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Demas: Lessons from His Desertion

Demas was originally a faithful member of Paul's evangelistic team, but he eventually deserted Paul when Paul was imprisoned facing execution. While with Paul, Demas associated with other faithful men like Aristarchus, John Mark, Luke, Epaphras, and Paul himself. The text suggests Demas deserted Paul not because he loved the world, but because he was afraid of facing martyrdom. In general, Christians should be ready for death, fulfill God's purpose rather than hold onto life, and remain separate from the sinful ways and priorities of the world, though they live in it.

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87 views3 pages

Demas: Lessons from His Desertion

Demas was originally a faithful member of Paul's evangelistic team, but he eventually deserted Paul when Paul was imprisoned facing execution. While with Paul, Demas associated with other faithful men like Aristarchus, John Mark, Luke, Epaphras, and Paul himself. The text suggests Demas deserted Paul not because he loved the world, but because he was afraid of facing martyrdom. In general, Christians should be ready for death, fulfill God's purpose rather than hold onto life, and remain separate from the sinful ways and priorities of the world, though they live in it.

Uploaded by

J.E.M
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

DEMAS NOTES

II Timothy 4:10

THE STORY OF DEMAS:


Demas is best known for his desertion of the aging apostle Paul who
was facing imminent execution in a Roman prison.
What is sometimes less appreciated about Demas is that he was a
faithful member of the evangelistic team led by Paul:
• Colossians 4:14
• Philemon 24

THE BACKGROUND OF DEMAS:


No positive details are given concerning this man. It is possible that
he was from the city of Thessalonica – an assumption based on the
fact that:
A. His Is a Greek Name — Demas means “popular”.
B. He Went to Thessalonica after He Left Paul.

THE ASSOCIATES OF DEMAS:


The references to Demas in Colossians and Philemon place him with
Paul at the time of the apostle’s first imprisonment. In both references,
he is associated with the following men:
• Aristarchus - “my fellowprisoner.”
• John Mark (Marcus).
• Luke – “the beloved physician.”
• Epaphras – “my fellowprisoner.”
• Paul – “my fellowlabourer” (Philemon 24).

Thus, he was a faithful man of God, spending the years from about
55 A.D. to 65 A.D. in the services of his Lord with Paul.

159
THE FAILURE OF DEMAS:
NOTES “…having loved this present world…”

Demas is usually castigated for being a ‘worldling’—a “lover


of pleasure more than a lover of God.” Based on I John 2:15,
have even concluded that he wasn’t even saved.
However, the context and wording of the text indicate
something else. He was afraid to die! He flinched at the
thought of Leaving this “present world” for the next.
The prospect of martyrdom will certainly unmask who we
really are and what we are all about!

CHRISTIANS AND DEATH:


Consider what the Bible has to say about physical death and
believer:

A. We should be READY to die—Amos 4:12; Hebrews


9:27; James 4:14; John 3:3.

B. We should rest in the fact that the time and manner of


our death are in GODS’S HANDS – John 21:18-22.

C. We should realize we are in this present world for a


PURPOSE – Philippians 1:21-26. If we don’t have a
purpose…???

D. We should concern ourselves with doing (and


fulfilling) the WILL of God – II Timothy 4:6,7;
Matthew 6:19-21; 24:46; 1 Timothy 4:8; 6:17-19.

E. We should never contemplate SUICIDE. Four godly


men in the Bible wished to die – Exodus 32:32,33; Job
6:8,9; 1 Kings 19:14; Jonah 4:8. In each case, God
never answered their prayers!

F. We should not fear death, but rest in the fact that God
will give us “DYING GRACE” when the time comes –
Psalm 23:4; Acts 7:59,60; 1 Corinthians 15:53-57.

G. We should live in constant ANTICIPATION of the


glory to come – Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:1-5; 1
Thessalonians 1:9,10; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 13:14;
Peter 1:4.

H. We should NEVER hold our lives dearer than God’s


will – Revelation 12:11c; John 12:25.

160
CHRISTIANS AND THE WORLD:
Worldliness is always the result of misplaced affection – Colossians NOTES
3:2.

A. The World:
When the Bible uses the term “the world” in a bad sense, it is
not referring to God’s creation, but to the system engendered by
sinful man.

The world is described in 1 John 2:15-17 as consisting of the:


1. Lust of the flesh – sensualism.
2. Lust of the eyes – materialism.
3. Pride of life – popularity (Demas?).

The world is in Satan’s domain and control – II Corinthians 4:4;


Ephesians 2:2; 6:12; 1 John 5:19.

The world brings us into bondage (Galatians 4:3); it spoils us


(Colossians 2:8); and pollutes us (II Peter 2:20).

B. The Christian:
The Bible teaches the following concerning the Christian and the
world:

1. We are IN the world, but not Of the world – John 15:19;


17:16; 18:36; Corinthians 5:9,10.
We are to use the world (as God intended) – 1 Corinthians
7:31-34.

2. We are on a different “wavelength” than the world – 1


John 4:4-6.

3. We are to separate from the “things” and the “thinking”


of the world – Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15; James 1:27c;
4:4; Titus 2:12; Galatians 6:14.

161

Common questions

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Worldliness refers to misplaced affections and prioritizing sinful desires such as sensualism, materialism, and the pursuit of popularity over spiritual commitments. In Demas's case, his love for this present world can be interpreted as succumbing to worldly temptations, possibly being afraid of losing his life rather than fulfilling God’s will .

Paul’s final exhortations in II Timothy 4 reflect a deep commitment to finishing the race and keeping the faith despite impending death, emphasizing courage and fidelity to God’s call. In contrast, Demas, who deserted Paul out of fear and attachment to this present world, exemplifies a divergence from Paul's model of enduring faith. This contrast illustrates the varying levels of spiritual commitment and provides a sobering reflection on the resolve needed to complete one’s mission with integrity .

Demas's desertion can be understood as a failure to align with the biblical encouragement not to fear death but to trust in God's timing and purpose. The context suggests that Demas was overwhelmed by the fear of leaving this present world, whereas Christians are encouraged to entrust their fate to God and not hold onto worldly life dearer than God’s will .

Biblical teaching emphasizes that Christians are in the world to fulfill God's purpose, which should take precedence over personal fears and desires. This teaching informs the setting of priorities that align with God’s will. Demas's shortcomings can be perceived as a failure to hold such a purposeful perspective, possibly valuing his life and comfort over his spiritual mission and duty, which the Bible cautions against .

Demas's story reflects the broader themes of loyalty by demonstrating the difficulty of maintaining steadfastness under persecution and fear of death, common challenges in early Christian ministry. His departure from Paul underscores the tension between worldly pressures and spiritual commitments, highlighting how fear can undermine loyalty, a lesson on the enduring struggle between faithfulness and the allure of immediate security .

Demas was closely associated with significant figures in the early Christian church such as Paul, Aristarchus, and Luke during Paul's imprisonment, suggesting that he was once a trusted and faithful member of the evangelistic team led by Paul. His inclusion in this group indicates his integrity and commitment to the Christian mission during that period .

'Dying grace' is the assurance that God will provide strength and peace in the face of death, fostering bravery and commitment among believers. The concept encourages Christians to focus on fulfilling God’s will irrespective of mortal fears. Demas's desertion highlights a lack of reliance on such grace, emphasizing the need for trust in divine support as central to enduring persecution and martyrdom courageously .

Christians are advised to live in the world but not conform to it, using it as God intended and separating from its corrupt influence. Demas's decision to leave Paul serves as a warning of the dangers of failing to maintain this separation, as associating too closely with the worldly system can lead to fear-driven decisions that compromise one's faith and mission .

The biblical view of 'the world' as hostile to God's values challenges Christians to resist temptations like sensualism, materialism, and pride. This worldview requires believers to be vigilant against such influences in daily life. Demas's decision to prioritize worldly security over spiritual commitment serves as a cautionary example, showing how succumbing to fear and worldly allurements can lead one astray from faithfulness .

The biblical perspective encourages believers to find peace in the inevitability of death through trust in God's omniscient timing and grace, preparing them to face death without fear. Demas's actions contrast with this perspective, as his desertion implies a lack of trust and peace, revealing his fear in light of a potential martyr's death, deviating from the biblical assurances offered in passages like Psalm 23:4 and 1 Corinthians 15:53-57 .

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