“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message. At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.” 2 Timothy 4:6-21 NIV

What Causes Loneliness?

1. Life’s transitions

“…the time for my departure is near.” Vs 6

• Change has a way of bringing a sense of gain for some and loss for others, within the same season of change
• Relational separation

“Do your best to come to me quickly…Do your best to get here before winter…” Vs 9, 21

2. Jesus is all you need. However, a big part of how He meets your need of Him is through others.

“It is not good that man should be alone…” Genesis 2:18 NKJV

• Causes of relational separation with people: conflict, job, travel, moving, busyness
• Causes of relational separation from God: disobedience, disappointments, lack of community

3. Experiencing opposition

“Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm…he strongly opposed our message.” Vs 14-15

4. Hurtful rejection

“…no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me…” Vs 16

How to Get Through a Season of Loneliness:

1. Keep yourself productive

“When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.” Vs 13

2. Keep your heart open

“…everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.” Vs 16 

3. Keep your eyes on Jesus

“…the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.” Vs 17a

• You will go through lonely times in your life, but you will never be alone if you have Jesus

4. Keep your focus on your purpose

“…so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Vs 17b-18