Which Jesus Do You Follow?
Which Jesus do You Follow?
If you’ve been among church people long enough, you will definitely have encountered many who outwardly declare themselves to be followers of Jesus yet live in disobedience to Him.
When he was nineteen years old, back in 1983, David Hampton unsuccessfully attempted to enter a Manhattan nightclub. When he returned later and lied to the security staff that he was Sidney Poitier’s son, they allowed him entry (The real Sidney Poitier was a famous American actor who lived from 1927 to 2022. Sidney Poitier has six daughters and no sons). They led him right to the VIP area. From then on, Hammond developed the habit of appearing at upscale dining establishments for fake meetings with his “father.” He would eat, sign the check under Poitier’s name, and appear upset that his “father” hadn’t shown up. He eventually began going after Manhattan’s affluent residents, including Calvin Klein and Gary Sinise. After introducing himself as David Poitier, Sidney Poitier’s son, Hampton would make up a narrative about being robbed and needing a place to stay until his “father” came for him the following day. “David Poitier” engaged in this fraud up until his death from AIDS in 1993.
A false Jesus
Like Sidney Poitier, the person of Jesus Christ has suffered from impersonators. Truth seekers, like David Hampton’s victims, have fallen victim to a false Jesus preached from pulpits over the centuries. As far back as the first century, the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church: “For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough” – 2 Corinthians 11:4 (English Standard Version).
A false Jesus cannot deliver the genuine character transformation that the true Jesus promised His followers. The Apostle Paul, who wrote 2/3 of the New Testament, wrote of this true Jesus in 2 Timothy 2:19: “Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” The sad state of affairs today is that the majority of those who profess to follow Christ embrace wickedness instead of turning away from it. Hence the question: Which Jesus Do You Follow?
False believers
If you’ve been among church people long enough, you will definitely have encountered many who outwardly declare themselves to be followers of Jesus yet live in disobedience to Him. I once joined a Christian organization and was immediately assigned to field ministry work in remote areas of the country with a pastor. I came to discover that this pastor, who is still a full-time employee of this Christian organization to date, had deserted his wife and kids and was living in an adulterous relationship with another woman. I lodged my concerns with the organization’s director, and I was shocked to find out that she was fully aware of this wrong but, wishing to keep the donor funding flowing, chose to condone the behaviour. I was also a member of a church where I discovered that one of the elders, who was all spiritual within the church compound, had a vicious temper at work. I met a young lady who quit his employment for fear of her safety after an incident where, in a fit of rage, this elder hurled a computer screen at her. Again, when I reported this and other similar incidents to the senior pastor, I was shocked to discover that he was well aware of this elder’s behaviour. Appallingly, he took no action against the elder, seeing that he was a heavy and faithful tither in the church.
The Bible says that “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature and old things have passed away” (2 Corinthians 5:17). There are a lot of churchgoers who identify themselves as Christians but continue to live in sin without repentance, guilt, or remorse. The church has evolved into a sanctuary for sinners that covers up for their sinful lifestyles and assuages their consciences whenever guilt dares to penetrate their consciousness.
A false gospel
The church achieves this by replacing the authentic gospel of the Kingdom with a heretical prosperity gospel. Jesus’ job description is found in the Gospels: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” – Matthew 1:21 (NIV). A Jesus who does not address the problem of sin in an individual’s life cannot be the true Jesus. And this is the Jesus who is preached rampantly across our church pulpits: a Jesus who is more interested in your bank account than in your moral character; a Jesus who is more concerned with your temporal earthly comfort than in your eternal destiny; a Jesus who only generates testimonies of the acquisition of material blessings and promotions and never of moral conversion and repentance from sin.
Friend, you don’t come to Christ for Him to make you wealthy and healthy. You come to Christ because you recognize that you are a sinner deserving of God’s righteous eternal punishment and that Christ is your only way out of God’s holy wrath.
So, which Jesus do you follow?
This Week’s Reflection
The Tragedy of Demas
“For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica” – 2 Timothy 4:10 (ESV)
Demas is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, primarily known for his association with the Apostle Paul. He appears in three key passages: Colossians 4:14, Philemon 1:24, and 2 Timothy 4:10. Each of these verses provides insight into Demas’ relationship with Paul and his role in the early Christian community.
In Colossians 4:14, Demas is mentioned alongside Luke, the beloved physician, as someone who sends greetings to the believers in Colossae. This indicates that Demas was a part of Paul’s close circle, likely assisting him during his missionary work. Similarly, in Philemon 1:24, Paul refers to Demas as a “fellow worker,” a term that denotes someone who actively participated in the spread of the Gospel. These references suggest that Demas was once a trusted and valued companion in Paul’s ministry.
However, the narrative takes a sombre turn in 2 Timothy 4:10, where Paul laments that “Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica” (NIV). This passage reveals that Demas eventually abandoned Paul, choosing the comforts and attractions of the world over the hardships and demands of ministry. His desertion is a distressing example of the struggles and temptations faced by early Christians.
What is Known of Demas Outside the Biblical Narrative?
Outside of the brief mentions in the New Testament, there is little information available about Demas. He does not appear in other historical or extra-biblical sources, which leaves much of his life and motivations open to speculation. The lack of additional details stresses the significance of his actions within the context of Paul’s letters, where even a brief mention carries weight.
Demas’s story is often interpreted as an admonitory tale within Christian tradition, illustrating the dangers of succumbing to worldly desires. The brevity of his mention may also suggest that his departure had a profound impact on Paul, as it is recorded in what is believed to be Paul’s final letter. Yet, the absence of further details also invites reflection on the challenges faced by true believers, particularly the tension between spiritual commitments and worldly temptations.
Demas’ Role in Paul’s Ministry
Demas played a notable role in Paul’s ministry, particularly during a time when the spread of Christianity was fraught with danger and persecution. Being referred to as a “fellow worker” in Philemon 1:24 implies that Demas was actively involved in the work of the early church. This term is often used by Paul to describe those who laboured alongside him in preaching, teaching, and establishing Christian communities.
The fact that Demas is mentioned alongside prominent figures like Luke and Mark suggests that he was considered an important part of Paul’s team. His presence in Paul’s letters indicates that he was not just a peripheral figure but someone who contributed significantly to the mission. It is likely that Demas, like Paul and other early Christians, endured hardships and opposition for the sake of the Gospel. His initial dedication and participation would have been vital in supporting Paul’s efforts to evangelize and strengthen the fledgling Christian communities across the Roman Empire.
The Desertion of Demas
The most striking aspect of Demas’s story is his desertion of Paul, as recorded in 2 Timothy 4:10. Paul’s words, “because he loved this world,” suggest that Demas made a conscious decision to prioritize worldly concerns over his commitment to the Gospel. This phrase has been interpreted in various ways, but it generally implies that Demas was drawn away by the comforts, safety, or pleasures that the world offered—things that were in stark contrast to the dangers and sacrifices associated with following Paul.
The decision to leave Paul and return to Thessalonica might have been motivated by a desire for security, material wealth, or a more stable life, as opposed to the uncertainty and suffering that came with being part of Paul’s ministry. Thessalonica was a prosperous city, which could have provided Demas with the comforts he sought, in contrast to the harsh conditions of missionary work.
Paul’s disappointment is palpable in the text, and it highpoints the deep sense of betrayal and abandonment he must have felt. Demas’s departure would have been a significant blow, not only personally but also to the ministry. It serves as a reminder of the pressures that even the most dedicated believers can face, and how easy it can be to lose sight of spiritual priorities in favour of worldly gains.
Conclusion
The story of Demas, though brief, offers deep lessons on faith, commitment, and the dangers of worldly temptation. From being a trusted companion and fellow worker in Paul’s ministry, Demas’s story takes a tragic turn when he deserts Paul, lured by the attractions of the world. His actions serve as a cautionary tale for believers, illustrating the need for steadfastness and the challenges that come with maintaining one’s faith amidst the temptations of the world. While much about Demas remains unknown, the impact of his choices as recorded in Scripture continues to resonate as a sobering reminder of the cost of discipleship.
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The Tragedy of Demas
“For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica” – 2 Timothy 4:10 (ESV)
Demas is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, primarily known for his association with the Apostle Paul. He appears in three key passages: Colossians 4:14, Philemon 1:24, and 2 Timothy 4:10. Each of these verses provides insight into Demas’ relationship with Paul and his role in the early Christian community.
In Colossians 4:14, Demas is mentioned alongside Luke, the beloved physician, as someone who sends greetings to the believers in Colossae. This indicates that Demas was a part of Paul’s close circle, likely assisting him during his missionary work. Similarly, in Philemon 1:24, Paul refers to Demas as a “fellow worker,” a term that denotes someone who actively participated in the spread of the Gospel. These references suggest that Demas was once a trusted and valued companion in Paul’s ministry.
However, the narrative takes a sombre turn in 2 Timothy 4:10, where Paul laments that “Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica” (NIV). This passage reveals that Demas eventually abandoned Paul, choosing the comforts and attractions of the world over the hardships and demands of ministry. His desertion is a distressing example of the struggles and temptations faced by early Christians.
What is Known of Demas Outside the Biblical Narrative?
Outside of the brief mentions in the New Testament, there is little information available about Demas. He does not appear in other historical or extra-biblical sources, which leaves much of his life and motivations open to speculation. The lack of additional details stresses the significance of his actions within the context of Paul’s letters, where even a brief mention carries weight.
Demas’s story is often interpreted as an admonitory tale within Christian tradition, illustrating the dangers of succumbing to worldly desires. The brevity of his mention may also suggest that his departure had a profound impact on Paul, as it is recorded in what is believed to be Paul’s final letter. Yet, the absence of further details also invites reflection on the challenges faced by true believers, particularly the tension between spiritual commitments and worldly temptations.
Demas’ Role in Paul’s Ministry
Demas played a notable role in Paul’s ministry, particularly during a time when the spread of Christianity was fraught with danger and persecution. Being referred to as a “fellow worker” in Philemon 1:24 implies that Demas was actively involved in the work of the early church. This term is often used by Paul to describe those who laboured alongside him in preaching, teaching, and establishing Christian communities.
The fact that Demas is mentioned alongside prominent figures like Luke and Mark suggests that he was considered an important part of Paul’s team. His presence in Paul’s letters indicates that he was not just a peripheral figure but someone who contributed significantly to the mission. It is likely that Demas, like Paul and other early Christians, endured hardships and opposition for the sake of the Gospel. His initial dedication and participation would have been vital in supporting Paul’s efforts to evangelize and strengthen the fledgling Christian communities across the Roman Empire.
The Desertion of Demas
The most striking aspect of Demas’s story is his desertion of Paul, as recorded in 2 Timothy 4:10. Paul’s words, “because he loved this world,” suggest that Demas made a conscious decision to prioritize worldly concerns over his commitment to the Gospel. This phrase has been interpreted in various ways, but it generally implies that Demas was drawn away by the comforts, safety, or pleasures that the world offered—things that were in stark contrast to the dangers and sacrifices associated with following Paul.
The decision to leave Paul and return to Thessalonica might have been motivated by a desire for security, material wealth, or a more stable life, as opposed to the uncertainty and suffering that came with being part of Paul’s ministry. Thessalonica was a prosperous city, which could have provided Demas with the comforts he sought, in contrast to the harsh conditions of missionary work.
Paul’s disappointment is palpable in the text, and it highpoints the deep sense of betrayal and abandonment he must have felt. Demas’s departure would have been a significant blow, not only personally but also to the ministry. It serves as a reminder of the pressures that even the most dedicated believers can face, and how easy it can be to lose sight of spiritual priorities in favour of worldly gains.
Conclusion
The story of Demas, though brief, offers deep lessons on faith, commitment, and the dangers of worldly temptation. From being a trusted companion and fellow worker in Paul’s ministry, Demas’s story takes a tragic turn when he deserts Paul, lured by the attractions of the world. His actions serve as a cautionary tale for believers, illustrating the need for steadfastness and the challenges that come with maintaining one’s faith amidst the temptations of the world. While much about Demas remains unknown, the impact of his choices as recorded in Scripture continues to resonate as a sobering reminder of the cost of discipleship.
Man and Salvation
1. At creation, God formed Adam and Eve in his likeness. They were cut off from their Creator as a result of their sinful disobedience to God. Thus, all humanity is now under divine condemnation due to Adam and Eve’s disobedience.
2. Human nature has been defiled. Because of this, all of us are completely unable to please God. Everybody requires the Holy Spirit’s regeneration and rebirth.
3. Salvation is entirely the result of God’s free grace; it is not the result, in whole or in part, of good deeds or religious rituals. God credits His righteousness to anyone who relies solely on Christ for salvation, making them righteous in His eyes.