Life Lessons from Paul

Pastorals: Message Thirty- Seven

2 Timothy 4:16-18

ETS: Paul reflected on the trustworthiness of the Lord.

ESS: We should learn from Paul that we can depend upon the Lord.

OSS: [MO: Devotional] {SO: I want the hearers to rely upon the Lord.}

PQ: What lessons can we learn from Paul and this reflection passage?

UW: Lessons

Intro.: Last week, we examined the different types of friends that were represented in the verses immediately prior to these. We observed that there were two negative examples provided and several positive examples. We ought to strive to be a positive type of friend. However, we must realize that even as we strive to be a positive friend, both we and others will fail at times. Only God is fully dependable and worthy of our total dependence. Bro. Don Wilson often said to his congregation, “If you trust me long enough, I will let you down.” This statement was not to say that he intentionally hurt people or failed them. It was simply a statement that showed that he was in tune with his sinfulness and the reality thereof. There is only one who is worthy of our full dependence, The Lord.

TS: Let us examine together a few lessons we can learn from this passage:

People will fail you. (v. 16)

“at my first defense”- This phrase, scholars agree, refers to some form of a preliminary hearing (such as to a modern day grand jury) rather than to his first imprisonment that would have occurred years prior.

The people, both Christian and non-Christian, deserted Paul. No person stood with him for this defense.

God will never fail you. (vv. 17-18)

He stood with Paul when no one else did. Deut. 31:6 and Heb. 13:5

He strengthened Paul to fulfill his purpose (proclamation to the Gentiles)

He delivered Paul from a drastic situation (which provided confidence for Paul’s future deliverance from evil)

Paul was an exemplary Christian. (vv. 16-18)

He did not hold a grudge, but reflected the nature and forgiveness of Christ (Lk. 23:34)

He knew he wasn’t alone, and he depended upon God (17a)

He knew his purpose and sought to fulfill it (17b)

He remained heavenly minded (18) (Phil. 1:21)

CONCLUSION:

Ultimately, there is only one who is worthy of full dependence. People will fail you, but God will never fail you. He will stand with you when no one else will. Paul exemplified the kind of dependence upon the Lord that we can benefit from. We must seek to exemplify Christ and His character even when circumstances are not favorable to us. He is worthy!