Strategic Retreat

Read 2 Timothy 1:1–2:26

20. In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use.
21. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
22. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
23. Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.
24. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.
25. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. 2 Timothy 2:20-25

“I just want to” is a kid’s reply

To parents begging for reasons why.

I just want to . . . experiment with drugs, find out about sex, try bungee jumping, shop till I drop. “Don’t ask why,” they beg, and parents say no.

For Christians who have a hard time resisting the lure of bad ideas and do not have parents around to stop them, Paul says, “Run!” Do not even give the temptation time to present its case. Just get out of there. Live boldly, Paul writes, but live wisely. A little bit of well-placed fear goes a long way. As you read, consider when you should run and when you should stand and fight.

In addition to his advice for making a hasty retreat, in these chapters Paul also encourages Christians to not be afraid of suffering and to not be ashamed of their work for the gospel.

Paul urged Timothy to run away from anything that tempted him to do wrong (2 Timothy 2:22). Some may consider this to be cowardly, but wise people run from dangers and from enemies they cannot fight. They know their limits and respect their weak spots. When the danger involves temptation, they avoid it altogether. Running from a strong temptation makes more sense than trying to resist it.

What recurring temptation do you have difficulty resisting? Avoid any situation that tempts you in that area. Know when to run and don’t be ashamed to do so. There’s no point in trying to be tough and falling into sin as a result (see 1 Timothy 6:11).