Farewell with Faith and Friendship

Grace to You and Peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a great privilege, honor, and joy to share the Word of God with Saints of Durbin Memorial Baptist Church once more. This church exists by grace for glory in love.

Today is a bit of an emotional day for me personally as this is the final time in which I am filling the pulpit as the Pastor of Durbin Memorial Baptist Church. I was reflecting back on the first message I preached after being called here this week. In the introduction I said, “I love the header on both sides of the main entryway. On the way in it says, “Enter to worship.” On the way out it says, “Exit to serve.” That is my prayer for today. That we would all be here to worship our Creator, grow closer together as we grow unto Him. And that we would be bold enough to serve Him in all that we do when we leave this place.” And that remains my hope and prayer this morning.

I’ve always heard that two things matter most in interpersonal relationships. First and last impressions.

When George Washington gave his inaugural speech for the first presidency of the United States, he said, “I dare hope is that if, in executing this task, I have been too much swayed by a grateful remembrance of former instances, or by an affectionate sensibility to this transcendent proof of the confidence of my fellow-citizens, and have thence too little consulted my incapacity as well as disinclination for the weighty and untried cares before me, my error will be palliated by the motives which mislead me, and its consequences be judged by my country with some share of the partiality in which they originated.”

He wanted to show the country his great love and dedication while understanding his limited capabilities. He wanted the best for the country, even if he wouldn’t always make the right or most agreeable decision.

In Washington’s farewell address he said, “Though, in reviewing the incidents of my administration, I am unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope, that my Country will never cease to view them with indulgence; and that, after forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest.”

He finished his service as he started it. With love for country, zeal in service, and humility in conduct.

Final words often reveal what matters most. They shine a spotlight on our truest priorities. Today, we will walk through Paul’s final words, not just as a farewell to Timothy, but as a window into a life that finished well.

With this in mind turn to 2 Timothy 4, if you have not already. Today we will be finishing out the book. As a reminder, Paul is writing this letter to Timothy from the dungeons of Rome. He has received his death sentence and is writing to Timothy to encourage this young church leader to continue on, to carry the torch of ministry, and to pass it on to the next generation. Timothy has been called to guard the gospel, receive strength from the grace of God walking along side him, stand firm on truth, continue in the Word preaching with love and clarity, and today prioritize relationships that are rooted in the shared faith in Jesus Christ as Savior.

Here is the Big Idea for today: Whether we are in the final chapter of life or ministry, we are called to walk with faithful friends, serve with enduring hope, and rest in the unfailing grace of Christ.

Begin with me in 2 Timothy 4:9-13.

I. Real People, Real Pain, Real Friendship (vv. 9–13)

2 Timothy 4:9–13 ESV

9 Do your best to come to me soon. 10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 12 Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.

We often think of the Apostle Paul as a theological giant, a missionary trailblazer, a fearless leader. We’re tempted to place Paul in a super-Christian category. But here, near the very end of his life, we see Paul the human. Paul the friend. Paul the man who misses people.

Listen to his words again in verse 9:

“Do your best to come to me soon.”

There’s urgency. There’s longing. There’s love. This is not a battle cry. It’s a heart cry.

Look at how personal and emotional this section is:

“For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me…” (v. 10) If you look throughout the rest of the epistles, you’ll see that Demas was once a “coworker” with Paul. Demas had been with Paul when he wrote the letter to the Colossians. Now, Demas has deserted Paul. We aren’t given every detail, but it is clear that Demas had become enticed by the world and at least for this season, has deserted Paul and we can infer the faith as a whole. The word “deserted” is a strong word. It means “utterly abandon and leave someone helpless in a dire situation.” The biggest concern here is not that Demas had to leave Paul’s presence for sometime, but that Demas’ motivation was because of his love for the present world. When we think about Demas, it is a cautionary tale. He had been to all the Bible studies and sat in the room with a guy who wrote part of the Bible! Then walked away! We can understand why Paul would be disappointed here. One of the deepest wounds we can experience in ministry or life is betrayal. It hurts to pour into one for sometime only for them to walk away, not just from you, but from the faith you thought you shared.

However leaving someone’s vicinity isn’t always a disappointment. As we progress though verse 10 we see that Crescens is off doing ministry in Galatia and Titus is in Dalmatia. Tychicus is mentioned in vers 12 and he has been sent to Ephesus. This is where Timothy is and it infers that Tychicus is either delivering the letter, or serving as a temporary replacement so that Timothy can visit Paul, if not both. It’s important to note that Paul is not upset with these three men as he was with Demas. Sometimes ministry takes us different places, but while we may not always be in the same vicinity, we still serve the same God and share the same unity in Christ. Even if we do miss one another’s company.

Now, in our text this morning, Paul is not completely alone.

“Only Luke is with me.” (v. 11) In contrast to Demas, Luke is still there. The faithful friend. The quiet presence. Often times in ministry, the best course of action in a difficult situation is to simply be there with someone. Luke was a tough friend for tough times. He was with Paul in prison from the first time to the last. He was Paul’s biographer and the “we” passages in Acts indicate that Luke was with the apostle during some very difficult times. Paul surely enjoyed the company of his friend Luke.

And as we progress through this section we come to see more of the relational nature of Paul’s personality.

“Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.” (v. 11)

This is powerful. And if we aren’t thorough in reading the Word, we might miss it. Paul and Mark had previously parted ways over a disagreement (Acts 15). If you stopped reading the story of Mark right there, your might think that there would forever be a rift between Paul and Mark and his cousin Barnabas. But here at the end, there’s reconciliation. We don’t know all the details on how this came to be, but Grace has rewritten their story. This is why I’m hesitant to write off Demas whom we read about earlier completely. We know Demas was not glorifying God in the moment Paul wrote this letter. But we also know the Grace of God is bigger than we could ever imagine. We don’t relish when people disappoint us nor when they desert the faith. However, we do shout to the hilltops in celebration when by the grace of God they have been restored!

What a joy it is that Paul and Mark have reconciled.

As we’re seeing the humanity of Paul, we see some of his priorities. Look at what he has asked Timothy to bring to him when he visits in verse 13.

“When you come, bring the cloak… and the books, above all the parchments.” (v. 13) Don’t miss this: Paul, the apostle who saw heaven and heard things too glorious to speak, still wanted his books and coat. He was cold. The dungeons of Rome weren’t a warm place. He was hungry to keep reading. The books likely refer to scrolls, rolls of papyrus that possibly had the Old Testament written on them. They have been written accounts of Jesus’ words and actions. And he wanted his parchments which he may have planned to use for other writing purposes. Though he was quite literally at death’s door, Paul’s desire was a small comfort, the word of God, and to share the Word with others.

Have you ever gone on an autumn road trip? You bring along snacks, a good coat, and a few books, you’re preparing for the journey ahead. That’s what Paul’s doing here. Not a journey across the world, but his final stretch toward glory. And in this, he’s asking for companionship. He’s asking for friendship. Someone to ride along with him.

This reminds me of seasons in ministry when some left, some stayed, and some came back. You’ve seen this too. There’s joy and pain, and yet all of it is wrapped in God’s grace.

So what does this mean for us? Four things.

It’s okay to feel the ache of absence. Paul did. If the Apostle Paul could say, “Come quickly,” then we don’t need to pretend we’re fine when people leave or when life shifts.

2. Cherish the people who are around you and remain connected. Ministry and life are often hard, but God gives us Luke-like people—those stick with us. And God gives us people like Titus, Crescens, Tychicus. People who we minister with a season then venture on to other locations still serving the the same God of our salvation.

3. Leave room for redemption in relationships. Like Paul and Mark, grace can restore broken fellowship. If someone has let you down, don’t give up on them! Pray for them and pray for an opportunity to reconcile the relationship!

4. Keep growing until the end. Paul wanted the book. Are you still seeking to grow in the Word, even in the final chapters of a season?

Paul’s story isn’t just filled with personal relationships—it’s also filled with personal hardship. And in the next verses, we’re reminded of a recurring theme in this letter, we see what it means to stand faithful when others stand against you. Join me in reading verses 14-18.

II. Faithfulness in the Face of Opposition (vv. 14–18)

2 Timothy 4:14–18 ESV

14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

We’ve seen Paul the friend, the man shaped by relationships both joyful and painful. And now, we see Paul the witness. The one who stands faithful not only when people walk away, but when others actively oppose him.

Because it’s one thing to be left behind. It’s another to be attacked.

Look at verse 14:

“Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.”

We don’t know exactly what Alexander the coppersmith did to Paul. But we know he was certainly an opponent to Paul and the gospel. It’s likely that Alexander was involved in Paul’s second arrest, his current imprisonment. As a coppersmith he probably would have been an idol maker who resented Paul because the God who says to have no graven images of Himself is a direct affront to his business. Though I do admit, this is a bit of conjecture. In our text this morning, Paul doesn’t dwell on the details, but the language is very clear: Alexander wasn’t just a difficult personality. He was an enemy of the gospel. He did Paul “great harm.”

But notice Paul’s response. He doesn’t retaliate. He doesn’t curse Alexander. He entrusts justice to God: “The Lord will repay him.”

This isn’t passive aggression, it’s active trust. It takes great trust in the Lord to know that He is just and His will will be done. Romans 12:19–21 reads “19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Paul knew this. He doesn’t have to pretend that the wounds from Alexander did not hurt, but he trusts that the Lord who has been with him through it all will take care of the situation with perfect eternal justice. We see more on how the Lord was with Paul in verses 16 and following:

“At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me.”

Not only did Paul face external opposition, but in a moment of great need, he was abandoned by everyone. It’s a heartbreaking admission. This great apostle—left alone in the courtroom.

But the next verse is the heartbeat of Paul’s hope:

“But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me…” (v. 17)

Those six words are gold: "But the Lord stood by me."

People may desert you. Friends may fail you. But Jesus never will.

Ye though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you fear no evil, for the Lord is with you! And He has a purpose for you even through the suffering. Look at Paul’s purpose in the next part of verse 17.

“…so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.”

So that: Even in prison. Even under pressure. Even when alone—Paul can be used by God to to proclaim the gospel to all who might hear it. Paul’s purpose was not squandered by his negative circumstances. It was enhanced through it. Paul’s life was used well for the glory of God that many would come to faith and the gospel would eventually make its way all the way across the world to us today.

And then in verse 18:

“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom.”

Not "the Lord might." Not "the Lord could." But “the Lord will.”

That’s a declaration of confidence, not in circumstances, but in Christ. I honestly don’t think that Paul thought even in writing this that the Lord was going to miraculously get him out of prison. I think Paul knew he was going to be martyred for his faith.

[Illustration]

There’s a story from the life of Corrie ten Boom, the Dutch Christian who helped Jews escape the Nazis. She was imprisoned in Ravensbrück concentration camp. Her sister, Betsy was on the way to the infirmary from which she would never return when she said these words that stuck with Corrie for the rest of her own life:

“There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.”

That’s what Paul is saying in our text. He was thrown into the dungeon, the proverbial pit, betrayed, abandoned, attacked, but Christ’s love met him there and carried him through.

So what does this mean for us?

You may face opposition for your faith. Following Jesus doesn’t shield us from enemies—it strengthens us to endure them.

You may feel abandoned—but you are never alone. “The Lord stood by me.” That promise holds for you too.

God uses your trials to amplify His message. Your suffering is not a detour—it’s a platform for gospel proclamation.

Rest in Christ’s promise to bring you home. Paul didn’t fear death because he trusted the One who conquered it. He knew where he was headed and who was leading him there.

There have been times in my life and ministry, when I’ve felt misunderstood, weary, or even lonely. But Christ has always stood by me. And He will stand by you too.

As Paul closes, he turns once again to people, ordinary names etched into eternity. Because while we serve a great Savior, He often works in us through the grace of everyday friendships. Read with me verses 19-22.

III. Grace to the End (vv. 19–22)

2 Timothy 4:19–22 ESV

19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. 21 Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers. 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

Paul has spoken of pain, betrayal, and opposition—and yet, he finishes not in bitterness or defeat, but in love. These final words aren’t just an appendix. They are part of the legacy he leaves: a life marked by faith in Christ and friendship in the gospel.

“Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.” (v. 19) This is a couple Paul had labored with in ministry; tentmakers, fellow workers, gospel partners (Acts 18). Paul hadn’t forgotten them. Even in his final moments, he’s thinking about those who walked the road with him.

“Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus.” (v. 20) These aren’t just updates. They are reminders that gospel ministry happens in real places, with real people, and real hardships along the way. When Paul had to leave, Erastus was still sick. Much like the thorn in Paul’s own sde, it wasn’t God’s will to remove the illness from Trophimus at that time. But he was still a faithful and beloved brother in the faith to Paul.

“Do your best to come before winter.” (v. 21) This is his second time saying “come soon” (v. 9). He knew winter would close travel routes. But more than that—he knew his time was short. He didn’t just want to finish well; he wanted to finish together.

“Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers.” Even from his prison cell, Paul is passing along greetings. The man who once persecuted the church is now saturated in love for the church and sharing it within the church at large.

“The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.” (v. 22) That’s how he ends—not with “I’ll miss you,” or “carry on for me,” but grace be with you. It’s a reminder that what Timothy—and the church—needs most isn’t Paul’s presence but Christ’s.

[Illustration]

Throughout this series we’ve been using the imagery of a relay race. The most critical moment isn’t the start or the finish—it’s the handoff. If the baton is dropped, the race is lost.

Paul isn’t holding on tightly here. He’s passing the baton—with love, with peace, and with grace. It’s as if he’s saying, "Timothy, you’ve got this—not because of me, but because of the One who stands with you."

As I stand here today, delivering my final sermon to you as your pastor, I feel this deeply. I’ve run with you, prayed with you, wept with you, and worshiped with you. And now, it’s time to hand off the baton. To you, the body of Christ, entrusted with His mission, and strengthened by His grace.

Here is what we learn from this portion of our text.

Gospel goodbyes are difficult, but they’re also filled with hope. We say goodbye, but not without the presence of Christ or the promise of reunion.

Every name matters in the kingdom of God. Even the ones we can’t pronounce! These names remind us: you don’t have to be famous to be faithful.

The grace of Jesus is our true covering and comfort. Paul didn’t leave them with strategy. He left them with grace—because grace is what sustains the church.

[Personal Appeal]

This is my farewell to you, too. Not from the faith. Not from friendship. But from this pulpit, in this season.

I don’t leave because I’m weary of this church or because I’ve lost heart in the gospel. I leave with a full heart. And I leave trusting that “the Lord will be with your spirit. Grace will be with you.”

I don’t leave you with a polished legacy. I leave you with something better: The gospel of Jesus Christ.

Because ultimately, that’s what sustained Paul. That’s what has sustained me. And that is what will carry you.

Let me ask you: Do you know this Jesus who stood with Paul? The one who endured betrayal, abandonment, and death—not because He deserved it, but because we did?

Let me tell you about the Savior who will never desert you, who bore your sin on the cross, who rose again so you could be forgiven, loved, and made new…

3 Circles

Call to Respond:

For the unbeliever: Will you trust in this Jesus who stood by Paul, and who went to the cross for you?

For the believer: Will you carry the torch with grace, faithfulness, and deep gospel friendships?

Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let’s Pray