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Lonely but not Bitter

Explore Paul's loneliness in 2 Timothy 4 and how he overcame bitterness. Discover the importance of alone time with God and letting go of grudges. Witness the strength and inspiration of overcomers in the ICOC community.

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Lonely but not Bitter

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  1. Lonely but not Bitter Paul’s situation in 2 Tim 4 RolanMonje Pattaya, Thailand 2011

  2. Have you ever felt lonely?

  3. 2Ti 4:16 At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. 2Ti 4:16 ESV At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! Let’s read 2 Tim 4:9-20 Paul is lonely

  4. Demas defected (10) • Crescens was now working in Galatia (10) • Titus was now working in Dalmatia (10) • Though Luke was present, Paul hoped Mark would come (11) • Tychicus is in (or en route to) Ephesus (12) • Carpus is (presumably) still in Troy (13) • Alexander has become Paul’s enemy (14) • The Christians in Asia were ashamed of Paul and abandoned him at his trial (16) • Erastus is in Corinth (20) • Trophimus is in Miletus (20) • Fortunately, Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and others are with Paul. • Still, Paul misses and needs Timothy (9, 21) Paul thinks about his relationships[thanks to Doug Jacoby for this slide]

  5. Looking through Paul’s colorful life, he had many reasons and moments to be bitter. Despite being abandoned in his trial and other low moments, Paul is not bitter (16-18). He has overcome and run the race! Paul could have been very bitter, angry, and resentful

  6. God allowed Paul to have times alone. • Primarily, we need times alone so we can pray, meditate, and take stock of our lives

  7. ● Abraham would build an altar to God in different town he went to (Genesis 12:7, 8; 13:18; 22:9) ● Moses would often go to meet with God in the tent of meeting (Exodus 33:7-11) ● Samuel would often talk to God and go from place to place (1 Samuel 3:21; 7:17) ● David made his requests in the morning, and earnestly desired to meet with God (Psalm 5:3; 42:1-2) ● Elijah went to Mt. Horeb (1 Kings 19) ● Daniel prayed three times a day to God (Daniel 6:10) ● Jesus got up early in the morning (Mark 1:35) ● Peter and John went to the temple during time of prayer (Acts 3:1) ● Paul went to a place of prayer (Acts 16:13, 16) Men of God in the Bible had many solitary times

  8. Their times with God gave them strength to go through the tough times, and especially times alone. • Their times with God helped them to not focus on the now but look forward.

  9. Do I look forward to times alone with God? • Do I hold grudges when people disappoint me? • Do I have realistic expectations of people? • How do I deal with hurt and anger? Reflection

  10. I’d like to lift up some overcomers that I’ve met.These brothers immensely inspired me…

  11. My ICOC Family AlbumLeaders from US and Mexico

  12. God must be our ultimate source of strength (2 Tim 4:16-18) • Focus on your heavenward goal (2 Tim 4:8). Personal learning

  13. Looking at Paul’s life, at times we can be lonely, but not bitter. Praise God for an awesome example in our brother Paul!

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