Young People's Group

“And the Lord Will Deliver Me …”

by Mitchell Tan
April 12, 2018

THE MOUTH OF THE LION

Satan is described by different symbols in the Bible. He is portrayed as the cunning serpent that deceived Eve (Genesis 3:1). He is also called the great fiery red dragon (Revelation 12:3) who influenced a third of the angels in heaven to rebel against God. The Apostle Paul referred to Satan as a vicious lion.

“Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.”
2 Timothy 4:17

Satan is like a hungry lion who seeks to devour the Lord’s servants and His people. Peter described how our “adversary, the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8). If we are not careful, the evil one will take opportunity to harm us and even destroy us. The challenge for us to be on our guard at all times.

PAUL’S EXAMPLE IN TRUSTING IN THE LORD’S DELIVERANCE

1. APPRECIATING PAST DELIVERANCE

“Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.”
2 Timothy 4:17

Satan must have sought to destroy Paul’s life and ministry. Alexander the coppersmith did much harm to Paul (2 Timothy 4:14). The reason why a coppersmith would be angry with him was because such professions would suffer a loss of income when people from their vicinity come to believe in Jesus. These new believers would stop buying copper statues of idols. There were times when Alexander greatly resisted Paul’s words. But the Lord was there to deliver and rescue him from the mouth of the lion. Figuratively, he was in the mouth of Satan and he was almost consumed by him. But the Lord snatched him out of his mouth. Paul was most appreciative of the Lord’s grace in delivering him from fatal harm.

2. CERTAINTY OF HOPE FOR FUTURE DELIVERANCE

“And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom.”
2 Timothy 4:18

When we experience a near-death situation and the Lord’s deliverance, there comes a tremendous boost to one’s faith. If the Lord had delivered Paul before, with certainty, He will continue to do so. Paul believed with all his heart that the Lord would deliver him in the future. There comes a certainty of hope in Him. Paul had written about the Lord’s deliverance before.

“Who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us”
2 Corinthians 1:10

There was that deep sense of hope that the Lord would deliver him for the future. He would also specially preserve him for the heavenly kingdom. Even if he were to die, he would be brought safely into the eternal kingdom.

3. GIVING ALL GLORY TO THE LORD FOR HIS DELIVERANCE

“To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!”
2 Timothy 4:18

As Paul thought about his past deliverance and future deliverances and preservation, he could not help but give glory to the Lord in faith. He would give glory to the Lord forever and ever. His deliverance should bring about a special sense of joy and offer of praise to the Lord. Young people, let’s also learn to appreciate how the Lord has protected and delivered us. Let’s be thankful that he will continue to watch out for us. Let’s give him all the glory forever.

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