Demas (part1)

The departed ones

"[9] Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: [10] For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia." 2tim4:9-10

In this article, we pay close and detailed attention to a Bible character that made an impact on Apostle Paul's ministry in many ways but eventually made a remarkable headline for the wrong reason. His name was Demas.

Lets delve into some incidents into Paul's life and ministry, we will notice that he was always in the line of unfavorable events majorly due to the fact that his ministry was to the gentiles. He didn't have the very best of reception especially with respect to his peculiar manner of conversion and past lifestyle. Paul has been hidden inside a basket to escape death, he also had at a point encountered a snake attack but wasn't injured, was ruthlessly dealt with by a certain character named "Alexander the coppersmith".  Record had it that he had, if not possible, the worst persecution as an individual in the early church.

But there was nothing that could compare to the hurt he faced, or caused him much pain as compared to the betrayal of one of his compatriots,  a colleague, a fellow pilgrim, a Christian brother.... Demas!

Demas is like any of us. A born again Christian. Partnered a great Apostle like Paul. Probably was more tongue talking than many of us and on rugged fire of evangelism. Who knows, might even have casted out more demons than many of us,  and a genuine candidate of heaven. His biblical record speaks for him....

"Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you." col4:14

"[23] There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; [24] Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers." phil1:23-24

In the whole of colossians 4, out of Paul's 10 strong men mentioned, Demas was one of them. And also in philemon we say Paul calling a fellow labourer. He laboured for lost souls, for the weak ones, for the unreached people, for the course of the kingdom and for heaven. I can imagine how angels stood in awe over the exploits of this man. And can even hear the approval of heaven resounding to the glory of God on the account of the many souls converted to the kingdom through his ministry. Of a truth, an undisputed crown of righteousness awaited this pure soul, so selfless in service and acutely dedicated.

But along came a spider. Along the journey something happened. Something so subtle but yet very powerful that it jettisoned this venture that was set on a path of glory. Whatever must have happened to him to derail such a glorious vision. Apostle Paul clearly defined what happened....

Demas has forsaken me....

Demas didn't abandon Paul to open another ministry. Or did he leave to join himself with another pastor, Demas had forsaken Paul only for one reason...

Having loved this present world....

This present world. He loved this present world. A once lover of the kingdom of God, suddenly is a lover of the world. A lover of souls is now in love with the present world, a genuine lover of God is now frolicking with a love for the world. What a contrast!!! What could have initiated this shift? What is the cause for this deviation?. A slight degree of deviation and ones journey on the path is truncated.

[25] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. [26] For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matt16.

The Bible made a comparison to two important things. The world and a man's soul. If you gain one, you will automatically lose the other. We would be looking in depth into the mannerism and characteristics of the world, and it's contention for the soul of man. But for the study of today, we limit ourselves to Demas. He loved the present world and he departed. You cannot love this world and not depart the faith. You can be a pastor, or a general overseer or even be an Arch-Apostle with rare fire yet, cos you love this present world, you have departed.

I am talking to the departed ones reading this message. That you are presently in church and doing ministry doesn't mean that you are spiritually present before God in that assignment. You can mount the pulpit but yet miss the roaster of the angelic class attendant monitor. You can be casting out demons and remain a departed soul. You can be reading this article with a collar or bishopric cap yet you know deep down within you that you have departed. A lover of this present world is a departed soul. No wonder he can't hear the Shepherd. No wonder he manifests the likelihood of a goat mentality in his ministry or calling. He may be pastoring  a large congregation and yet in the heavenly register, he is a departed soul, branded a hireling  and doomed for destruction.

Demas forsook.... Loved..... and departed!  This is the spiritual chain process. It's a pattern that works even today. You depart from God due to a love of this world. And you loved the world cos you forsook something. Man of God retrace your steps and repent. You are not too big to cry out before him and allow your wondering departed soul to be restored to its rightful place of rest.

For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. Isa30:15

It's an utter waste of Kingdom Zeal, commitment, energy and a deception of assumed past records that one will allow his soul to remain in a departed state. Demas surely has passed on. If in that state, then to external damnation ...but why should you???

Are you a departed soul? Humble yourself and Repent today. Jesus still waits for you.