A CHALLENGE TO THE MEMBERS

I commenced this message with a charge to the elders, and now I want to conclude with a challenge to the members.  

First stand faithful with your leaders (v.9-15). 

“Make every effort to come to me soon, because Demas has deserted me, since he loved this present world, and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry. I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus, as well as the scrolls, especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his works. Watch out for him yourself because he strongly opposed our words.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:9-15‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Paul’s words are heartbreaking. There were many who abandoned him and others who abused him. I have been glad to watch people join the church, but I have grieved over those who have deserted the church.  Each is a small cut, and a pastor bleeds a slow torture each time. Other members, like Alexander the coppersmith, do great harm—and oppose the Lord’s word. Don’t be one of those!  

Stand faithful and stay focused on your Lord (v.16-18). 

“At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that I might fully preach the word and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:16-18‬ ‭CSB‬‬

The ultimate focus of Paul was not the men who deserted him, but the Lord who stood with him.  He lived for another world—a pilgrim on a journey to the heavenly kingdom. His focus was on the glory of God.  Look up!

Then, seek fellowship in Christian love (v.19-22). 

“Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus has remained at Corinth; I left Trophimus sick at Miletus. Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters. The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:19-22‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Having a focus on Christ does not negate having fellowship with Christians. The church is His body. That fellowship is essential! There is urgency, the Apostle expresses, “come before winter.”  He wanted his cloak and his Scriptures (4:13)—the cloak to warm his skin and Word to warm his soul!  

What are you doing as a member of the fellowship to show love to your pastors and the people?  Are you connected to a fellowship now, where you can receive ministry from the Body?