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By Dave Newell (From THE REAPER. Used with permission)
The Apostle Paul gives some very practical commands and principles for daily living in the above Scripture. These instructions were not for young Timothy only, they are for every child of God.
Today we are living in a fast-paced world that is reeling under the influence of sin in all forms and fashion. We are in a spiritual battle with the forces of evil. In spite of the intense conflict, God’s Word remains a solid foundation that cannot and will not be shaken. We must anchor (secure) our souls there.
God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “ Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness” (2 Tim. 2:19).
God knows those who are His children; He will lead them and help them by His grace. But we are to remove ourselves from iniquity; recognize the temptations of sin and run from them. We can—flee, follow and fight.
FLEE
Flee—to run away from, as from dangers or pursuers. Flee youthful lusts. Run away from a discontented spirit; from temptations; from youthful, foolish and hurtful lusts; from false teaching and doctrine and from foolish, ignorant questions. Running away from these things is not an act of cowardice but one of sensible and mature judgment. The idea is to not flirt with sin but to get as far away from it as possible. In 1 Thess. 5:22, we are told to avoid every kind of evil.
Unfortunately, multitudes of people, including some of God’s children, seem to be fleeing in the opposite direction, running headlong into the snares and traps of the devil.
FOLLOW
Follow—to go or come after; move behind in the same direction; to imitate or copy. Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness. Follow Jesus, the One who is expressing the image of God, the Father.
As we follow closer to Jesus, we will be moving farther away from sin. Luke 22:54 states that Peter did follow Jesus after Christ’s arrest in the garden, but he followed “afar off.” In that far-off position and condition, Peter betrayed His Lord and Master. But he returned, confessed his sin and began to follow much closer to Jesus. Later, Peter wrote: To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps (1Pet. 2:21). Follow closely; move in harmony with God’s will, and imitate and copy the Savior!
FIGHT
Fight—a battle or combat; to maintain a cause by fighting or contending. Our Christian life is one of conflict and battle. The old nature is in constant combat with the new nature. Thank God He has equipped His children with the necessary tools of warfare that will assure victory over the world, the flesh and the devil. Our warfare involves proclaiming the light of the gospel in a dark world.
In the heat of battle, we can and will become discouraged and even defeated when we shift our dependence away from Jesus, our Commander-in-Chief. We will experience utter failure if we quench the work and fruit of the Holy Spirit and try to win the battle by our own efforts.
Sometimes we lose our focus on the real enemy and enter into contention with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Nothing delights Satan more than to see quarreling, bickering and outright combat within the Church. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer (2 Tim. 2:3-4).
The principles set forth in the Bible are extremely important and must be taught and learned. We need to teach people of all ages and help them understand and apply the truths of God’s Word. We need to disciple and nurture them in the faith, and help them to become effective witnesses of the gospel—all for the honor and glory of the Lord.
Today, in this super-busy technological age, we can easily lose our focus on those things that are needful to nurture our souls. Do you want your life to be steady—unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord? ( See 1 Cor. 15:58.) Remember the three F words and daily put each one into action: Flee, Follow, Fight—the three Fs of Christian living. People are watching you and will be influenced by your actions.
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