Demas the Deserter

A. Some Start, Run, and Finish Well

1. Paul was a good example of such a person

Roger Campbell. Preach for a Year: 104 Sermon Outlines (Preach for a Year Series): 7 (Kindle Locations 204-206). Kindle Edition.

a. He had a dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus ()

b. He had a long and fruitful ministry and martyrdom

2. He finished his course and kept the faith ()

2 Timothy 4:7 NKJV

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

B. Demas Had a Promising Start but a Disappointing End

1. He had been a "fellow laborer" of Paul ()

Philemon 24 NKJV

24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers.

Roger Campbell. Preach for a Year: 104 Sermon Outlines (Preach for a Year Series): 7 (Kindle Location 206). Kindle Edition.

philemon 24

2. He had been an associate of Luke

3. He finally deserted Paul

C. What Went Wrong with This Promising Missionary?

Roger Campbell. Preach for a Year: 104 Sermon Outlines (Preach for a Year Series): 7 (Kindle Locations 206-207). Kindle Edition.

2 Timothy 4:9–13 NKJV

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.

His Commitment Was Conditional

1. Demas had been in good company doing good things

a. Paul had counted him a faithful friend

Roger Campbell. Preach for a Year: 104 Sermon Outlines (Preach for a Year Series): 7 (Kindle Locations 207-208). Kindle Edition.

b. He had been with Paul during a time of great need

2. Outward appearances can be deceiving

a. Some serve well until the going gets tough

Roger Campbell. Preach for a Year: 104 Sermon Outlines (Preach for a Year Series): 7 (Kindle Locations 208-209). Kindle Edition.

b. Some serve God for earthly rewards or recognition

3. Jesus warned those who keep looking back ()

Luke 9:62 NKJV

62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

a. They wonder about the value of eternal rewards

b. They finally conclude the world offers more than Christ

His Love Was Lacking

Roger Campbell. Preach for a Year: 104 Sermon Outlines (Preach for a Year Series): 7 (Kindle Locations 209-210). Kindle Edition.

1. Paul found no fault with the labor of Demas

a. He evidently did his work well

b. Paul saw him as one of the trusted team

Roger Campbell. Preach for a Year: 104 Sermon Outlines (Preach for a Year Series): 7 (Kindle Locations 210-214). Kindle Edition.

2. Time proved Demas lacked real love for Christ

a. His love was lower: focused on this present world

b. Unlike Paul, he had set his affection on things below ()

Colossians 3:2 NKJV

2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

3. Paul's example should have encouraged Demas to love Christ

His Motivation Was Misplaced

1. Demas served out of duty rather than delight

Roger Campbell. Preach for a Year: 104 Sermon Outlines (Preach for a Year Series): 7 (Kindle Location 214). Kindle Edition.

Roger Campbell. Preach for a Year: 104 Sermon Outlines (Preach for a Year Series): 7 (Kindle Location 214). Kindle Edition.

2. He missed Paul's motive of doing all for the glory of God ()

Roger Campbell. Preach for a Year: 104 Sermon Outlines (Preach for a Year Series): 7 (Kindle Locations 214-215). Kindle Edition.

Colossians 3:17–23 NKJV

17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

3. His desire for earthly rewards finally caused his downfall

III. Conclusion

A. What About Our Commitment to Christ?

Roger Campbell. Preach for a Year: 104 Sermon Outlines (Preach for a Year Series): 7 (Kindle Locations 215-217). Kindle Edition.

1. Do we serve out of love for the Lord?

2. Is our motivation the glory of God?

B. Will We Remain Dedicated or Desert Under Pressure?

C. This Is the Time for Full Surrender to the Lord