2 Timothy 2:22
Verse
Context
The Lord’s Approved Workman
21So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.22Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Flee also youthful lusts - Not only all irregular and sensual desires, but pride, ambition, and, above all, the lust of power, to which most men will sacrifice all other propensities, their ease, pleasure, health, etc. This is the most bewitching passion in the human heart. Both in Church and state it is ruinous; but particularly so in the former. Timothy was now between thirty and forty years of age, the very age in which ambition and the love of power most generally prevail. Carnal pleasures are the sins of youth; ambition and the love of power the sins of middle age; covetousness and carking cares the crimes of old age. Follow righteousness - Flee from sin, pursue goodness. Righteousness - whatever is just, holy, and innocent. Faith - fidelity both to God and man, improving that grace by which thy soul may be saved, and faithfully discharging the duties of thy office, that thou mayest save the souls of others. Charity - love to God and man. Peace among all the members of the Church, and as far as possible with all men; but especially among those who invoke the Lord out of a pure desire to glorify his name.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Flee--There are many lusts from which our greatest safety is in flight (Gen 39:12). Avoid occasions of sin. From the abstemious character of Timothy (Ti1 5:23) it is likely that not animal indulgences, but the impetuosity, rash self-confidence, hastiness, strife, and vainglory of young men (Jo1 2:14-16), are what he is here warned against: though the Spirit probably intended the warning to include both in its application to the Church in general. also--Greek, "But"; in contrast to "every good work," Ti2 2:21. youthful--Timothy was a youth (Ti1 4:12). righteousness--the opposite of "iniquity," that is, unrighteousness (Ti2 2:19; compare Ti1 6:11). peace, with, &c.--rather, put no comma, "peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (Ti1 1:5; Eph 6:5; Col 3:22). We are to love all men, but it is not possible to be at peace with all men, for this needs community of purpose and opinion; they alone who call on the Lord sincerely (as contrasted with the false teachers who had only the form of godliness, Ti2 3:5, Ti2 3:8; Tit 1:15-16) have this community [THEODORET]. (Rom 12:18).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Flee also youthful lusts,.... Meaning not lusts of uncleanness, lasciviousness, and filthiness; nor any of those follies and vanities which the youthful age usually lusts and desires after, to which Timothy was not inclined; but such lusts as are apt to prevail with young ministers of the Gospel, such as vain glory, popular applause, seeking to have the pre-eminence, contentions with, and contempt of others, and the like. But follow righteousness; the righteousness of Christ; or doing that which is just between man and man, and as one man would choose another should do to him; or rather integrity and faithfulness, in the ministry of the word, without seeking honour from men: faith; both as a doctrine and grace; or veracity and truth in preaching the Gospel, striving for that, and not through ambition, and for the pre-eminence: charity; or love, to God and Christ, and to his people; without which all gifts and works are of no avail; and which will engage a man to bear much, and to hope and believe all things: peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart; peace is to be pursued and followed after with all men, as much as possible, but especially with the saints, the true worshippers of God; who draw nigh to him with true hearts, and call upon him in the sincerity of their souls: great care should be taken that peace be maintained with them; for they have great interest at the throne of grace; and God is nigh unto them, and hears their prayers. The Alexandrian copy reads, "with all that love the Lord".
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
I. Paul here exhorts Timothy to beware of youthful lusts, Ti2 2:22. Though he was a holy good man, very much mortified to the world, yet Paul thought it necessary to caution him against youthful lusts: "Flee them, take all possible care and pains to keep thyself pure from them." The lusts of the flesh are youthful lusts, which young people must carefully watch against, and the best must not be secure. He prescribes an excellent remedy against youthful lusts: Follow righteousness, faith, charity peace, etc. Observe, 1. Youthful lusts are very dangerous, for which reason even hopeful young people should be warned of them, for they war against the soul, Pe1 2:11. 2. The exciting of our graces will be the extinguishing of our corruptions; the more we follow that which is good the faster and the further we shall flee from that which is evil. Righteousness, and faith, and love, will be excellent antidotes against youthful lusts. Holy love will cure impure lust. - Follow peace with those that call on the Lord. The keeping up of the communion of saints will take us off from all fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness. See the character of Christians: they are such as call on the Lord Jesus Christ, out of a pure heart. Observe, Christ is to be prayed to. It is the character of all Christians that they call upon him; but our prayers to God and Christ are not acceptable nor successful except they come out of a pure heart. II. He cautions him against contention, and, to prevent this (Ti2 2:23), cautions him against foolish and unlearned questions, that tend to no benefit, strifes of words. Those who advanced them, and doted upon them, thought themselves wise and learned; but Paul calls them foolish and unlearned. The mischief of these is that they gender strifes, that they breed debates and quarrels among Christians and ministers. It is very remarkable how often, and with what seriousness, the apostle cautions Timothy against disputes in religion, which surely was not without some such design as this, to show that religion consists more in believing and practising what God requires than in subtle disputes. - The servant of the Lord must not strive, Ti2 2:24. Nothing worse becomes the servant of the Lord Jesus, who himself did not strive nor cry (Mat 12:19), but was a pattern of meekness, and mildness, and gentleness to all, than strife and contention. The servant of the Lord must be gentle to all men, and thereby show that he is himself subject to the commanding power of that holy religion which he is employed in preaching and propagating. - Apt to teach. Those are unapt to teach who are apt to strive, and are fierce and froward. Ministers must be patient, bearing with evil, and in meekness instructing (Ti2 2:25) not only those who subject themselves, but those who oppose themselves. Observe, 1. Those who oppose themselves to the truth are to be instructed; for instruction is the scripture-method of dealing with the erroneous, which is more likely to convince them of their errors than fire and faggot: he does not bid us kill their bodies, under pretence of saving their souls. 2. Such as oppose themselves are to be instructed in meekness, for our Lord is meek and lowly (Mat 11:29), and this agrees well with the character of the servant of the Lord (Ti2 2:24): He must not strive, but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient. This is the way to convey truth in its light and power, and to overcome evil with good, Rom 12:21. 3. That which ministers must have in their eyes, in instructing those who oppose themselves, must be their recovery: If God, peradventure, will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. Observe, (1.) Repentance is God's gift. (2.) It is a gift with a peradventure in the case of those who oppose themselves; and therefore, though we are not to despair of the grace of God, yet we must take heed of presuming upon it. To the acknowledging of the truth. (3.) The same God who gives us the discovery of the truth does by his grace bring us to the acknowledging of it, otherwise our hearts would continue in rebellion against it, for we are to confess with our mouths as well as to believe with our hearts, Rom 10:9, Rom 10:10. And thus sinners recover themselves out of the snare of the devil; see here, [1.] The misery of sinners: they are in the snare of the devil, and are led captive by him at his will, Ti2 2:26. They are slaves to the worst of task-masters; he is the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience, Eph 2:2. They are taken in a snare, and in the worst snare, because it is the devil's; they are as fishes that are taken in n evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare. Further, They are under Ham's curse (a servant of servants shall he be, Gen 9:25), they are slaves to him who is but a slave and vassal. [2.] The happiness of those who repent: they recover themselves out of this snare, as a bird out of the snare of the fowler; the snare is broken and they have escaped; and the greater the danger the greater the deliverance. When sinners repent, those who before were led captive by the devil at his will come to be led into the glorious liberty of the children of God, and have their wills melted into the will of the Lord Jesus. The good Lord recover us all out of the snare.
2 Timothy 2:22
The Lord’s Approved Workman
21So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.22Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Dating Sermon
By Paul Washer23K1:34:25DatingISA 1:6MAT 6:331CO 13:11EPH 6:12PHP 1:62TI 2:22HEB 13:17In this sermon, the speaker discusses the issue of young men in today's society, referring to them as "mall waifs" who spend their time playing video games and hanging out at malls. The speaker emphasizes the importance of men working, striving, fighting, studying, and thinking. He also mentions the world's perspective on beauty and contrasts it with what the Bible says about beauty. The speaker then transitions to discussing the qualities of a godly husband, including laying down his life for his wife, having integrity and respect for her, and providing for her economically. The sermon concludes with a personal anecdote about an art exhibit the speaker visited in Lima, Peru, where he encountered a provocative image of a naked woman in a bathtub.
1 Samuel 4:13
By Joshua Daniel1.8K1:10:051SA 4:131SA 4:192SA 2:172SA 2:22PSA 51:10PRO 28:131CO 10:12EPH 6:42TI 2:22HEB 12:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of trembling for the presence of God, using the story of Eli and his sons as a cautionary tale. It highlights the consequences of hidden sin and the need for obedience and righteousness in families and individuals to avoid spiritual defeat and leaving a negative legacy. The speaker urges self-examination, repentance, and a focus on building a consistent, faithful life that honors God and leaves a positive spiritual heritage.
The Last Days and the Lord's Coming : 7. Don't Get Drunk With Worldiness
By Zac Poonen1.7K58:46Second ComingGEN 6:13MAT 4:4MRK 13:33LUK 21:341CO 7:291TH 5:62TI 2:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that time is short and devoting oneself fully to the Lord. He explains that this does not mean avoiding marriage or work, but rather not becoming consumed by worldly pursuits. The speaker compares being drunk with the world to being intoxicated, where one loses sight of reality and becomes unaware of what is happening around them. He then references Luke 21, where Jesus speaks about the days when people will faint from fear and the coming of the Son of Man. The speaker encourages believers to keep their heads lifted up, remaining alert and focused on their redemption.
Prayer
By Bob Jennings1.4K45:41Prayer1CH 5:20PSA 97:11ISA 40:31MAT 6:332TI 2:22In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging the small size of their congregation in the city of Beaumont and questioning the impact they can make. They pray for God's presence and guidance to equip them to serve in their current generation. The preacher then transitions into a Bible study, referencing several scriptures and sharing personal experiences. They share how they prayed for four months leading up to a series of meetings, and God answered their prayers by manifesting His power in each meeting. Many people came forward, confessing their sins and seeking forgiveness. The meetings lasted late into the night, and by the end, over half of the church had either been saved or had a renewed encounter with God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of persistent prayer, comparing it to repeatedly cracking a rock with a hammer until it splits. They also mention a specific prayer request for a 19-year-old girl whose mother believes but whose father is still an unbeliever.
12 Real Christian Morals
By George Verwer1.2K1:06:21MoralityGEN 35:22GEN 49:3MAT 6:332TI 2:22HEB 13:4In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of sexual immorality and its consequences. He shares a personal experience of dealing with similar situations and emphasizes the importance of being cautious, especially for women, in order to avoid dangerous encounters. The speaker highlights the psychological effects of indulging in sinful desires and warns against the belief that such behavior brings pleasure without consequences. He references the Bible, particularly 2 Timothy 2:22, to encourage the audience to flee from youthful lusts and instead pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. The sermon concludes with a call to adhere to the Ten Commandments and reject the acceptance of pornography in society.
Follow After Righteousness - Part 1
By Joshua Daniel1.1K25:14ROM 12:2GAL 5:22EPH 4:2COL 3:121TI 6:102TI 2:22HEB 11:6JAS 4:71PE 5:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of following righteousness and faith, highlighting the dangers of pursuing material wealth, the significance of building our lives on faith rather than worldly security, and the need to flee from pride, lust, and false values. It addresses societal issues like racial discrimination and the importance of loving all people without distinctions, urging listeners to focus on faith, patience, godliness, and meekness in challenging times.
The Battle in Your Mind Over Sexual Sin
By Tim Conway1.1K1:09:19PSA 15:1PSA 32:3PSA 51:8MRK 4:19ROM 8:28ROM 8:311TH 4:72TI 2:22TIT 2:13JAS 4:81PE 2:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith that breaks the dominion of sin in our lives, particularly focusing on the need for faith to save us from sexual immorality. It highlights the battle against sexual temptation and the imperative to abstain from these passions that wage war against the soul. The sermon also stresses the need for believers to equip themselves with prayer, pursue faith, love, and peace, and remember the agonies of Christ for sexual sin to maintain intimacy with the Lord.
Life or Lust
By George Verwer98938:061TI 4:122TI 2:142TI 2:221PE 2:11In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the lives of the people present and emphasizes the importance of the gospel being preached with power and authority. He urges the audience to have a spirit of expectation and to be not just hearers but doers of the word. The speaker then highlights the need to be reminded of the basic truths preached in the Keswick fellowship and warns against forgetting them. He specifically focuses on the importance of fleeing youthful lusts and pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace. The sermon also touches on the need to avoid foolish and unlearned questions and to stand against fleshly lusts. The speaker encourages the audience to be examples of believers and to give exhortation to one another.
Desperate for More of God - Our Strength
By Shane Idleman94338:35ObedienceHolinessSeeking GodISA 55:11JER 23:21MAT 22:37ROM 12:21CO 10:31GAL 5:16EPH 6:102TI 2:22JAS 1:221JN 2:4Shane Idleman emphasizes the necessity of loving God with all our strength, urging the congregation to move beyond mere words to actionable obedience to God's Word. He addresses the struggles of hopelessness, depression, and family issues, encouraging individuals to seek God's transformative power in their lives. Idleman warns against the dangers of compromise and desensitization to sin, calling for a return to holiness and a genuine relationship with God. He stresses that true obedience stems from love for God, not legalism, and that the church must confront sin to restore spiritual health. Ultimately, he calls for a revival of faith and a commitment to live out God's truth in a world that often rejects it.
How God Saved the Godly
By Chuck Smith93625:05GodlyGEN 6:1MAT 6:33GAL 5:16EPH 4:271TI 6:112TI 2:22JAS 1:27In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith addresses the challenges that teenagers face in a fallen world. He encourages them to stand up for Jesus Christ and abstain from the immorality of our culture. Pastor Chuck emphasizes the importance of keeping one's mind and heart pure and walking in close fellowship with God. He also mentions a book he has written specifically for kids called "The Story of Noah" and highlights the significance of the flood in biblical history.
Hunger and Thirst
By Anton Bosch84633:37RighteousnessPSA 17:15PSA 42:1PSA 51:10MAT 5:6MAT 6:33GAL 5:172TI 2:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hunger and thirst for righteousness. He compares these desires to the basic needs of food and water, stating that without them, we lack the essentials of life. The speaker encourages listeners to pursue righteousness with the same intensity and single-mindedness as people pursue fame and fortune. He also highlights the story of the prodigal son, noting that true hunger for righteousness only arises when we are desperate and unsatisfied with the things of the world. The speaker urges listeners to seek a deep and continual longing for the Lord Jesus and his righteousness.
Ten Things I Learned Before I Was 21
By George Verwer8371:00:46LessonsISA 6:8MAT 6:332TI 2:221JN 2:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their struggles and the topics they have been sharing about in their previous sermons. They mention talking about Jesus and bringing messages from the Bible, particularly focusing on the story of the Good Samaritan and its implications for people with HIV, abused women, children at risk, and the globally poor. The speaker also mentions preaching from Acts 13, highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit in sending Paul and Barnabas on world missions. They mention a book by John Maxwell called "Falling Forward" and discuss the importance of accepting oneself and committing to serving those with the least opportunity to hear the word of God. The sermon emphasizes the hunger for the Word of God and the importance of memorizing scripture.
How to Raise a Rebel
By Jim Van Gelderen7981:04:47PRO 28:13MAT 6:33ROM 13:1EPH 6:12TI 2:22HEB 12:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of vigilance and sobriety in protecting children from the negative influences of the world. He shares a powerful testimony of a teenage boy who turned his life around after his father prayed fervently for him. The preacher warns parents about the dangers of video games and the internet, stating that they can expose children to filth and warp their minds. He encourages parents to be vigilant and careful in monitoring their children's media consumption, and highlights the need to adhere to biblical principles and teachings.
Cd Gv116 What the Bible Says About Sex
By George Verwer68341:16MAT 6:331CO 6:18GAL 6:7EPH 5:252TI 2:22HEB 13:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's plan for marriage and the Christian home. He references Ephesians 5:25, which instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. The speaker also discusses the need to flee from youthful lusts and instead pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. He shares his personal belief in the benefits of physical exercise, particularly jogging, and relates it to the importance of discipline in various aspects of life, including spiritual disciplines like quiet time and study habits. The speaker acknowledges the prevalence of sexual temptation in society and encourages listeners to learn how to say no to their instincts and stand against lust through God's word.
The Holy Spirit Reveals Jesus
By Zac Poonen6781:18:31PRO 23:17ISA 50:4LUK 21:151CO 6:181CO 10:121TI 6:102TI 2:22HEB 4:15JAS 4:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to God's word and following Jesus' example of overcoming temptation by running away from sin. It highlights the need to be cautious with relationships, money, and to live in the fear of the Lord throughout the day. The speaker encourages a lifestyle of constant listening to God's voice for wisdom and guidance in all situations.
2 Timothy - Part 12
By John Hunter47922:421TI 1:42TI 2:222TI 3:12TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the behavior of a servant and the importance of living a righteous life. He emphasizes the need to avoid youthful lusts and instead follow righteousness, faith, love, and peace. The speaker also encourages Timothy to present himself as an unashamed skilled workman who correctly interprets and teaches the word of God. The sermon touches on the topic of the last days and the qualities of godlessness that mark the present time. The speaker concludes by highlighting the importance of a straightforward handling of the word of God and the need for a man of God to present himself to God and to others.
Seek to Be a Vessel, Sanctified and Useful for God
By Zac Poonen0MAL 3:17MAT 12:342TI 2:202TI 2:221JN 1:7Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of being a holy vessel for God, highlighting the dual aspect of cleansing in the New Testament: God's cleansing of our sins through Jesus' blood and our responsibility to cleanse ourselves from wrong habits and behaviors. Poonen urges believers to daily cleanse themselves, seeking to be vessels sanctified and useful to God, focusing on spiritual value over mere usefulness in God's work. He warns against youthful lusts and encourages pursuing righteousness and fellowship with those who seek purity to avoid sin and grow in holiness.
The Variety of Demonic Battles, and How to Cut Off the Entrance of Every Thought and Desire
By St. Paisy of Neamt0PSA 51:10PRO 4:231CO 10:132CO 10:4GAL 5:16EPH 6:111TH 5:62TI 2:22JAS 4:71PE 5:8St. Paisy of Neamt emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and cautious in the spiritual battle against the demons, highlighting the constant need for self-examination and resistance to the traps and temptations set by the enemy. He urges believers to be aware of the invisible enemies surrounding them and to engage in fervent prayer, virtues, and unwavering faith to withstand the cunningness of the evil spirits. The sermon underscores the necessity of cutting off the roots of passions, seeking Divine Help, and humbling oneself to overcome pride and highmindedness in the ongoing struggle for salvation.
How a Spiritual Movement Declines
By Zac Poonen0PSA 12:1MAT 16:3ACT 13:362CO 11:3COL 1:282TI 2:222TI 3:12TI 3:5HEB 8:11REV 2:4Zac Poonen preaches about the importance of sincere devotion to God in a world filled with deception and flattery. He emphasizes the need for believers to know God personally, not just through knowledge of the Bible, to avoid being led astray by cults and false doctrines. Poonen warns about the dangers of losing personal devotion to Christ and the tendency for movements to decline after the passing of their founders, stressing the significance of shepherds after God's own heart who do not seek their own but build up believers in Christ.
1 Peter 2:11
By John Gill0Spiritual WarfareIdentity in ChristROM 7:231CO 9:24GAL 5:16PHP 3:20COL 3:22TI 2:22HEB 11:13JAS 4:41PE 2:111JN 2:15John Gill emphasizes the affectionate exhortation of the Apostle Peter to the saints, addressing them as 'dearly beloved' to highlight his sincere love and concern for their spiritual well-being. He reminds them of their identity as 'strangers and pilgrims' in this world, urging them to abstain from fleshly lusts that war against the soul, as these desires are contrary to their heavenly calling. Gill explains that while believers may struggle with these temptations, they must not indulge in them, as they are detrimental to their spiritual health and peace. The sermon encourages a life of separation from worldly influences, focusing instead on their true home in heaven.
(Knowing God's Way) 4. How a Spiritual Movement Declines
By Zac Poonen0PSA 12:1MAT 16:3ACT 13:362CO 11:3COL 1:282TI 2:222TI 3:12TI 3:5HEB 8:11REV 2:4Zac Poonen preaches about the importance of sincere devotion to God in a world filled with deception and flattery. He emphasizes the need for believers to know God personally, not just through knowledge of the Bible, to avoid being led astray by cults and false teachings. Poonen warns about the dangers of seeking correctness in doctrine without pursuing personal devotion to Christ, highlighting the decline of movements that lose sight of true spirituality. He urges believers to seek shepherds after God's own heart, who prioritize building up believers in Christ rather than seeking personal gain or recognition.
Should We Follow Godly Men or Only Follow Jesus?
By Zac Poonen0PSA 119:105MAT 11:29LUK 16:13JHN 1:4JHN 5:391CO 4:16EPH 5:25PHP 3:172TI 2:22HEB 13:17Zac Poonen preaches about the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant, where Jesus not only gave us the Word of God but also an example to follow through His life. In the new covenant, we have the written word and the Word made flesh in Jesus to guide us. The importance of following godly examples like Paul, who said 'Follow me as I follow Christ,' is emphasized to help us navigate through life and avoid deception.
Winning the Young
By J. Wilbur Chapman0PSA 71:17PSA 127:3PRO 1:8PRO 22:6ECC 12:1MAT 19:141CO 13:111TI 4:122TI 2:22J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the importance of reaching out to the youth to turn them to Christ, emphasizing that youth is the easiest time to accept Jesus before the grip of sin becomes stronger. He shares stories of individuals who found Christ in their youth and urges parents and teachers to influence young hearts. Chapman highlights the impact of personal work for the young, noting that many influential figures in the Church came to Christ at a young age. He stresses the urgency of guiding youth towards Christ before the allure of sin becomes overwhelming.
(Out of the Comfort Zone) Taking the Lead
By George Verwer0NEH 2:18JHN 14:6ACT 1:8ACT 13:2EPH 5:182TI 1:72TI 2:22JAS 1:19George Verwer emphasizes the crucial need for more leaders in the church and missionary organizations, highlighting the shortage of potential leaders and the cry for more men and women to step up. He stresses the importance of training leaders, both young and old, and the necessity of being filled with the Spirit to effectively lead in the church and in mission work. Verwer addresses the tough realities leaders face, such as the challenges of building loyalty, facing suffering, handling money, and combating sexual immorality, while urging leaders to maintain a balanced approach in various aspects of their lives.
The Will of the Lord
By Erlo Stegen0MarriageGod's WillGEN 24:1PSA 37:4PRO 3:5ISA 55:9MAT 7:21ROM 12:21CO 6:18EPH 5:312TI 2:22JAS 1:5Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of seeking God's will in all aspects of life, particularly in marriage. He warns against the dangers of making decisions based on personal desires or societal standards, illustrating this with stories of individuals who failed to seek divine guidance. Stegen highlights that true obedience to God is essential for entering the Kingdom of Heaven, as not everyone who claims to follow Him will do so. He encourages young people to be discerning and to align their choices with God's Word, conscience, and circumstances. Ultimately, he asserts that marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God, and it should be approached with reverence and self-control.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Flee also youthful lusts - Not only all irregular and sensual desires, but pride, ambition, and, above all, the lust of power, to which most men will sacrifice all other propensities, their ease, pleasure, health, etc. This is the most bewitching passion in the human heart. Both in Church and state it is ruinous; but particularly so in the former. Timothy was now between thirty and forty years of age, the very age in which ambition and the love of power most generally prevail. Carnal pleasures are the sins of youth; ambition and the love of power the sins of middle age; covetousness and carking cares the crimes of old age. Follow righteousness - Flee from sin, pursue goodness. Righteousness - whatever is just, holy, and innocent. Faith - fidelity both to God and man, improving that grace by which thy soul may be saved, and faithfully discharging the duties of thy office, that thou mayest save the souls of others. Charity - love to God and man. Peace among all the members of the Church, and as far as possible with all men; but especially among those who invoke the Lord out of a pure desire to glorify his name.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Flee--There are many lusts from which our greatest safety is in flight (Gen 39:12). Avoid occasions of sin. From the abstemious character of Timothy (Ti1 5:23) it is likely that not animal indulgences, but the impetuosity, rash self-confidence, hastiness, strife, and vainglory of young men (Jo1 2:14-16), are what he is here warned against: though the Spirit probably intended the warning to include both in its application to the Church in general. also--Greek, "But"; in contrast to "every good work," Ti2 2:21. youthful--Timothy was a youth (Ti1 4:12). righteousness--the opposite of "iniquity," that is, unrighteousness (Ti2 2:19; compare Ti1 6:11). peace, with, &c.--rather, put no comma, "peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (Ti1 1:5; Eph 6:5; Col 3:22). We are to love all men, but it is not possible to be at peace with all men, for this needs community of purpose and opinion; they alone who call on the Lord sincerely (as contrasted with the false teachers who had only the form of godliness, Ti2 3:5, Ti2 3:8; Tit 1:15-16) have this community [THEODORET]. (Rom 12:18).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Flee also youthful lusts,.... Meaning not lusts of uncleanness, lasciviousness, and filthiness; nor any of those follies and vanities which the youthful age usually lusts and desires after, to which Timothy was not inclined; but such lusts as are apt to prevail with young ministers of the Gospel, such as vain glory, popular applause, seeking to have the pre-eminence, contentions with, and contempt of others, and the like. But follow righteousness; the righteousness of Christ; or doing that which is just between man and man, and as one man would choose another should do to him; or rather integrity and faithfulness, in the ministry of the word, without seeking honour from men: faith; both as a doctrine and grace; or veracity and truth in preaching the Gospel, striving for that, and not through ambition, and for the pre-eminence: charity; or love, to God and Christ, and to his people; without which all gifts and works are of no avail; and which will engage a man to bear much, and to hope and believe all things: peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart; peace is to be pursued and followed after with all men, as much as possible, but especially with the saints, the true worshippers of God; who draw nigh to him with true hearts, and call upon him in the sincerity of their souls: great care should be taken that peace be maintained with them; for they have great interest at the throne of grace; and God is nigh unto them, and hears their prayers. The Alexandrian copy reads, "with all that love the Lord".
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
I. Paul here exhorts Timothy to beware of youthful lusts, Ti2 2:22. Though he was a holy good man, very much mortified to the world, yet Paul thought it necessary to caution him against youthful lusts: "Flee them, take all possible care and pains to keep thyself pure from them." The lusts of the flesh are youthful lusts, which young people must carefully watch against, and the best must not be secure. He prescribes an excellent remedy against youthful lusts: Follow righteousness, faith, charity peace, etc. Observe, 1. Youthful lusts are very dangerous, for which reason even hopeful young people should be warned of them, for they war against the soul, Pe1 2:11. 2. The exciting of our graces will be the extinguishing of our corruptions; the more we follow that which is good the faster and the further we shall flee from that which is evil. Righteousness, and faith, and love, will be excellent antidotes against youthful lusts. Holy love will cure impure lust. - Follow peace with those that call on the Lord. The keeping up of the communion of saints will take us off from all fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness. See the character of Christians: they are such as call on the Lord Jesus Christ, out of a pure heart. Observe, Christ is to be prayed to. It is the character of all Christians that they call upon him; but our prayers to God and Christ are not acceptable nor successful except they come out of a pure heart. II. He cautions him against contention, and, to prevent this (Ti2 2:23), cautions him against foolish and unlearned questions, that tend to no benefit, strifes of words. Those who advanced them, and doted upon them, thought themselves wise and learned; but Paul calls them foolish and unlearned. The mischief of these is that they gender strifes, that they breed debates and quarrels among Christians and ministers. It is very remarkable how often, and with what seriousness, the apostle cautions Timothy against disputes in religion, which surely was not without some such design as this, to show that religion consists more in believing and practising what God requires than in subtle disputes. - The servant of the Lord must not strive, Ti2 2:24. Nothing worse becomes the servant of the Lord Jesus, who himself did not strive nor cry (Mat 12:19), but was a pattern of meekness, and mildness, and gentleness to all, than strife and contention. The servant of the Lord must be gentle to all men, and thereby show that he is himself subject to the commanding power of that holy religion which he is employed in preaching and propagating. - Apt to teach. Those are unapt to teach who are apt to strive, and are fierce and froward. Ministers must be patient, bearing with evil, and in meekness instructing (Ti2 2:25) not only those who subject themselves, but those who oppose themselves. Observe, 1. Those who oppose themselves to the truth are to be instructed; for instruction is the scripture-method of dealing with the erroneous, which is more likely to convince them of their errors than fire and faggot: he does not bid us kill their bodies, under pretence of saving their souls. 2. Such as oppose themselves are to be instructed in meekness, for our Lord is meek and lowly (Mat 11:29), and this agrees well with the character of the servant of the Lord (Ti2 2:24): He must not strive, but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient. This is the way to convey truth in its light and power, and to overcome evil with good, Rom 12:21. 3. That which ministers must have in their eyes, in instructing those who oppose themselves, must be their recovery: If God, peradventure, will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. Observe, (1.) Repentance is God's gift. (2.) It is a gift with a peradventure in the case of those who oppose themselves; and therefore, though we are not to despair of the grace of God, yet we must take heed of presuming upon it. To the acknowledging of the truth. (3.) The same God who gives us the discovery of the truth does by his grace bring us to the acknowledging of it, otherwise our hearts would continue in rebellion against it, for we are to confess with our mouths as well as to believe with our hearts, Rom 10:9, Rom 10:10. And thus sinners recover themselves out of the snare of the devil; see here, [1.] The misery of sinners: they are in the snare of the devil, and are led captive by him at his will, Ti2 2:26. They are slaves to the worst of task-masters; he is the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience, Eph 2:2. They are taken in a snare, and in the worst snare, because it is the devil's; they are as fishes that are taken in n evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare. Further, They are under Ham's curse (a servant of servants shall he be, Gen 9:25), they are slaves to him who is but a slave and vassal. [2.] The happiness of those who repent: they recover themselves out of this snare, as a bird out of the snare of the fowler; the snare is broken and they have escaped; and the greater the danger the greater the deliverance. When sinners repent, those who before were led captive by the devil at his will come to be led into the glorious liberty of the children of God, and have their wills melted into the will of the Lord Jesus. The good Lord recover us all out of the snare.