Loneliness and the Christian Life
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Read 2 Timothy 4:9–22 “Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 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. 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. Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers. The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.”
According
to the American Lung Association
smoking
is the number one leading cause
of preventable disease
and dead
not just in the US
but around the world.
A single cigarette
releases 70 cancer-causing chemicals
such as arsenic
and lead.
And not just the lungs.
We commonly thing smoking only causes lung cancer.
But it also causes cancer
throughout the entire body
such as the blood
your liver
and your stomach.
Now believe it or not
there is something worse:
loneliness.
Long-term loneliness
is so deadly
that the US Surgeon General
said
that it is as dangerous
as smoking
15
cigarettes a day.
That it is more dangerous
than obesity
not exercising
and air pollution.
And over 50 percent
of Americans
report feeling lonely
with the majority
under age 50;
Millenials and Gen Z
almost 80%
of them
report
feeling lonely.
And yet loneliness
although talked about in our society
the absolute danger
that it is worse than
smoking 15 cigarettes
and obesity
is rarely pointed out.
And in the churches today
we treat certain things
like smoking
or alcohol
with intense
scrutiny
but rarely
do we treat loneliness
Which is worse
with the greatest urgency
that it deserves.
And this issue
is what God addresses for us
this morning
in our sermon’s title:
Loneliness and the Christian Life.
And our main point:
Christians draw closer to God and one another in times of loneliness.
1. Christians need to be with one another when they feel alone (v.9-15)
1. Christians need to be with one another when they feel alone (v.9-15)
Before we get into
our verses this morning
let’s take a look
at the context.
The Apostle Paul
has been imprisoned
for his gospel preaching
due to the increased
persecution of Christians
in the Roman Empire.
And although Paul
has been imprisoned before
this time
he’s not getting out.
His execution is near.
Yet
he was confident
that because Christ already won the victory
Christ
was awaiting to give him
the crown
at the finish line
of death.
But although Paul
was confident
and certain
of eternal life waiting for him
that didn’t stop him
from at times
feeling
alone.
Look at v.9-12,
‘Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. Tychichus I have sent to Ephesus.’
The apostle Paul
in his last moments
felt great
loneliness.
But why?
Isn’t Paul
this great apostle?
Of all people:
an apostle of Christ;
wouldn’t people
be flocking to him?
To support him?
But no matter
how great of a Christian he was
no matter how much
he touched people’s lives
loving others
and sacrificing himself
for them
that didn’t stop
people
from not being there
when he needed
their presence.
That’s why
Paul calls
Timothy
to come to him
because he feels
alone.
Now Paul
tells us the reasons
why people are not with him
in his time of need.
The first
is because of worldliness. (repeat)
He mentions Demas
a man who went to Thessalonica.
Now Thessalonica
was not necessarily a city
known for vices
like Las Vegas.
Thessalonica
was significant
because of it’s location.
It was next to a major military road
that connected to Rome
and the eastern cities.
Meaning
that Thessalonica
was a place
ripe with opportunity
for work
and security.
Sounds a little like
where we live:
the DMV
doesn’t it?
Our proximity
to DC
where the employment opportunities
are plenty
making a comfortable
and secure lifestyle
easier to attain
compared to other places.
What’s devastating about Demas
is not so much the place
that he was going to
but his heart
that loved
this present world.
He loved
the opportunity
for a better life.
Like how many love coming to US;
the land
of opportunity.
To chase
the American Dream.
Demas
simply wanted comfort
and opportunity
rather
than the life
that came with following Paul
and ultimately
the life
that came with following Jesus.
This is why the Apostle John
writes in 1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Church this world
is passing away.
So what’s the point of loving it?
All the wealth
that we accumulate here
are as permanent
as your breath
in the cold air.
Don’t love the world.
Don’t revolve your life
around your job.
Too often
we shift our whole lives
for opportunities.
Job opportunities
and relational
opportunities.
How quick we are
to instantly change
when we sleep
when we wake
where we live
all because of an opportunity
for a better job
or better relationships.
And we do it
instantly
without thinking
with little to no hesitations.
But when it comes to church
it’s so hard for us
to meet together
let alone meet together
in the middle of the work week.
Unlike these opportunities
when it comes to church
to serve and encourage one another
we’re not quick
we’re so slow
strategic
and hesitant.
But a better salary?
A better school?
Better relationships?
I’m moving tomorrow!
Church
if the things of this world
are passing away
and the things of God
are eternal
how much more
should we be shifting our lives
our schedule:
what time we sleep and wake up
and where we live
around God
and His church?
We too quickly take opportunities
and how much
it will benefit
and advance us in life
without considering
how these “opportunities”
will affect
our church life.
We don’t consider
how living farther and farther away
driving hours and hours for work
and how this bigger salary
or opportunity for overtime and more money
will also take bigger time
taking away time
to serve the Lord and one another.
Draining the energy of our bodies
and spirits
to worship God
with all
our heart
mind
soul
and strength
as God commanded us.
And most importantly
we don’t consider
how these “opportunities”
will impact
our spiritual life:
how they may potentially worsen
our ability
to spend quality time with God.
And that is what Demas did.
He loved the world
and betrayed Paul
in pursuit of advancement in life:
Better jobs
better relationships:
“oppurtunitiets”.
Now another reason
People were not there for Paul
in his time of feeling loneliness
is seen
in the next two people,
Crescens
who went to Galatia.
And Titus
who went to Dalmatia.
Now we don’t know the exact reason
why they’re there
and not in Rome with Paul.
But at least in Titus’ case
we know he’s a pastor
we’ve studied Paul’s letter to him already.
So it makes most sense
that both of these men
are away from Paul
not for malicious reasons
but because of faithfulness.
They are somewhere else
because they have ministry responsibilities
elsewhere.
Even though
the way we experience the kingdom of God
is primarily through our local church,
the kingdom of God
is bigger
than just this church.
And Paul is not bitter about that
he understands.
Sometimes people are unavailable
because God just has them somewhere else.
Thankfully however
Luke
is with him.
Faithful Doctor Luke
consistently
at Paul’s side
through thick and thin
and many journeys.
Now it’s only Luke
and no one else
that’s why Paul
says
“Luke alone
is with me.”
Paul doesn’t go into complete despair
saying that he is all alone
when Luke is there.
He still recognizes
the blessing God has given him
in Luke.
Too often
in times of sorrow and loneliness
we only see the darkness
and the hardship
when God is still blessing us
in front of our very eyes.
Never take for granted
everything God has given you.
Always recognize
God’s blessings to you
even if it’s just one person
who is with you
and thank Him
for that one person
He sent to help you
even when you feel alone.
And speaking of counting blessings
Paul recognizes
another blessing.
He says,
‘Get Mark
and bring him with you,
for he is very useful to me
for ministry.’
Now this is something
unexpected.
In Acts 15
Paul and Barnabas
were a duo
ministering together
in different cities.
But they split up
because of Mark.
Mark
didn’t follow through
on a ministry assignment
and left
when he wasn’t supposed to.
So Paul figured
that they shouldn’t bring him
because he’s unreliable.
But Barnabas
known to be the encourager
saw the good;
the potential
in Mark
and wanted him
to keep coming with them.
But they had a bad disagreement
whether Mark should come or not
so Paul and Barnabas
parted ways.
Paul took another minister: Silas
and went a different way
and Barnabas
took Mark with him
and went a different way.
You see
even the apostle Paul
had relational conflicts!
But eventually
something changed
perhaps Paul
grew in understanding
or Mark grew in spiritual maturity.
Whatever it was
there was reconciliation
later on in life
between Mark and Paul.
Church there may be some relationships
that were lost in your life
but perhaps God
will bring reconciliation
later.
Don’t give up on them
or harbor bitterness.
Forgive them.
Be ready to reconcile
because there may be a time
where God
will pull up a broken relationship
from long ago
to bring healing
and reconciliation.
And they may one day
be there
to help you
in your time of need
just like Mark
who although had a falling out in the beginning with Paul
was one of
Paul’s
greatest supporters
in the end.
Now continuing in v.12
Paul writes,
‘Tychicus
I have sent
to Ephesus.’
Tychicus
was a faithful servant
who Paul frequently sent
as a messenger to different churches.
So we see
that people
who Paul trusted
were not there
in his time of need
because of betrayal
because of ministry obligations
and also
because Paul himself
sent out
people.
He faithfully trained others
giving away
ministry opportunities
leadership opportunities
and authority
to others.
In other words
Paul wasn’t stingy with people.
He wasn’t afraid
to share his responsibilities
and even his authority
with others.
No he was generous
and gave it away to others
to raise the next generation
of leaders.
Som times
we can get overly
posessive
of one another.
We don’t want to let people go.
We don’t want to let people
go off to do missions
or to go to other churches.
And yes
does our society today
have a culture
of faithlessness
and comfort seeking
which are absolutely wrong reasons
to change churches?
Does our society today
have a culture
that as soon as things
become a little uncomfortable
challenging
and even painful
to leave and go somewhere else
immediately?
Absolutely.
But when God gives us opportunity
to send out faithful believers
to do faithful ministry
in faithful churches
that don’t compromise on the Bible
we need to let them go
send them
and faithfully support them.
And we shouldn’t be discouraged
that in times of need or loneliness
that they aren’t here with us
because we
sent them.
We shouldn’t just be generous
with our resources
but also
be generous with people.
If God has freely given us
all things
including His One and Only Son
how much more
should we also freely give
His people
back
to Him
for His
kingdom?
However
just because
people are unavailable
to be with us
in our time of need
for good reasons
or bad
doesn’t mean
that we don’t
have practical needs
that we need help with.
Look at v.13,
‘When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.’
There’s a few items
that Paul requests Timothy
to bring him.
First is the cloak.
The cloak is a large
sleveless garment
that is especially helpful
when you are cold.
There’s no doubt
that Paul
in a Roman prison
with no bed to sleep on
just the cold
hard ground
made it hard for him
to sleep.
So here’s this practical need
of warmth
and clothing
that Paul can’t get
on his own.
He needs his fellow brother in the Lord:
Timothy
to help him.
The other things that Paul
wants Timothy
to get
are “books”
and “above all
the parchments.”
These refer to God’s Word:
the Scriptures.
On Paul’s deathbed so-to-speak
Paul is saying,
“Bring me the good book!”
So notice
what
Paul asked Timothy to bring
in his moment of loneliness and suffering:
A cloak
and the Bible.
A cloak
for Paul’s physical needs
and God’s Word
for his spiritual needs.
Now in the church
God provides both physical needs
and spiritual needs
to His people
through the two church offices
of deacons
and elders aka pastors.
Deacons
provide the physical needs
like the cloak.
And pastors provide the spiritual needs:
prayer and bible teaching.
And notice
what are in common
between pastors and deacons?
They’re people!
Meaning God
uses people
to provide
for our needs!
Unfortunately however
there will be people
who oppose us.
Some were not with Paul
in his time of loneliness and need
because of betrayal like Demas.
Some because God was calling them to minister elsewhere
like Crescens and Titus.
Some
because Paul ourselves trained them
and sent them out
to advance the kingdom.
And some
because they directly opposed
the gospel message.
Look at v.14-15,
‘Alexander the Coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message.’
This Alexander
is likely the same Alexander
in 1 Timothy
where Paul said that he handed Alexander and Hymenaeus
over to Satan
to not blaspheme.
This Alexander
is the one who did Paul great harm.
Harm meaning evil
and hurt.
Yes the apostle Paul
and Christian leaders
are not invincible.
They can be hurt.
And this is where
bitterness
can set in.
Relational conflict.
But Paul
rather than keep his hurt
and be bitter
or try to go out
and make justice for himself
by fighting Alexander
and slandering him
entrusts
that the Lord will repay him
according to his deeds.
That because God is just
and that vengeance belongs to the Lord
not Paul
Paul is able
to overcome bitterness
by submitting his pain
to our just God
who will always do
what is right
bringing justice
to evildoers
in the end.
But notice
what
is Paul in pain about.
He says,
‘for he strongly opposed our message.’
Paul didn’t say
that he’s hurt
because Alexander
said hurtful things.
He didn’t say
he’s hurt
because of Alexander
injust actions.
Although Paul probably was hurt
by all those things.
But Paul’s true hurt
comes ultimately
that Alexander
opposed
“our message.’
The message of Paul and Timothy:
the Gospel:
God’s Word.
You see
on the flip side
in Philippians 1:15-18
Paul recognizes
that some preachers
preach with good intentions
but some
with bad ones:
envy
and rivalry.
Even doing it
in order
to hurt Paul.
But Paul concludes
that he doesn’t care
because ultimately
the gospel:
Christ
is proclaimed.
And as long as the gospel is proclaimed
then Paul rejoices.
So what ultimately hurt Paul
was not the personal attacks he received
but the opposition
and attacks
on God’s Word.
And even if he was personally hurt
as long as the gospel is being proclaimed
he rejoiced.
Because as John the Baptist said
about Christ,
‘I must decrease
so that He increase”
And that
was Paul’s attitude.
Church
what hurts you
says greatly
about what’s in our heart.
Just because you are hurt
doesn’t mean you are automatically right
and entitled
to something.
If you’re hurt by something
or someone
ask yourself
“am I hurt
because this thing
or person
opposes God’s Word
or am I hurt
because of something else?
What brings me more pain
that my name is being dragged in the mud
or God’s name is being dragged in the mud?:
Church it’s not that we ignore the pain that we experience
but the fact
that because Christ took the worst possible pain for us
on that cross:
what should bring us more pain
is not our glory being diminished
but God’s glory being diminished.
If something
or someone hurt you
because they were trying
to stand on God’s Word faithfully
even if they didn’t do it perfectly
look over
their imperfections
as Proverbs 10:12 says
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
And then
rejoice!
They’re trying to live
for God’s glory!
“I must decrease
He
must increase.’
Because when we feel alone
we need
one another.
It’s dangerous to be alone!
More dangerous than smoking 15 cigarettes a day!
We can’t just cut each other off
over being personally offended.
But unfortunately
the most common thing we do
when we feel alone
is think
that we don’t
need each other.
That we just need
me
myself
and I.
Oh
and God too!
Too often
when we’re hurt or alone
we think
“I don’t need them
I just need God!”
Amen to that.
But I wonder
when we think that
do we truly mean it
that we just need God?
Because God is telling us
in His Word
in this passage this morning
is that the way He meets our needs
is through
one another:
the church.
So if you know
someone is in a season
of feeling alone
and hurt
do you have the opportunity
to go
and be with them?
And if so
how can you help them?
What need do they have
that you can help them with?
Do they have a physical need?
Food
or clothing
that you could bring to them?
Or perhaps errands
or tasks
that you could help them with?
Or can you help them
with spiritual needs?
Can you pray with them
or read the Bible with them?
If you are able to go and be
with your fellow brother and sister in Christ
who is suffering
go
and also think
“ok
practical
or spiritual?
Which one can I help with?
Or even both?”
Anyone can pray and read the Bible together!
And if you are someone today
suffering loneliness
and sorrow
recognize this
that you need others.
You can’t do this alone.
If the apostle Paul
himself
needed physical
and spiritual needs
to be met
by others
how much more
do we?
When you’re hurt
don’t think
you got this on your own
and you don’t need the help of others.
No you do.
We all do.
We’re not God.
We’re weak
fragile
humans.
We need to humble ourselves
and recognize
that we need others
and we need their help.
Because Christians
need
to be with one another
when they feel
alone.
2. Christians are never alone because the Lord is always with them (v.16-18)
2. Christians are never alone because the Lord is always with them (v.16-18)
There’s a reason
why if you’ve noticed
that it’s not said
that Paul
and Christians in general
are
alone.
But instead
that Christians
feel
alone.
This is because
of v.16-17
where it says,
‘At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me’
At my first defense
refers to
a preliminary trial
that Paul attended.
During this preliminary trial
he explains
that no one was with him.
That he was alone
that all deserted him.
Perhaps these Christians
couldn’t attend Paul’s trial
to support him
because they were away.
Or because they were afraid for their lives
that being connected to Paul
might also send them to prison
and then their execution.
But Paul says,
“may it not be charged
against them!”
Just like how Christ
said on the cross
to his murderers,
“Father
forgive them
for they know not what they do”
desiring mercy for them
Paul also
desires mercy for these poor Christians.
But why?
How could Paul
wish mercy and goodness
for those who disappointed him
and even betrayed him?
Because as Paul writes in v.17,
‘But the Lord
stood by me
and strengthened me.’
You see church
there may be a time
where it is impossible
for even the church:
God’s people
to come to you
in your time of need.
Not even one.
But it’s ok.
Because God allows this
to ultimately to show you
and to feel His presence
more strongly.
Does this mean
that you should completely isolate yourself
from the people of God?
Absolutely not.
It just means
that if there does come a time
where it is impossible
for anyone to be with you
and there’s nothing you can do about it
that God
is with you.
You’re not alone.
He is by your side.
And not only is He with you.
He strengthens you.
“But how?
How does God do that?
How can He strengthen me
when there’s nobody around me?”
The answer is,
because the same God
that raised Jesus from the dead
the Holy Spirit
lives
in you.
And He
the Holy Spirit
will supernaturally
strengthen you
in cases
of extreme isolation
when other believers
can’t make it
to you.
You just have to trust Him!
Trust Him
because God is faithful.
I mean
it’s in his very name isn’t it?
Emmanuel?
God with us?
Church
no matter how far you are
and how deep you go
to the deepest parts of the ocean
or the darkest caves
in the world
God is with you.
Nothing
can seperate you from the love of God
no heights
no man
no demon
not even Satan
or your own sin
can separate you from Him.
Why?
Because of Christ
and what He has done
not
what you have done.
That is why God is with you
no matter what
forever.
That
is true
strength.
And this strength
that God gives you
will not just be for you
but for others.
As Paul writes,
‘and strengthened me
so that
through me
the message might be fully proclaimed
and all the Gentiles
might hear it.’
All Paul did
was following God:
and preach the gospel.
And now he’s on trial
to be put to death
even though
he’s completely innocent.
How wicked!
And this evil injustice
of harming God’s people
God allowed
in order
for many more people
to hear the gospel
through Paul
because many people
were there watching.
And God gave Paul
the opportunity
through this time of loneliness
to tell them why he is on trial:
the gospel.
To so many souls
who
unless they heard it
were headed for God’s judgement.
You see church
even in your times of loneliness and sorrow
God wants to use it for good
in your life
so that when you come out of it
because of the goodness of God’s grace
that you go
and tell others
how good
God is.
When all your friends
or family
and coworkers
oppose God and His gospel
and it’s just you.
Remember
it’s not just you.
God is with you.
So don’t give up on them.
Now now not only
is God always with you
and strengthens you
there is one more thing
that God does for you
in our time of loneliness and need.
Look at the rest of v.17 and 18,
‘So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom.’
A lion’s mouth
is compared to the sword
in Psalm 22:20-21
where David
calls upon God
to deliver him from the sword
and save him
from the lion’s mouth.
Or in other words
David
is asking God
to save him
from death.
And the reason why
David
puts
the lion’s mouth
along with the sword:
a symbol of death
is because a lion’s mouth
is a massive tool
of destruction.
The teeth of a lion
are extremely sharp
and grow up to 4 inches long.
And they are space out in the mouth
like scissors
that make its victims
into clean slices of meat
who they do not chew
they swallow whole.
This is because
a lion’s mouth
can open up so wide
it can open as wide
as almost one foot long:
up to 11 inches.
If you get caught in a lion’s mouth
it’s over
there’s no coming back.
Now that’s just one lion.
Imagine multiple.
An entire den of them.
That’s what Daniel had to face
in Daniel 6
where the king makes a mistake
in signing a law
that would send any man
who doesn’t worship him
including Daniel
his most trusted official
because Daniel
worshipped God
and God alone.
So Daniel
was cast
into the den of lions
and the next day
the king full of worry and anxiety
whether Daniel survived or not
finds Daniel alive
and Daniel says in v.21-22,
Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.”
God saves Daniel from death
by what?
Shutting
the lion’s mouths!
And because the Lord was with Paul
he also rescued him
from the lion’s mouth:
death
just ike Daniel!
But being rescued
from death in this preliminary trial
was just a foretaste
of the Lord’s ultimate rescuing
that was to come.
Because they were going to put Paul
on try again
later
to try to put him
to death
again.
So Paul writes in v.18,
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed
and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom.”
So Paul said
that God rescued him in the past:
from the lion’s mouth
now note
that Paul says
that God will
also rescue Him
in the future:
from evil every evil deed.
Now we know Paul later gets executed
after this letter.
So there’s no way
that Paul was talking in this part of the verse
about the evil deeds
that occur
in this life.
Paul and every single Christian who ever existed
even Christ Himself
has experienced all kinds of evil
in this life.
So then
what Paul has to mean
is that God will rescue him
from the evil deeds
in the life
that is to come.
In other words
all the evil deeds
of trying
to remove you from Christ’s hand:
to take away your salvation
that wicked people do
and Satan and his demons do,
the Lord
will rescue you
from all of them.
This is why
the Lord says in John 10
that He is the good shepherd.
That he lays down his life
for the sheep
from the wolf
who tries to snatch them away.
And then the Lord says
in v.27-29,
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
Because the enemy
is constantly attacking
constantly trying
to snatch you away
from God’s hand
Christ
has to guard
and protect you:
your salvation.
Otherwise
there is no way
you will be able to make it to the end
without the enemy
the prowling lion
completely eviscerate you
with his mouth.
But instead
because of Christ’s protection
no one
is able to snatch us
out of the Father’s hand.
Because Christ
rescues you
from every evil deed:
all of the many
and different kind of attempts
the enemy makes
to snatch us
out of God’s hand
will fail
because “we will brought safely
into God’s heavenly kingdom”
as Paul writes in v.18.
We will not be swallowed whole
like a lion swallowing it’s prey
We will not
be destroyed
by God’s eternal wrath
that is to come.
And instead
we will arrive safely;
Not harmed
as some people say you must undergo
some pain first after death
before you can enter God’s kingdom.
No.
Safely.
Unharmed.
Unscathed.
And this is why
the glory belongs to Him
forever and ever
as it is written at the end of v.18
amen.
It’s not you
and your ability
to survive
the works of evil
and the flaming dars of the enemy
which is why you will arrive safely
in God’s heavenly kingdom.
No.
It’s because of Christ
and Christ alone
and His
rescuing power.
Just like no sane person
stuck in a burning building
but saved by a firefighter
gives the thanks
to themselves
but the firefighter
not a single person
who enters God’s heavenly gates
will give the glory to him
or herself
but to God
and God alone.
He deserves all the glory
and our praise
because we didn’t do a thing.
It’s all about Christ
not you
or me.
So church
remember this
that no matter how alone you feel
that Christ is Emmanuel
God is with us.
He is with you.
And He will strengthen you
to keep going
to keep proclaiming Christ to the world
even to the very end.
And when you reach the finish line
He will rescue you
from the evil deeds of the enemy
trying to snatch you away
from Him
and devour you with his mouth
and instead
arrive safely
home
in God’s kingdom.
Because Christians are never alone
because the Lord is always with them.
3.Christians reach out to one another in times of loneliness (v.19-22)
3.Christians reach out to one another in times of loneliness (v.19-22)
At the end of every letter
Paul has always ended them
giving greetings
to other Christians.
But perhaps
because Paul is about to die
and Paul just wrote
an incredibly beautiful verse
about God rescuing him
in the past
and will rescue him in the future
and deserving all the glory
then perhaps
he won’t include his greetings this time.
But that’s not what he does.
Look at v.19-21,
‘Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers.’
Looks like Paul
ends his letter
in classic
Pauline style,
with greetings.
He reaches out
to say hi
to his friends
that he has known
for a long time
for years:
Prisca
also known as Priscilla
and Aquila.
A faithful godly couple
who supported Paul.
Onesiphorus
a former slave of Philemon
that Paul encourages to be freed
in his letter to Philemon.
Erastus
and Trophimus
who even though got sick
and was hindered from further helping
Paul understands.
Because they are both faithful men
who helped Paul
in his ministry.
And then Paul
reminds Timothy
to come before winter.
Not only is it gonna be cold
and Paul will really need his cloak
if Timothy doesn’t make it in time
it will be spring.
And by that time
Paul most likely
will no longer still be around.
Eubulus
Pudens
Linus
and Claudia
are names
we don’t know much about them
other than Linus
who Iraeneus said
became
a bishop
at Rome.
Most likely
these are Christians
Paul met
in Rome
or during his ministry
to Rome.
But why?
Why does Paul
make the effort
to greet people
in his time of loneliness?
Wouldn’t it at least
make more sense
if he said his goodbyes?
After all
he’s about to leave this world
and enter God’s heavenly kingdom!
But no.
He says hi!
What do we learn from this?
We learn
from Paul’s example here
is that even though
he’s in his last moments
of feeling alone
that doesn’t stop him
from reaching out.
You see
what’s the most common reaction
that we have
when we get hurt
or feel alone?
We pull back.
But Paul does the opposite here.
He doesn’t pull back.
No.
He reaches
out.
In California
there are these massive red trees
called giant
sequoias.
These massive thick trees
that are 40 feet wide
and 300 feet tall
are the biggest trees on earth
that make us humans
look like little ants.
And you look up at this gigantic tree
and you think wow
how mighty and powerful.
But in reality
a solo sequoia tree
is easily blown away
by storms and earthquakes.
So how is a sequioa tree
able to survive hundreds of years
of vicious storms and earthquakes?
The truth is underneath the ground
where the roots of a sequiao tree
reach out
to thousands of other roots
of sequoia trees
physically locking on to others.
And that’s the true reason
why the sequoia tree is strong:
not itself
but each other.
Because they reach
out.
Don’t miss the forest
for the trees.
Church
don’t miss the flock
for the sheep.
A single sheep
is easily deceived and misled.
But together as a flock
they are strong.
And if you are alone
you will fall
but if you lock on to one another
the church
then you will survive the harshest storms
to come.
So when you feel alone
or you are hurt.
Don’t reach inwards.
No
reach outwards.
Reach out to God’s people.
If you don’t reach out
how can God’s people come and be with you
to help you
with physical
and spiritual needs?
They won’t know!
You need to reach out.
Why?
Because you need
others.
And one more observation
that may give wisdom
in reaching out.
If you look at this entire passage
you will notice
that Paul
doesn’t call
all Christians
around the world
to rally to him
and be there with him
in the prison.
No.
How many people
does Paul
an apostle
reach out
to come to him
to help him?
2 people.
Timothy
and Mark.
Luke is already with him.
Paul only asks Timothy
and Mark
to come to him.
That’s a grand total of 3 people
that Paul wanted with him
in his time
of feeling great loneliness.
So what does that mean
for us?
Church
if 2-3 close friends
is enough for Paul
then 2-3
is enough for you too.
You don’t need to expect
the entire church
to be at your side
when you need them.
If just 2 or 3 church members
that you love
and trust
are with you
rejoice.
That’s enough.
Proverbs 18:24 says
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Too much of a good thing
can be bad.
And one of them
according to God’s Word
is too many friends.
Putting all of your trust
leads too more expectations
and more oppurtunities
for disappointment
and betrayal.
But a friend
meaning one friend
can be closer to you
than your own brother.
Church if you have one true close friend
who is a fellow believer
and a fellow church member
that’s all you need.
And if you have
2 or 3.
That’s perfect.
You don’t need more than that.
No wonder it says
in Ecclesiastes 4:12
And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
One stick
by itself
can easily break.
But when you put 2 or 3 together
it becomes very tough.
Church 2 or 3 brothers and sisters in the Lord
who are part of the same body
the same local church
who genuinely care for each other
is enough.
And they are a tough bunch to break.
Why does this matter?
Because church
rather than feeling
like a failure
when you can’t be there for everyone in the church
going through a hard time
if you can just reach out to 2 or 3
that God
has put on your heart
that’s enough.
Quality
over quantity.
Just like even though Jesus had 12 apostles
yet he was truly closest to
his inner circle of 3:
Peter
James
and John.
If the Lord
spent most of his quality time
with these 3
I think we have a good example
of how we should approach
discipleship
and ministry in this church.
But the question
is who?
Who are those 2 or 3?
I suggest praying
asking God for wisdom
who
are 2 or 3
people
that you can bundle together with
and do discipleship
together.
Think of people
who God may be giving you a burden for.
Tomeone
that you feel
that you could really help
especially
if its someone younger than you
as Paul wrote to Titus
older men teach younger men
and older women teach younger women.
Or perhaps
people you are already close to
that you already trust.
And you may be thinking?
“But isn’t that cliquish?”
And the answer
is no
because neither was Jesus being cliquish
when He prioritized His time
with 3.
You see church
it’s good
to have both
deep quality friendships
with 2-3 fellow church members
and
friendly acquaintances type relationships
with the rest of the church.
Cliques
are inner circles of people
who talk to themselves
and completely close themselves to anyone else.
But faithful discipleship
are inner circles of 2-3 believers
who are also open
to fellowship with other church members too.
As long as you are not completely closed off
from the rest of the church
you are not a clique.
So whoever
are the 2-3 people
God is pressing in your heart
to help in this church
those are 2-3 relationships
that God has entrusted you
to steward.
So steward those relationships
faithfully
and consistently reach out to them.
Meet together
as 2-3
for prayer
accountability
friendship
and Bible reading
consistently
And remember
in those times
where your close Christian church friends
are unavailable.
Remember what Paul wrote.
In his very last line,
‘The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.’
The Lord will be with you
always.
He is always with you
to lift up your spirit
to remain joyful in Him
even when people are not available
to be with you.
And so is His grace.
This letter
began with grace
and it ends
with grace.
God’s grace is sufficient
for you.
The grace
that God poured out on us
by sending
His one and only son
to die for us on the cross
even though we were his enemies
so that we wouldn’t have to die an eternal death
but have everlasting life.
That’s grace church.
Truly underserved.
100% God
0% us.
And it’s this grace
that continues
to amazes us
fill our hearts with happiness
joy
and hope
to continue following God
to the very end
even
when we feel alone.
Church never ever forget God’s grace.
Stop looking at yourself
and what you have done.
Look at Christ
and what He has done;
His grace.
And look at his body
that He has freely given to you:
your church
family.
Because Christians reach out to one another
in times
of loneliness.
And if you’re not a Christian listening today
please understand
that apart from Christ
and His grace
you are alone
and will continue
to be alone
forever.
That’s right.
Hell is not a party
with all of your friends
where you can hate God together.
No hell
is a place
of complete darkness
where you will suffer God’s wrath
in agony
in complete darkness
alone
forever.
You will be separated from other people.
It will just be you
in eternal torment.
But the good news
is that Christ
offers the grace
of his perfect life
and His perfect work
on the cross
to you
as a free gift.
You see
the true Christians here today
none of us
are saved because we are good
and we got it right
and solved life.
No.
We deserve the same fate you do
of eternal punishment
alone forever.
But it’s all because of Christ
we are free.
And because of Christ
you can be free too.
Free from the wrath of God’s sin
that you deserve from your sin.
And free from the eternal loneliness
that awaits.
All you have to do
is simply accept
the free gift
God offers to you
by faith alone
in Christ
not your good works
and you’ll have eternal life today
and never
ever be alone
ever
again.
Let’s pray.
