2 Timothy 2:22 - Homilies By T. Croskery

The importance of a pure and circumspect walk.

I. NEGATIVELY . "Flee youthful lusts."

1 . These refer to those passions and desires which are so tempting to youth. They "war against the soul," and are most inimical to holiness and salvation. The indulgence of corrupt passions would also lead to serious scandals.

2 . They refer likewise to those vehement and headstrong passions which often lead young men into foolish courses, or to the rage for novelty and the egotistic vanity which so often lead to religious errors like those of Hymenaeus and Philetus.

II. POSITIVELY . "Follow after righteousness, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

1 . Righteousness. Fidelity in all human relations especially, but a right manner of life. Believers are:

2 . Love. Love to all men.

3 . Peace.

(a) It springs from heavenly wisdom ( James 3:17 ).

(b) It is necessary to the enjoyment of life ( 1 Peter 3:10 , 1 Peter 3:11 ).

(c) There is a blessing for the peacemaker ( Matthew 5:9 ).