2 Timothy 2 22 (2023)

FAQs

What does flee the evil desires of youth mean in 2 Timothy 2 22? ›

Paul tells Timothy to “flee youthful lusts”. This means that he wanted Timothy to run away as fast as he could from youthful lusts - always saying No to them, and avoiding situations where he could get tempted to these types of sins. There was a great seriousness in his heart to be pure and godly.

In 2 Timothy 2:22, Paul didn't just tell us to “flee youthful lusts” without any idea of where to go. He went on to say, “Pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace.” To pursue means to seek, search out, follow, or run after—another definite, active word. On one hand, we must flee something terrible: youthful lusts.

Paul told Timothy to endure hardness. Enduring hardness means we should not allow ourselves to become easily discouraged. It means we are prepared for conflict at all times of the day: in the wee hours of the morning or late in the night. It means we should not back down from the threats of the enemy.

2Ti 2:22But flee youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Those who hate you shall rule over you, and you shall flee when none pursues you (Leviticus 26:17, 36).” When God's People live wickedly, they lose courage and retreat even when no one is after them. Sinners who know better fear being found out and become paranoid and jumpy, fleeing from rumors and imagined dangers.

In 2 Timothy chapter 2, Paul warns us to stay away from “irreverent babble” and to avoid quarreling over words. He also makes it clear that false teaching cannot be tolerated, describing it as a gangrene that infects the hearers.

The “youthful passions” in this context are not sexual. Paul has in mind the passion for controversy, that feeling inside that relishes a fight and loves to be proved right and even prophetic. Instead, “The Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, . . .

The sins of our youth will trouble us later after we are saved, and we wonder why we were so foolish. But while we are young, these thoughts flee us. Little we know of the trouble, shame and pain of youthful lusts. Sins of ignorance, lust, pride, and selfishness, lead us down the wrong road of life.

Unbridled quarreling is as deadly as unbridled lust. Timothy must refuse foolish controversies because they breed fights and the Lord's servant must not fight, but be kind, patient, and gentle with opponents. Gentle correction is more likely to lead to repentance.

In conclusion, the powerful phrase “God gives His toughest battles to His strongest soldiers” serves as a reminder that we possess the inner strength and faith to triumph over life's challenges.

How do you endure hardship in life? ›

When we think of what makes up a good soldier, it should remind of various aspects of a soldier: DEVOTION, DUTY, HONOR, COMMITMENT. For you and I, who are in the Lord's Army, there are five important qualities that make us more effective in the battle before us. This message was from 2 Timothy 2:3-4; 4:7-8.

Paul offers a personal challenge to Timothy to keep following Jesus no matter the sacrifice and risk. The letter also reminds Timothy to maintain faith and hope in Jesus' resurrection and raise up faithful leaders who will teach the good news about Jesus.

[1] Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. [2] And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. [3] Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Paul tells Timothy to root himself in truth, which pleases God. He names specific men who are spreading untrue messages among the believers. Paul says to avoid them, but rest confidently in God, for He knows who has faith. He calls His people to stay away from evil.

The term “youthful lusts” can encompass many areas. The lust for money. The desire for honor and recognition. The lust for power. And not least of all, attraction to and desire for another person or people.

2 Timothy 2:22 American Standard Version (ASV)

But flee youthful lusts, and follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

1 Timothy 4:12 in Other Translations

12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Let No Man Despise Thy Youth

Paul told Timothy that his relatively young age shouldn't matter when it comes to living the gospel and serving in the Church. Many young people have had powerful spiritual experiences.