2 Timothy 2:22- Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

As you study and meditate on scripture, you will sometimes find it extremely helpful to make lists. Paul speaks with the wisdom of a man who has lived a full life, so his insight here is tried and tested.

1. Make two lists contrasting the characteristics of someone approved by God and one NOT approved by God. Examples: Approved characteristics might include faithful, loving, purity, etc., while pursuing the evil desires of youth would not be an approved characteristic.

2. Comparison this scriptural passage with Galatians 5:16-25. Here, the same author (Paul) contrasts the longings of the sinful nature vs. the longings of a life filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Use this passage to fill in more details for the chart you just created.

Once you’ve filled your lists and checked it twice, it’s time to meditate on scripture and examine how God wants to speak to your life. Here, Paul was writing about two false teachers of his day (v. 17) who were leading people astray to a false gospel.

Repeat 2 Tim. 2:15 over and over. Let Jesus inform your spirit on how to pursue Him as one approved in everyday life. Review your list and check it twice!

Jason Marshall

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