29/10/2020 - LOVE GOD´S THINGS, NOT THE WORLD

• 
• 
• 
• 

for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia.   2 Timothy 4:10

A child’s helplessness in faith and his going astray hurts the heart of any parent. God promised Moses to be the enemy of his enemies, the adversary of his adversaries, and ungrateful to those who were ungrateful to him (Exodus 23:22). Furthermore, the Lord would also be a friend of the prophet’s friends, faithful to anyone faithful to him and rewarding anyone who did him any good.

There will come a time when many Christians will stray and reject sound doctrine. Unfortunately, the spirit of the world will corrupt many. There is evidence everywhere that we are already living in these dark times. Many have accepted as teachers people who approve that which is condemned by the Lord. These false teachers come up with crazy ideas, with no biblical support, mirroring only the desire of an unclean heart.

In order not to fall into temptation, one must be sober in everything, without being influenced by people’s words, by the tears they shed or by their sensuality. The Bible tells us: You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). If you have been through these situations, one thing I can assure you: be an evangelist and proclaim the Good News, fulfilling the ministry the Lord has given you, and the anguish will be a thing of the past (2 Timothy 4.5).

We die with Christ when we surrender our lives to Him (Romans 6:8). From then on, our goal is to fight the good fight until we finish our race, always keeping the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). Whoever remains faithful will receive a reward – the crown of justice – from the Lord on the Day of Judgment (v. 8). So, remain determined to serve God with excellence, without letting your faith falter.

Just as Demas abandoned the way of the Lord, so did others. Those people did not listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, causing enormous damage to the apostle and themselves. What will they say to the just Judge when He comes? Are there any excuses for giving themselves to sin, greed and doing what their heart asked for? Be careful! The fate of those who do so will be condemnation, and they will be cast into the lake of fire on the great Day! Do you want that for yourself and the people you care about?

Some followed Demas’ bad example, forsaking the apostle or even turning away from the divine paths. But Paul was not alone, the Lord is faithful! He sent Luke, who gave up his life and career, to accompany the apostle. Be that kind of person who leaves anything for the sake of the Gospel. Undoubtedly, you will be rewarded a hundred times more, in addition to receiving eternal life (Matthew 19:29).

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares