An obscure New Testament name bears significant weight on a serious spiritual problem. A companion of Paul eventually walked away from following Jesus, and we could be in danger of the exact thing.
On Paul’s many missionary trips, he took others with him. During these journeys, he was intentional to disciple them. Through his travels, you can see those who once served as assistants had been sent to other locations to serve as leaders. In many of his letters, we read different indicators about the status of one of his companions.
One of his partners who is not as famous as some of the others is a man named Demas. He is mentioned only three times in the New Testament. While not much is described about him, what is available speaks volumes. Read the following passages in chronological order.
- Colossians 4:14 – Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.
- Philemon 1:23-24 – Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
- 2 Timothy 4:9-10 – Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.
2 Timothy is believed to be Paul’s final letter before he was martyred. While Paul awaited his execution for following Jesus, during the time of his most profound need for companionship and encouragement, his former friend and co-laborer left him because he loved the world too much.
This departing companion was no fairweather Christian. He accompanied the death-defying, awe-inspiring Apostle Paul on ambitious trips to dangerous places. He stuck with him even while he was in prison. This minister was the real deal and had the battle scars to prove it.
And then something changed.
He loved the world too much.
He walked away.
He deserted Paul.
He abandoned Jesus.
Does Demas’ legacy run in your veins?
You cannot delightfully prioritize Jesus when you are determinedly pleasuring yourself with the things of this world.
What rival joy of this world must you dethrone in your life?
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
