But the Lord Stood at My Side

2 Timothy 4:9-22

Key Verse 4:17

** This passage shows us why and how the Lord enables us to proclaim the message of new life in the Lord.  

1. Skim through the passage. How many times is the word "message" repeated? What is a "message"? What does Paul mean by "our message" in verse 15 (or "the message" in verse 17)? 

** 2

** Message = information

** Information about the way for all lost souls to find their way to His heavenly kingdom.

2. Think about the expression "this world" (in verse 10) and the expression "his heavenly kingdom" (in verse 18). How are the two different? In verse 10, Demas is described as having been drawn towards one direction, while Paul strove towards another (verse 18). What might have caused the difference?  

** This world = the world which is still ruled by the power of sin and Satan (1Jo 2:15-16) 

** His heavenly kingdom = the presence of God (Matthew 25:34; Jude 1:24-25; 1Pe 1:3-5; Paul calls it a third heaven (2Co 12:2); John calls it "a new heaven and a new earth" Rev 21:1,2; Heb 9:10 calls it a new order

** The message: Demas was drawn to this world due to a different set of messages (like let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die); Paul was drawn to God's heavenly kingdom due to the message of new life in the Lord. 

3. How many people are mentioned in the passage? How would you categorize them in regard to their response to "the message" that Paul (and the members of the Lord's church) were called to proclaim? 

** 17

** Some were against the message, some were for it.

4. Read verses 17-18. What does this passage indicate about: a) Paul's relationship with the Lord; and b) the purpose of "the message"?

** He maintained a knowing and working relationship with the Lord. 

** To safely rescue people out of this world into God's [glorious] kingdom. 

The end 

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