Ep204 Paul's Trials
Forsaken But Not Forsaken: Brother Jim Shaw Preaches Paul's Final Words to Timothy
Brother Jim Shaw works through Paul's closing words to Timothy in Second Timothy chapter four, drawing lessons on being forsaken by friends, trusting no man, and fighting self-pity by setting one's sights on Jesus.
Paul Declares His Course Is Finished
Brother Jim Shaw opens the broadcast by telling listeners that if a spirit of self-pity ever tries to creep in, they should remember what Jesus endured, and that anyone walking in his steps will suffer the same. He turns to Second Timothy chapter four, reading Paul's declaration that he is ready to be offered, that his departure is at hand, and that he has fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. Shaw explains that Paul is telling Timothy plainly that his time is up, with a crown of righteousness waiting for him and for all who love the Lord's appearing. He frames the passage as Paul settling his affairs near the end of his ministry, a man who had traveled constantly, been shipwrecked, and landed on islands, now facing his final chapter with a short list of requests for his young protege.
Demas Departs and Alexander Does Harm
Shaw reads how Paul tells Timothy that Demas, once a good friend mentioned elsewhere in the Gospel, has forsaken him, having loved the present world, and has departed for Thessalonica, while Crescens and Titus have gone to Galatia and Dalmatia. Only Luke remains with him, and Paul asks Timothy to bring Mark, calling him profitable for ministry, along with the cloak, books, and parchments left at Troas with Carpus. Shaw pauses on the detail that Paul, perhaps the greatest worker for spreading the Word, is left with a single companion. He then highlights Paul naming Alexander the coppersmith, who did him much evil, and Paul's response that the Lord will reward him according to his works. Shaw uses this to warn listeners that Christianity is not simply sweet and pleasant, since believers are fighting principalities, powers, and rulers from the moment they wake.
Delivered From The Lion's Mouth
Shaw reads Paul's account that at his first answer no man stood with him, that all men forsook him, yet he prays it will not be held against them, because the Lord stood with him and strengthened him so the preaching would be fully known to the Gentiles, and he was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. Shaw says he believes this lion represents demonic attack rather than a literal animal, comparing it to the opposition Paul faced in Galatia when he exposed churches' sin and conferred not with flesh and blood. He warns that anyone resisting bondage such as greed, covetousness, sexual lust, fear, or respect of men will come under attack and suffer affliction even within the kingdom. Shaw insists believers must preach to themselves first, warning that hypocrites who live in conscious sin while claiming to serve the kingdom destroy testimonies and do the kingdom no good.
Jesus In The Garden As The Example
Shaw distinguishes between demonic possession, which he says never afflicted Jesus, and the deliverance some believers need when demons have taken hold of their minds, requiring spiritual warfare to be loosed. He points listeners to Jesus in the garden as the ultimate example, describing the attack Jesus endured there so severe that blood poured from his vessels, calling this the model of what believers may be called to go through. Shaw returns to Paul's words that the Lord will deliver him from every evil work and preserve him unto his heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory forever. He contrasts a reborn Christian with someone he calls a ritualistic, traditional Christian who believes signing a card or inheriting family belief is enough, insisting true faith is a personal relationship in which the Lord lives within the believer's heart, and that believers belong to a different kingdom than the nations and cultures around them.
Trust No Man, Fight Self-Pity
Shaw tells listeners to shout back at Satan's attacks of bitterness, hatred, or lust that the Lord shall deliver them from every evil work and preserve them to his heavenly kingdom. He recalls that Paul was abandoned by his friend Demas and harmed by Alexander, yet the Lord stood with him regardless, and he urges listeners never to fully trust any man, no matter how long they have known him or how good he seems, since none of us have arrived. Whatever trial a listener faces, whether cancer, disease, or hardship, Shaw tells them to cast it out in the name of Jesus, put up a shield of faith against evil words, and repent of known sins without giving the trial itself a name or letting it become an idol. He warns that self-pity focuses only on self, and that life and death are in the power of the tongue, so believers must guard their words.
The Apostles' Example and Closing Contact
Shaw reminds listeners that Paul was left utterly alone with only pen and parchment, asking Timothy to bring him a cloak because no one else would. He points to John the Baptist living in the wilderness on locusts and wild honey, and to the apostles' fates, Peter hung upside down, Andrew cut into quarters, and John boiled in oil, as proof the world system hates Christians. Shaw closes by urging listeners to set their sights on things above rather than on their trials, since Christians belong to a different kingdom entirely, and he pronounces a blessing and amen over the broadcast. The announcer returns to close the program, repeating the ministry's website, a post office box number in Vero Beach, Florida, and a phone number given twice for emphasis, inviting listeners back for another broadcast and pointing them to Brother Jim's YouTube page for additional messages.
