Demas Chose the Present World Over the Coming World

Paul's description of Demas becomes even more powerful when we compare it with what

Paul says about himself. Demas loved “this present world.” But Paul was looking toward

another world. Just a few verses earlier, Paul writes in 2 Timothy 4:6–8 [ESV]: “For I am

already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.”

Paul knew death was approaching. Yet he continued: “I have fought the good fight, I

have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Then: “Henceforth there is laid up for me

the crown of righteousness…”

What a contrast. Demas looked around. Paul looked ahead. Demas saw what this world

could offer him. Paul saw the crown the Lord would give him. Demas loved the present

world. Paul longed for Christ's appearing. And every Christian eventually faces that same

choice. Which world do I love most?

John writes in 1 John 2:15 [ESV]: “Do not love the world or the things in the world.”

Then in verse 17 [ESV] he says: “And the world is passing away along with its desires,

but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

Everything Demas chose over faithfulness is gone now. Whatever attracted him—gone.

Whatever comfort he sought—gone. Whatever security he wanted—gone. Whatever

advantage Thessalonica offered—gone. The world Demas loved was already passing

away.

And so is ours. One day our houses will belong to somebody else. Our cars will be gone.

Our bank accounts will be distributed. Our careers will end. Our accomplishments will

fade from memory. But our relationship with God has eternal consequences. Do not trade

the eternal for the temporary.

Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:10 that Demas had deserted him. Imagine how painful

that must have been. Paul was nearing the end of his life. He needed friends. He needed

encouragement. He needed fellow workers. And Demas left. Sin never affects only the

person committing it. When Christians turn away, families hurt. Congregations hurt.

Friends hurt. Children notice. Grandchildren notice. Brethren notice. Demas did not

merely walk away from Paul. His decision became part of the inspired record of Scripture.

For two thousand years his name has carried this warning: Do not fall in love with a

world that cannot last. Follow Paul as He followed Jesus. Do not follow after Demas.