Daily Devotions
2 Timothy
"Flee also youthful lusts..."
Text: 2 Timothy 2:22
THE PERILS OF LIFE AND MINISTRY
The apostle Paul had always maintained a strong and candid relationship with Timothy. This was important for the growth of Timothy as an up and coming young pastor. In the following text Paul wrote about the perils that threatened.
“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness,
faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord
out of a pure heart.”
2 Timothy 2:22
1. “Flee also youthful lusts”
a) The word “lusts” is simply “desires”.
i) It is a general word.
ii) It covers many aspects of life.
b) Youthful lusts
i) There are certain desires that are more related to youths.
ii) Pleasures of life
iii) Wealth
iv) Fame and power
c) Paul had only one word of advice.
i) Flee such desires.
ii) The tenor of this word of advice- “Imperative!”
2. Honesty is much-needed
a) Timothy needs to be honest with himself.
b) He must face up to this word given.
c) He must come up with a solution to this problem of “youthful lusts”.
THE CALL TO FOLLOW THE LORD
The Lord Jesus had to address a rich young ruler who expressed a desire to inherit eternal life (Mark 10:17-22). The young man seemed to have everything. He had youth, wealth, a good standing in society. Then Jesus said to him,
“One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have
and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven;
and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”
Mark 10:21
The young ruler was sad when he heard these words. He could not give up these “youthful lusts”. They were all he knew. He was not prepared to take up his cross and to follow the Lord Jesus. He went away sorrowful for he felt that he could not give up these earthly things to follow the Lord. These “youthful lusts” continue to stand in the way of those who contemplate choosing to serve the Lord!