Theological Proposition/Focus: There is no higher, greater, more significant, or better choice than God.

Homiletical Proposition/Application: As we go through life and do lots of good things we must never lose sight of the greatest thing, spending time with Jesus.

Introduction:

Text: Luke 10:38-42, 2 Timothy 4:10

Image: Demas

Have you ever heard of a man named Demas? Demas only shows up three times in the Bible (that is three times more than you or I!)

In Colossians 4:14 we read the name of Demas along with spiritual giants like Luke. His name again shows up with another list of believers in Philemon 24.

Based on these passages it seems reasonable to conclude that Demas was one who stood with Paul in one of his imprisonments.

So, what happened to this man who was counted worthy to be named in both Colossians and Philemon?

In my opinion, 2 Timothy 4:10 is one of the saddest verses in the Bible.

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

Demas was distracted by the world and forsook Paul.

Now, I cannot tell you exactly how Demas became distracted but I can tell you that plenty of Christian potential has been lost to distraction.

The reality of the world we live in is distraction. None of us here want to be a Demas so what steps can we take in our disciplined life to ensure that we don't become Demas? I venture that nobody sets out to be a Demas. I even venture that practically nobody who is genuine sets out hoping to pursue the world under the guise of Christ. I think that for most people who turn out to be a Demas it is a slow fade.

Need: We need to make sure that we keep our focus on Christ.

Setting the Stage:

I could stand up here and tell you story after story of spiritual leaders who have fallen but instead I want to compare two people who were doing good things, it just turns out one was doing a better thing.

Shortly after Peter made his significant declaration that Jesus was the Messiah Jesus went right back to ministry

He predicted his coming death

He was transfigured before Peter, John, and James.

He sent out seventy-two followers to preach the Kingdom of God.

He performed miracles and taught parables.

In the work of day-to-day ministry Jesus came to the house of Mary and Martha.

Read Luke 10:38-42 with me.

Body

There are many good things that you can do.

Working a job to provide for your family is a good thing.

Teaching a Sunday School class or small group is a good thing.

Serving in ministry here at the church is a good thing.

There is only one best thing.

Jesus is the anointed one as Peter proclaimed in Luke 9:18-20.

Jesus is the chosen son of God as declared in Luke 9:35.

Jesus is the Lord of the harvest as indicated in Luke 10:2.

Jesus is the fulfillment of God's plan as referenced in Luke 10:24.

Jesus is the perfect teacher as demonstrated in Luke 10:25-37.

How can I make the best thing my thing?

Don't be a Demas.

Focus