JESUS OF NAZARETH: MORE THAN A FAIR-WEATHERED FRIEND

2 Timothy 1:6-18

Introduction: When I read this passage in its entire context, chills are sent down my spine from the thoughts this passage generates.

A. Timothy is encouraged not to be afraid

B. He is told not to stop preaching because of the persecutions of Paul

1. The word translated “Ashamed” means to alter one's course or not do a task for fear of dreadful consequences

2. Paul says this was not the reason for not visiting Rome (Rom. 1:16)

3. Paul was suffering because of the preaching of the gospel and was, therefore, not ashamed of the gospel. He did not take the evangelical high road by preaching an easy believism (Explain)

4. Paul then says that there were “Those” (Disciples) who abandoned him. They turned away from him (v. 15)

5. Onesiphorus came looking for Paul and eventually found him

C. Onesiphorus went into the heart of apparent danger when he came to Ephesus. He must have know that Paul was imprisoned. Yet, he did not shrink from his association with Paul

1. Paul says of him, “He was not ashamed of my chain” (Verse 16)

2. I believe Onesiphorus came looking for Paul and did not immediately find him. As was the case with many of the prisoners of Rome in those days, Paul could have been executed. Because of the present danger it would have been easy for most to justify not sticking around, but Onesiphorus pressed on

I. More than a fair-weather friend

A. Onesiphorus did not stick with Paul only during the good times when there was no threat of hurt, harm or danger

B. Onesiphorus was following the ultimate example: Jesus Christ (God did not send prophets to Israel when all was well)

C. Jesus Left the comfort and security of heaven to take upon himself human flesh and place himself in the throes of danger. What Jesus preached would ultimately cost Jesus His life (Luke 19:10 - Sought the lost)

1. Ridicule and humiliation

2. Not a popular person

3. Upset the status quo

4. Was tempted, yet without sin

5. Surrendered his life - did not run from danger

D. Jesus put himself at risk; He came when man was in dire straits (Rom. 5:8) He came to get a sense of what man has to deal with (Heb. 2.17-18)

E. Jesus is proven to be the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11-13)

1. He gave his life

2. Unlike the hireling, he does not run from danger

F. However, Jesus own disciples fled when they sensed danger (Matt. 26:56)

1. Their lives were now in danger

2. For a time they were ashamed (Read Isaiah 53:1-6)

II. The people of God need to follow Jesus example

A. Must possess a martyr spirit (Rev. 12:11)

1. Gal. 2:20 - be crucified with Christ

2. Matt. 10:38-39 - take up one's cross Early disciples put themselves in harms way 2 Cor. 4:10-12

3. Acts 14:19-20

B. We do not have to go through what many of the early disciple went through

1. Preaching the gospel should not be as intimidating

2. We are not being persecuted, probably because the world may not see us as a threat

III. Fair-weather friends

A. The disciples forsook the Lord during troublesome times

B. Paul's companions forsook him in times of apparent danger (2 Tim. 4:16-17)

C. Let us not forsake the Lord's work in anyway

IV. For those who are not Christians, Jesus put himself in harm’s way to seek the lost

A. Many mothers stared danger in the eyes to seek a lost child

B. Such a response to a lost condition could be motivated only by love

C. When man was in deep trouble God did not abandon us. He went to great lengths to rescue us Do you want to be rescued?