This morning’s message is now on the web. You can listen to the audio here.

I realize we covered a lot of ground pretty fast at the end of the message. Here are the ten points of application that I drew from 2 Tim. 4:9-18. These are ten ways to respond to the “loss” of a beloved servant like Pastor Clay, or any loss for that matter, which reflect strength in God and ultimate dependence upon Him in all things.

1. Call for and rely on the comfort and help of other trustworthy & valued servants in the face of potential discouragement at the loss.
2. Give thanks that the “loss” is not due to spiritual defection – a far greater burden to bear.
3. Pray for God to raise up laborers for the harvest is great but the laborers are few.
4. Welcome, support, and champion the efforts of those remaining and others stepping in to help with the loss.
5. Determine to make yourself by God’s grace useful for ministry in whatever way the Lord calls even if failure has marked you past.
6. Keep the AC running and your Bible and books open! In other words, take care of yourself in every legitimate way and keep focused on the Lord through the means of grace.
7. Guard your heart against resentment by entrusting His ultimate judgment in every affair and manifesting a forgiving, peacemaking spirit toward all.
8. Expect God to strengthen you in the loss particularly by claiming the same promises claimed by the apostle Paul.
9. Stay focused on your mission to share Christ and make disciples of others as a paramount concern of your life.
10. From the way the Lord helps you deal with the loss draw increased hope for future challenges including the ultimate challenge of death.

I also neglected to share this quote from Warren Wiersbe, an able summary to Paul’s approach to loss in this text:

What a man! His friends forsake him, and he prays that God will forgive them. His enemies try him, and he looks for opportunities to tell them how to be saved! What a difference it makes when the Holy Spirit controls your life. ?Paul’s greatest fear was not of death; it was that he might deny his Lord or do something else that would disgrace God’s name. Paul was certain that the time had come for his permanent departure (2 Tim. 4:6). He wanted to end his life-race well and be free from any disobedience.

Also, you can get an online version of the Free Grace Broadcaster I read from this morning by clicking on here.

God speed, Clay and Megan. We commend you to God and the word of His grace. Peace be with you.