As Paul got closer to the end of his ministry defection away from the faith of Christ unto the world would appear to be on the increase! Three chapters after the mention of the turning away of Phygellus and Hermogenes we read of Demas. The weight of what happened in the case of Demas is best appreciated when we note the comments of Paul on this person in Philemon 23-24 and Colossians 4:14

Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in the Anointed One, Jesus, sends his greetings of peace to you, and so does Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my companions in this ministry. Philemon 1:23-24 (TPT)

And Luke, the beloved physician, sends his warm greetings to you, and Demas also. Colossians 4:14 (TPT)

What could have happened to Demas that resulted in him doing as described in our text.

Please come as soon as you can since Demas deserted me and has left to go to Thessalonica, for he loves [the present world]. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. That leaves only Luke with me, so find Mark and bring him with you, for he is a tremendous help for me in my ministry.2 Timothy 4:9-11 (TPT)

Wow, the tragedy of an earth dweller! Choosing the corrupt value system of an unsaved world over what heaven values.

Don’t set the affections of your heart on this world or in loving the things of the world. The love of the Father and the love of the world are incompatible. 1 John 2:15 (TPT)

To Demas (meaning popular), whose name speaks to his hidden values, what Satan had to offer in this life was better than what God had to offer in the next. The tragedy of Demas is still being lived by those who choose the temporary benefits of this world over the eternal riches of heaven. There is no record that Demas ever returned to the faith. Beloved, past service is no guarantee of future faithfulness. How is your walk in this end of days? Shalom.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele