2 Timothy – Week 4 – Day 5

READ 

2 Timothy 2:22 

22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 

Paul sought to encourage young Timothy as well as others to live pure lives. One does not spend time around temptations thinking it will make the individual stronger; that person should “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts.” Some think Timothy was about 35 years of age at the time, so Paul was not referring to just teenagers. “Youthful lusts” are those strong desires that characterize younger people such as physical desires as well as a desire for money and fame. Instead the person should pursue righteous qualities. The Greek word Paul used for “pursue” was one that emphasized intensity—the person should intensely pursue righteous qualities. Note also whom a believer in Jesus should have as close companions. 

REFLECT 

What kind of friends do you have? Do they talk about things and use language that would not please God? Are they nudging you closer to God or dragging you away little by little? 

RESPOND 

The Bible does not tell of believers being victorious in living the Christian life apart from fellowship with other believers. Even the apostle Paul yearned for Christian fellowship when he was imprisoned. See Hebrews 10:23-35 that gives a pattern of what believers should do.