1. Lessons From A Failure 2 Timothy 4:1-10

2. Introduction  Importance of being successful Faithful (Revelation 2:10; 14:13) Now forsaking the Lord  Starting a new business Imitate the successful Avoid the mistakes of others Demas (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24)

3. Freedom Of Human Will  Made a choice Israel not forced to serve God (Deuteronomy 30:19) Joshua’s words (Joshua 24:14, 15) Demas not forced to be a Christian (Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 6:16) Not forced to accompany Paul

4. Freedom Of Human Will  Exercise of the will Prodigal (Luke 15:11-20) Satan’s appeal (1 Peter 5:8) Death is the result (Romans 6:23)

5. Possibility of Apostasy  Demas changed Once faithful What happened?

6. Possibility of Apostasy  Fell in love with the world Faithful can become unfaithful (Ezekiel 18:24) Many warnings (1 Corinthians 10:12; 1 Timothy 4:1) Anyone of us (Hebrews 3:12-14) Dire consequences (James 5:19, 20; 2 Peter 2:20, 21)

7. Gradual Process  Not a single act May begin with faultfinding Become extremely sensitive Repeated absences from the assembly Lack of Bible study and prayer

8. Gradual Process  Check on ourselves Make sure we are studying (2 Timothy 2:15) Pray (2 Thessalonians 5:17) Spend time with Christians (1 Corinthians 15:33)

9. Controlled By Likes and Dislikes  Explains our decisions Food we eat, cars we drive, etc. Choose the things we like

10. Controlled By Likes and Dislikes  Demas changed Once wanted to serve God (Psalm 84:10) Chose to accompany Paul on difficult journeys Devil tempts us to change direction (James 1:12-15)

11. Costly Love Affair  Costly Polite way of saying adultery Demas’ “love affair” with the world

12. Costly Love Affair  His cost Fellowship with God (James 4:4) Valuable worker (Hebrews 6:6; 10:29) Good example (Matthew 5:14; Philippians 2:15)

13. Conclusion  Have you decided to serve God?  Time to change