We draw near to the end of our sermon series entitled “Overcoming Distance”. Preaching from Nathan Gordon. Service led by Terri Whiston.

Sermon Notes

Experiencing betrayal or hurt from someone we love or share a close bond with can be incredibly painful. It could be a failed marriage due to broken trust, siblings who no longer communicate, or dear friends who have become strangers. These experiences can lead to the creation of emotional barriers within our hearts.”

Today’s sermon will highlight the reality that if we continue to harbour bitterness and unforgiveness toward someone who has let us down, our relationship with God can suffer.

Secondly, allowing someone else’s actions to keep us bound in fear will also affect our other relationships.

The situation
– The imprisoned Apostle Paul reflects on those who supported him and those who deserted him.

• Demas was a fellow co-worker of Paul in the ministry (See Philemon 1:24)
• Demas was loyal at the beginning and continued to serve in ministry during Paul’s first imprisonment (Col 4:14)
• During Paul’s second imprisonment, Demas abandoned Paul in Rome and potentially the faith altogether. V9

The Complication
– Who do you trust after being let down? ~ v9-10

Sometimes, people struggle to trust God because others have failed them in the past….

• Paul was in prison and only allowed a small contingent of visitors
• Paul would have been encouraged by his friends and fellow co-workers in the ministry coming to visit him
• Paul would have been devasted knowing Demas, who served with him, had deserted him and departed from the faith.
• Paul continued to reach out and invest his time in Timothy despite others abandoning him

Life Application—When people we hold in high esteem let us down, we naturally tend to put emotional guardrails in place and no longer trust anyone else to be loyal and supportive. Remember, we can’t allow other people to pay a tax on the hurt someone else caused. Not everyone is the same. Despite Demas and Alexander, Paul could be comforted knowing Timothy, Mark, Luke and Titus remained as good friends.

The Resolution
– Sometimes distance from people is necessary to be closer to God  (v14-15(

• Alexander seemed to have caused a great deal of harm to Paul
• It’s possible Alexander is the same one mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20 (Handed over to Satan because of blasphemy)
• Paul warned Timothy to stay away from Alexander and anyone else who speaks against the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Life Application ~ As Christians, we are called to love people, be kind, and exercise patience. However, if someone is intent on tearing us down because of our faith or ridiculing our stand for God, then, like Paul, we may need to distance ourselves from such people until we see a noticeable change of heart.

The celebration
– The Lord will never abandon his children (v16-18(

• Paul was strengthened and encouraged that God stood by his side despite his friends deserting him.
• David shared a similar testimony in Psalm 27:10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

Life Application – Don’t allow the actions and disloyalty of others to cause you to feel distant from God. No human being is perfect, and humans are prone to make mistakes, But God is forever faithful and will stick closer than any family member, spouse, or friend.

Questions

1. Discuss why it can be challenging for people to trust God if they’ve been let down by someone they trusted? E.G. family members, spouse, and friend.
2. Think specifically about the Role of God as our father; how would you encourage someone struggling to embrace God as their father because of a poor relationship with their earthly father? – Think of scriptures that may help
3. Read Chapter 4 verses 9-18; what can we learn about Paul’s concern and desire to proclaim the gospel despite being in prison
4. Demas abandoned Paul because he loved the world. Think about people you know who may have returned to the world after giving their lives to Christ. What are some of the causes of people turning back to the world today?
5. Unfortunately, over the years, there have been many stories of church leaders experiencing a moral failure. How can such actions affect other Christians in the church, and how would you encourage a Christian who has felt let down by a church leader?