Demas, Good Beginning, Bad Ending

This 38th portrait of manhood sketches the features of a man whose life is a grave warning to us and whose ways are to be avoided. A true man should dread the prospect of becoming of Demas' posterity. The message begins by noting, insofar as the biblical data allows, the elements of Demas' apparent good beginning as a professing Christian. He was associated with true Christians, was familiar with the Colossian church and was regarded as actively engaged in the service of Christ. Yet, II Timothy 4:10 reveals that this seeming, good beginning was followed by a very bad ending. 'this present world' lodged in his heart and Demas deserted Paul and, in doing so, forfeited his soul. Demas is the New Testament equivalent to Lot's wife. Be warned of the deadening effects of 'this present world.'