Alone yet not alone II Timothy 4 9
- Slides: 8
Alone, yet not alone (II Timothy 4: 9 -18) Allen Lo (June 28, 2020)
Loneliness is real • • • Loneliness is a big issue in today’s society Loneliness is a reality Loneliness is destructive Christian could experience loneliness also Paul's experience in prison
Alone • External factors – Deserted by friends (v 10 -12, 16) – Physical environment (v 13) – Attacked by enemy (v 14, 15)
Alone • Internal desires – Long for companion (v 9, 11, 12) – Long for growth (v 13) – Long for support (v 16)
Yet not alone • God is there when you are alone – Focus on God’s word (v 13) – Enjoy God’s presence (v 17) – Trust in God’s rescue (v 18) – Hope of God's heavenly kingdom (v 18)
Conclusion • Alone (Internal desires) • Alone (External factors) – Long for companion (v 9, 11) – Deserted by friends (v 10, 16) – Long for growth (v 13) – Physical environment (v 13) – Long for support (v 16) – Attacked by enemy (v 14, 15) Yet not alone (God is there when you are alone) • Focus on God’s word (v 13) • Enjoy God’s presence (v 17) • Trust in God’s rescue (v 18) • Hope of God's heavenly kingdom (v 18)
Key Actions Ø Go to the Lord when you feel lonely Ø Read God’s word (Psalms) Ø Talk to God (Meditate) Ø Take initiative to care Ø Call, Text, Wechat, etc… Ø Show your love and care
Key Actions • St. Francis' prayer: – Lord, make me an instrument of your peace Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy – O Divine Master, grant that I may Not so much seek to be consoled as to console To be understood, as to understand ; To be loved, as to love For it is in giving that we receive; And it's in pardoning that we are pardoned ; – And it's in dying that we are born to Eternal Life; Amen
