2 Timothy 4:9-15 — So. Many. Names.

READ THIS: 2 Timothy 4:9-15

9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

Okay, there are like 8 names of people in this passage alone, and it is a little confusing. But, believe it or not, this passage shows us A LOT about ministry! Let's start with the people. In these few verses, we see people who are supporters of Jesus's ministry through Paul, enemies of Paul, and people who were off leading their own ministries for Jesus.

So, what do we learn from all of that? Ministry is best defined here as Jesus using broken and imperfect people to share the good news to other broken and imperfect people. Ministry also leads some broken and imperfect people to respond in ways they shouldn't. Not everyone is a supporter of Jesus's ministry, and Paul knew that better than anyone. People like this Alexander guy sometimes went completely against Paul and Jesus, and we have to expect that being a Jesus follower means some people will go against us too.

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. Who is someone that supports the ministry work you do?

2. How should we treat people who fight against the work we do for Jesus?
 
TRY THIS:
 
Take some time to thank whoever you thought of for question 1! Shoot them a text and ask them how you can be supporting them too!

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