HOW TO BE THANKFUL FOR FRIENDS PART 10

TEXT - 2 TIMOTHY 1:15-18

INTRODUCTION

A story is told about a rich man who felt he didn’t have any friends and announced that he would divide his fortune among his friends if he only knew who they were.  Years passed and the rich man became sick and died.  It was during the winter amid a terrible snow storm.  His last request was that the funeral be held at four o’clock in the morning.  During his lifetime many claimed to be his friend, yet only three men and one poor woman came to the graveside to show their last respects.  When the rich man’s will was read, it directed that his vast wealth be equally divided among those who attended his funeral.

During the final days of the Apostle Paul’s life he was confined to a Roman cell awaiting execution.

It would appear that he experienced a great amount of discomfort because he asked Timothy to come to him before winter set in and bring his coat to him.

2 Timothy 4:13  When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

2 Timothy 4:21  Do your best to get here before winter.

During this time Paul also experienced loneliness.

2 Timothy 4:11  Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.

During this time, many of Paul’s so-called friends had deserted him.

2 Timothy 4:10  for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.

2 Timothy 4:16  At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.

2 Timothy 1:15  You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

During these dark days of loneliness, discomfort and disappointment, the Lord provided Paul with a friend who strengthened him.

His name is Onesiphorus.  He is mentioned only twice in the New Testament.

While all others deserted Paul, Onesiphorus remained his faithful friend.

Someone has said that friend is someone who walks in when everyone else walks out of your life.

This morning our text is found in 2 Timothy 1:15-18 and I would like us to consider three reasons why we ought to be thankful for our friends.