2 Timothy 2:22 22Now flee from youthful desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
Paul returns to exhorting Timothy directly. This verse gives Timothy one way to cleanse himself and be holy before God from verse 21. Paul used the same pattern of flee and pursue in 1 Timothy 6:11. The particular temptations Timothy faced that could potentially pull him away from his mission and God’s call to holiness were youthful passions. The word “passion” (epithymias) can be used for both positive and negative desires. Youthful (neōterikas) describes the activities of the younger generation by seeking to embrace the latest fads. It is easy to get caught up in the latest gadgets, dressing styles, social trends, and whatever is in vogue. Young people often try to jockey for position and attention, hoping to advance themselves in jobs or social situations. They may think of themselves as invulnerable, and so they take unnecessary risks. The temptation to focus on self can lead to pride and temptation.
To flee and pursue gives a vivid image for the change that happens in new creation. Paul urges Timothy to pursue four spiritual and character qualities that mark those who are in Christ. God’s holiness sets the standard for righteousness (dikaosynēn) through giving his laws as guidelines for living. God expects his people to live in obedience to the Holy Spirit who will guide us into all righteousness (Romans 14:17; Galatians 5:5). We cannot live in righteousness without God’s forgiveness and justification (which shares the same root as “righteousness”).
Faith (pistin) is depending on God and trusting in his word and promises to us. The specific object of our faith is God’s revelation in Jesus. Trusting in God strengthens us for the challenges of suffering and temptations to compromise.
Love (agapēn) is the essential character quality and action for believers. It is the foremost fruit of the Spirit and summarizes the law of Christ (Galatians 5:22). Many problems in life could be solved if people would love God and love one another (1 John 4:10-11).
Peace (eirēnēn) is experiencing wellness in relationships with God, people, and creation. Peace with others must begin with peace with God. Peace comes through God’s offer of reconciliation through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).
We can experience these four qualities through the cleansing of the Holy Spirit. Paul told Timothy in his first letter to approach the situation in Ephesus with a pure heart (1 Timothy 1:5). God makes our heart pure, but we must also respond by keeping ourselves pure and removing from our lives anything that compromises righteousness, faith, love, and peace. Timothy was part of the great throng of God’s people who are on the highway of holiness. God has provided the road signs to guide our journey. We must do our part by walking in obedience to his guidance.
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