Four Features of Faith That We Should Follow Hard After – Part 3

Four Features of Faith That We Should Follow Hard After – Part 3

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

By way of review for you, we previously revealed that the world will rationalize and romanticize youthful lust or fleshly forces as opposed to rejecting and running away from them. Quite the contrary, the world willfully calls young and old alike to welcome, walk, and wonder after youthful lust or follow fleshly forces.

We also examined some examples of the fleshly forces/lust that, if not addressed, will fix the young or the old in folly:
Lust and Sexual Temptation, Pride and Arrogance, Impulsiveness and Recklessness.

Our main text points us to Paul’s compelling exhortation to escape from evil desires or flee from the fleshly forces.

Now, it’s critical to note that the word “flee” in the text advocates an earnest exercise of escape. It’s not about the fight but the flight. Get running before sin starts gunning and leaves you dead (spiritually separated from God, which is death). Romans 6:23. Consider with me what Scripture has to say about the steps of sin that lead to death:

James 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.  

Thus, Paul’s godly guidance to Timothy is crystal clear: Burn up the track (sprint/run away) and escape from the attack of the things that look to lure you away from God (who is our first love) and run toward the things that bring you closer to Him.

Again, the Word of God advises us not just to avoid these fleshly forces, but to flee from them and advance rapidly toward divine assets like righteousness, faith, love, and peace. This is not spiritual speech — they are the power steps toward holiness.

So, before we close, let’s consider FOUR FEATURES OF FAITH THAT WE SHOULD FOLLOW HARD AFTER:

Righteousness: That is enthusiastically executing what’s right, even when it’s extremely difficult.
Faith: Forwarding trust in God when you are caught in a conundrum and experiencing a severe shortfall of solutions.
Love: Considerably caring for others, even when they’re consistently contemptuous.
Peace: That is purposely picking peace over turmoil, and trading forgiveness and togetherness over theater.

Finally, Paul gives us a supportive but strong call to chase after these godly features of faith, accompanied by others who consistently call on the Lord. That means acquiring fellow believers who want to increase in their faith and intimacy with our Lord and God, Jesus Christ.

Flying after and following youthful lust will reward you with a blistering bust. But following these four features of faith will flood you with His favor and grace.

Not a sermon - just some thoughts.
FtGG