November 2 2014 Conquering Loneliness

Conquering Loneliness

Genesis 2:18 – It is not good for man to be alone.

2 Timothy 4:6-21

The Final Days Of Paul’s Life

I. FOUR CAUSES OF LONELINESS

1. The transitions of life. (Vs. 6-8)
…..the time has come for my departure.

2. Separation. (Vs. 9, 21)
Do your best to come to me quickly, do your best to get here before winter.

3. Opposition. (Vs. 14)
(He) did me a great deal of harm, he strongly opposed our message.

4. Rejection. (Vs. 16, 10)
….no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. Demas has deserted me.

II. HOW TO COPE WITH LONELINESS

1. UTILIZE my time. Vs. 12)
…bring my coat, and bring my books.

2. MINIMIZE my hurt. (Vs. 16)
…everyone has deserted me. May it not be held against them.

3. RECOGNIZE God’s presence. (Vs. 17a)
But the Lord stood by my side and gave me strength.

4. EMPHASIZE other’s needs. (Vs. 17b)
….so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.