DEMAS, MARK AND LUKE

TEXT: 2 Timothy 4:10,11

INTRODUCTION:

1. Give the historical setting.

2. Demas, Mark and Luke typify many of today's church members.

DISCUSSION:

I. "Demas has forsaken me, having loved...world.

A. Demas was Paul's fellow laborer (Philemon 24).

B. He was with Paul at Rome during the first imprisonment (Col. 4:14).

C. When 2 Timothy was written, during the second imprisonment, Demas had gone back.

D. The Christians attitude toward the world 1 John 2:15-16; Jas 4:4; mat. 6:24,12,20; 2 Tim. 3:4).

E. Demas loved the world; He was the thorny soil (Luke 8:11-14) GOOD BEGINNING BAD END.

F. Many are like Demas always ready to start a big project but never ready to finish it.

II. "Bring Mark, for he is profitable for ministry."

A. Note Mark's early mistake (Acts 13:13; 15:36-41).

B. "NOT GOOD TO TAKE HIM," vs. "BRING HIM."

1. Mark had proven himself.

2. Contrast with Demas.

C. The person who will correct mistakes and overcome handicaps is often the best.

1. David vs. Solomon.

2. Prodigal son vs. elder brother.

D. Many are like Mark - Bad beginning - Good ending..

III. "Titus to Dalmatia."

A. Titus was tough as nails.

B. Paul sent him to Crete (Tit. 1:4,5,12,13).

C. Describe Dalmatia -- modern day Croatia. It is still one of the toughest areas in the world

D. Contrast with Timothy (1 Cor. 16:10-11; 2 Tim. 1:8).

E. Every church needs someone who is able to keep his head while enduring hardship.

IV. "Only Luke is with me."

A. Luke's history: Acts 16:10; 20:5 From Troas to Philippi-- first journey...Joined Paul at Philippi on third tour Acts 21:18. Thence to Jerusalem and then to Rome; Acts 27:1; 28:16.

B. Still with Paul in second imprisonment. Luke was Paul's "stand-by."

C. The church has a few Luke's. But for a few to depend on what would the church be.

APPLICATION.

A. Are you a Demas, a Mark, A Titus, or a Luke?