But the Lord Stood at My Side

2 Timothy 4:9-22

Key Verse 4:17

1. Skim through the passage. How many times is the word "message" repeated? What is a "message"? What does Paul mean by "our message" in verse 15 (or "the message" in verse 17)? 

2. Think about the expression "this world" (in verse 10) and the expression "his heavenly kingdom" (in verse 18). How are the two different? In verse 10, Demas is described as having been drawn in one direction while Paul strove towards another (verse 18). What might have caused the difference?  

3. How many people are mentioned in the passage? How would you categorize them in regard to their response to "the message" that Paul (and the members of the Lord's church) were called to proclaim? 

4. Read verses 17-18. What does this passage indicate about: a) Paul's relationship with the Lord; and b) the purpose of "the message"?