The Gospel and relationships

Discipleship in the church
Friends, foes, and the Lord’s faithfulness-outline
2 Timothy 4:9-22
Paul asks Timothy to come and reviews friends and foes and God’s faithfulness
1) 9 Do your best to come to me soon. 10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 12 Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message.
Why does Paul want Timothy to come to see him soon? What warning can we take for our lives from Demas? In light of Acts 13:13 and 15:37-40, what encouragement can we take from Paul’s request about Mark?
Paul says he wants his cloak, the books, and some stationery. What does this tell you about his situation and his priorities? How did Paul react to Alexander the coppersmith? Why did Paul warn Timothy about him?

2) 16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
How could Paul ask God to forgive those who deserted him? What did God do for Paul and through him? How might Timothy be encouraged by the way God dealt with Paul? How does this apply if/when Paul is executed? In what way or ways do you need to apply Paul’s perspective to your life?

3) 19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. 21 Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers. 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.
Prisca and Aquila are old friends and co-laborers (Romans 16:3; Acts 18:2-3). Paul has been refreshed by the household of Onesiphorus (1:16-18). One more appeal to Timothy to come see him. He opened the letter with grace and closes with grace. What do you find helpful to your walk with Christ from 2 Timothy?