2 Timothy 4:14-17 NASB95 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching. At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth.
It is not easy being actively involved in the ministry of the Lord. Satan is always looking for people he can use to attack and reduce the effectiveness of the ministry. It doesn't matter if your ministry is sharing the Gospel with people at work, Teaching Sunday School, Pastoring a Church, being a Foreign Missionary, or anything in between; Satan seeks to attack you and hinder or ruin your ministry.
We must be prepared for this attack. First, we noticed there was an attack by someone (Alexander) who sought to destroy the word that was being shared. The attack against the word is real and strong in today's society. There is so much false information readily available today that the enemy is armed for the attack. They will do us much harm. We must be on guard against such an attack. We see in this chapter, verses 9-13, how Paul sought to be prepared. He asked Timothy to come quickly and bring John Mark. We need to be helped by our fellow Christians. This is why church is so important. He also asked for his books and parchments. It is important that we stay in the word as it provides the answer. Third, he sent out others. So we must never stop the ministry. We also see that these attackers of Satan will be repaid by the Lord. God will not leave those who attack His ministry unpunished.
Then Satan attacks by getting fellow believers to attack with desertion. When you need them they will go the other way. Maybe they just listened to Satan and decided not to support you. Maybe they are afraid because they felt Satan's pressure and didn't seek the Lord's Strength, or maybe they listened to Satan and didn't seek guidance from the Lord. Therefore, they attack you and cause stress, pulling even other loyal Christians away. In any of these cases, we need to pray for reconciliation with the Lord and each other inside the Lord's family. Paul says, "May it not be counted against them."
Last we see Paul's promise of how we can overcome these attacks. He says "But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me. God will never leave us or forsake us. We can rely on Him to provide strength in our weakness. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9a NASB95 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”
He will reveal His power perfectly in our weakness. So when we and our ministry are under attack, remember in your weakness, rely on His perfect strength. He does this so that our ministry will continue through Him and for His glory and others' Salvation. Paul says, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear!
Do not fear in the middle of attacks on your ministry because God shows us that He will rescue you out of the lion’s mouth.
Though the teeth look dangerous, it says in Psalm 58:6 NASB95 O God, shatter their teeth in their mouth; Break out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD.
The ministry will go on in the strength of the Lord when you follow the Lord's guidance.
Love Bro. Scott