Brother Jim Shaw Ministries, October 9, 2026

Brother Jim Shaw Ministries

Ep204 Paul's Trials

Forsaken But Not Forsaken: Brother Jim Shaw Preaches Paul's Final Words to Timothy

Brother Jim Shaw works through Paul's closing words to Timothy in Second Timothy chapter four, drawing lessons on being forsaken by friends, trusting no man, and fighting self-pity by setting one's sights on Jesus.

Paul Declares His Course Is Finished

Brother Jim Shaw opens the broadcast by telling listeners that if a spirit of self-pity ever tries to creep in, they should remember what Jesus endured, and that anyone walking in his steps will suffer the same. He turns to Second Timothy chapter four, reading Paul's declaration that he is ready to be offered, that his departure is at hand, and that he has fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. Shaw explains that Paul is telling Timothy plainly that his time is up, with a crown of righteousness waiting for him and for all who love the Lord's appearing. He frames the passage as Paul settling his affairs near the end of his ministry, a man who had traveled constantly, been shipwrecked, and landed on islands, now facing his final chapter with a short list of requests for his young protege.

Demas Departs and Alexander Does Harm

Shaw reads how Paul tells Timothy that Demas, once a good friend mentioned elsewhere in the Gospel, has forsaken him, having loved the present world, and has departed for Thessalonica, while Crescens and Titus have gone to Galatia and Dalmatia. Only Luke remains with him, and Paul asks Timothy to bring Mark, calling him profitable for ministry, along with the cloak, books, and parchments left at Troas with Carpus. Shaw pauses on the detail that Paul, perhaps the greatest worker for spreading the Word, is left with a single companion. He then highlights Paul naming Alexander the coppersmith, who did him much evil, and Paul's response that the Lord will reward him according to his works. Shaw uses this to warn listeners that Christianity is not simply sweet and pleasant, since believers are fighting principalities, powers, and rulers from the moment they wake.

Delivered From The Lion's Mouth

Shaw reads Paul's account that at his first answer no man stood with him, that all men forsook him, yet he prays it will not be held against them, because the Lord stood with him and strengthened him so the preaching would be fully known to the Gentiles, and he was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. Shaw says he believes this lion represents