The Importance of a Pure and Circumspect Walk
T. Croskery 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 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: (1) To yield their members as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13). (2) To be armed with righteousness as a breastplate (Ephesians 6:14). (3) Righteousness tends to life (Proverbs 11:19). (4) It brings its own reward (Proverbs 11:18). (5) Its effect is quietness and assurance forever (Isaiah 32:17). 2. Love. Love to all men. (1) It is of God (1 John 4:7). (2) It is taught by God (1 Thessalonians 4:9). (3) It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). (4) It ought to be an active and abiding principle (Hebrews 6:10; 1 Corinthians 8:13). (5) The greatest sacrifices are nothing without it (1 Corinthians 13:3). 3. Peace. (1) Its nature and advantages (a) It springs from heavenly wisdom (James 3:17). (b) It is necessary to the enjoyment of life (1 Peter 3:10, 11). (c) There is a blessing for the peacemaker (Matthew 5:9). (2) Its objects. "Them that call upon the Lord out of a pure heart." That is, believers. We are to endeavour to have peace with all men (Romans 12:18). But we are to seek the peace of the Church (Psalm 122:6-8) - of those who worship Christ with all purity of heart, as contrasted with those "whose mind and conscience are defiled" (Titus 1:15). - T.C. Parallel Verses KJV: Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. WEB: Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.