2 Timóteo 2:22

Paul urged Timothy to run away from the attractive desires that appeal especially to the young. In view of the context he was probably thinking of the desire to argue, to develop a unique theology, to make a reputation for oneself by being doctrinally innovative, and the like. All of these are desires that the individuals Paul warned Timothy to avoid indulged. Nevertheless "youthful lusts" is certainly a broad enough term to include sexual passions as well (cf. Genesis 39:12). [Note: See "How Common Is Pastoral Indiscretion?" and "Private Sin of Public Ministry," Leadership 9:1 (Winter 1988):12-13 and 14-23.] In contrast, Timothy should run toward the goals of right behavior, faith in God, love for all people, and peace with his fellow committed brethren. Other Pauline virtue lists with more than three items are in 2 Timothy 3:10; 2 Corinthians 6:6-7; Galatians 5:22-23; and Colossians 3:12-15.

"V. 22 does not simply reiterate what precedes it but gives, rather, a wider perspective on what true sanctification means. It is added to forestall the false impression that avoiding fellowship with false teachers, essential as that is, is all there is to sanctification." [Note: Knight, p. 420.]