Don't Be Demas

Beloved Kinney,

Do you know who Demas is? Most know him as the one who abandoned Paul and the
missionary work they partook in together because he was “in love with this present
world” (1 Tim. 4:10). What a devasting reputation. Demas gave up on the pursuit of the
spread of the gospel and, it appears, gave up on following Christ because he loved the
things of this world more than he loved Christ.

But did you know, just a few years early, Paul wrote these words? “Epaphras, my fellow
prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas,
and Luke, my fellow workers.” (Philemon 23-24) Demas was a “fellow worker” with Paul
in the gospel and sent his warm, gospel greeting to Philemon. Then, just a few years
later, he abandoned everything.

There is a simple lesson for us: Don’t be Demas. Don’t get lured by things of this world.
Root yourself firmly in Christ by rooting yourself firmly in the community of believers in
the church. Don’t be a fake. Open yourself up to trusted believers to help you in your
walk with Christ. If you sense you’re being drawn away to worldly things, consider it a
911 and call on your brothers and sisters to help.

Don’t be Demas. Don’t turn away from the mission of making disciples. Don’t turn away
from your church. Don’t turn away from Christ!

Cling to God’s grace. If God called you, he will keep you.

Love,
Pastor Josh