship of saints begins from the heart. A little deviation from the truth, a little murmuring and discouragement are usually the beginning of the downward drift. He that wanders out of the way of understanding will remain in the congregation of the dead. Sorrow, afflictions, confusion, and fear characterize the life of backsliders if there is no repentance. However, God remains gracious and always willing, like the prodigal son’s father, to receive those who realize, leave the far country and return to Him. Come today. Don’t lose this opportunity
Quote: But he fell
Challenge: God’s grace is sufficient for all.
Prayer for today: Deliver me, O God, from looking back, in Jesus’ name.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
