The 4th Chapter of 2 Timothy is a record of both sadness and triumph.  Paul inspired of God begins by telling Timothy to “preach the word” and to preach it whether it was well received or not (vs. 2-4).  He then continues to speak of his impending death, the good fight that he had fought and of the crown of righteousness laid up for both himself and the faithful. In verses 14 and 15 he speaks of a man named Alexander who had done him much evil and then in verse 16 there is a very sad statement “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all forsook me.”

Do we ever feel persecuted or abandoned for simply doing what we know to be right?  Do we ever feel like we have been forsaken as we experience the pressure that comes from standing alone?

In verses 17 -18 we learn that notwithstanding this desertion by men, the Lord stood with Paul and would be with him even after death, delivering him from this evil and preserving him in the heavenly kingdom.

Another precious promise to the faithful of the Church.  Stand firm.  The Lord is with you.

How God Saves – – Keep the Faith