Lessons from Demas II Timothy 4:10 I. Introduction. A. There are many good people(in eyes of world) that become bad disciples. B. Consider: Demas in II Timothy 4:10. 1. Meaning of name: "Of the people" or unknown. 2. Been w/Paul: Colossians 4:14. 3. Influence of apostle strong--but one must be influenced. 4. He love this present world more than God. C. There are many influences/circumstances that cause one to question/forsake the faith. II. Body. A. The attractions of the world will influence some to question faith. 1. Fleshly satisfactions/lusts of flesh: James 1:14. 2. Promises of power: I Corinthians 1:26. 3. Feeding of ego: I Peter 5:6. 4. Love of money: I Timothy 6:10. 5. What is attractive today is not tomorrow: may not even exist. 6. All of these are temporary--but faith can be eternal! B. Neglect of study/applications of the word of God can erode one's faith. 1. The world is filled with knowledge--good and bad. 2. The flesh becomes weary. 3. The Christian lives on the principle of FIRST. 4. The soul must be fed--on regular basis. 5. Remember II Timothy 2:15. C. Placing an increasing emphasis on the wisdom/words of human authorities(?). 1. The world is filled with "intellectual" garbage. 2. James Dobson; prominent preachers--are not authorities(use in proper light!) 3. Paul's appraisal: I Corinthians 3:18-19. 4. Note: I Corinthians 1:21. 5. Comment on humanistic influences. D. A willful neglect of worship weakens one spiritually. 1. The Corinthians and the Lord's Supper: I Corinthians 11:30. 2. They were present--but neglected what should have been done(a lesson!). 3. This passage has meaning for disciples: Hebrews 10:24-25. 4. Often a first step on the path Demas followed(he "forsook" Paul). E. A lack of close association with faithful disciples can weaken faith. 1. Even beyond assemblies-- 2. Realize difficult at times-- 3. Paul needed such: II Timothy 4:11. 4. Note: Colossians 4:10-11. 5. One who has no close friends who are Christians misses one of life's greatest experiences. F. As one increases close friendship/ties with world--can have an adverse affect on faith. 1. Was this not Demas? 2. A warning: I Corinthians 15:33. 3. The world does not think or act like Christians! 4. The Christian must influence friends who are not Christians-- not the reverse! III. Conclusion. A. Lessons have value only if they are heeded. B. How often regret not learning a lesson?-jy