Demas

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-18

Steam engines are fascinating!

The current generation may struggle to comprehend the majesty of the steam engines that powered the Industrial Revolution, which led to significant societal and economic growth.  Steam engines are massive.  When you walk past them, you can feel the heat and see the glow of coal burning inside!  Coal for the journey is stored and fed into the incinerator gradually to keep it burning.  If those in charge stopped feeding the fire, the fire would go out, and the engine would come to a halt. 

Demas was a Macedonian from Thessalonica.  Demas may be a minor figure in the Bible, but he has a significant lesson for us today.

When Paul wrote to Philemon, Paul mentions Demas as a fellow laborer, alongside Luke, Aristarchus, and Mark (Philemon 1:24).  In his letter the Colossians, Paul mentions him (Colossians 4:14) but in 2 Timothy 4:10 Paul records that, “… Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica."  

What happened to Demas?  He was once on fire for the Lord and accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys, but we see him losing his focus and turning away from God to the world in the later years.  

It can happen to anyone!

We have to keep the fire burning in our hearts continually.  The world constantly vies for our attention, and if we give in to worldly desires, little by little, it will take us away from God.  Spiritual stagnation is a perilous state to be in.  We must continually grow in our Christian walk.  Spiritual growth is not automatic; it must be developed consciously through diligent Bible study.  The Bible clearly states that one cannot love both God and the world (1 John 2:16).  Demas's involvement in ministry did not prevent his spiritual decline.  His falling away teaches us the importance of a personal relationship with the Lord and the value of regular Bible study.  Activities cannot substitute for individual prayer and Bible study. 

The Steam engine may not stop the moment the operator stops feeding the fire.  It will continue for some time before gradually slowing down and eventually coming to a complete stop.  That is how apostasy creeps in if we are not careful.

My friend, lukewarm Christianity is dangerous.  Be diligent in devoting time to prayer, Bible study, and Christian fellowship.  Keep the fire burning.  The Bible says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me not to be distracted by the things of this world, but help me to focus on You and Your Word always.  Amen