How many of you like to run? Running is very good for your body, it keeps your blood circulating, it keeps you in shape, and you’ll see people out running at the park, in your neighborhood, and certainly at the gym. Some people love running so much that they’ll join a marathon, which is more than 26 miles! You have to make sure you’re in good shape to do that much running.
But this is not the kind of running that II Timothy 2:22 is talking about. This is not running for fun, this is running for your life. If you were hiking in the mountains and you came upon a grizzly bear, you wouldn’t do a nice jog to get away from him, you would run for your life! And there are times in your Christian life when you will need to run for your life. If you stay, you will be damaged, derailed, or devoured.
But running is not the only thing we see in this verse. As we analyze this verse, we’re going to use Joseph as our prime example. I think Joseph best realizes these truths in his own life, and I hope you will make them real in your life as well.
In this verse we see three specific truths to strengthen your walk with God.
1. Flee that which is Polluted
“Flee also youthful lusts…”
We never use the word “flee” today, but we know what it means. It means to run, specifically running from danger. This is not a fun run, it’s a forced run. And what are you running from? Youthful lusts. The devil specifically targets young people, and he’s got a lot in his arsenal. Youthful lusts can include temptations that involve sexual allurement, pride, greed, knowledge, carnal pleasures, worldly attainments, and the list goes on. These are strong desires that especially tempt young people. Why young people? It’s simple: if the devil can get you hooked while you’re young, he can ruin your whole life.
When it comes to temptation, there are two ways to combat it. You can either resist the temptation or run from it. Small temptations can often be resisted, but when a strong temptation comes along, you may have no choice but to run.
In Genesis 39, there can be no doubt that Potiphar’s wife was a temptation for Joseph. She must have been a very beautiful woman. She was a seductress, and she wanted Joseph for herself. Joseph resisted her at first, saying, “Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Gen. 39:8-9).
Joseph is on full alert, ready to resist. “And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her” (Gen. 39:10).
But the day came when resisting was not enough. The devil does not give up easily. Often he will double his efforts on the Christian who chooses to resist. Potiphar’s wife becomes belligerent with Joseph, grabbing his coat and demanding that he do what she wants. In that moment, Joseph did the manliest thing he could do: he ran for his life! Yes, he ran from a woman. The world will tell you that it’s cowardly to run, but don’t you believe it. Those who turn tail and run from temptation are the ones with integrity. It takes character to flee.
Another example (although a bad one) is the young man in Proverbs 7.
James 4:7, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Yes, resisting will make the devil run, but he’ll be back. Temptation will always come back, many times much stronger than before. This is why you must be ready to flee. Flee from idolatry (I Cor. 10:14). Flee fornication (I Cor. 6:18). Flee from the wrath to come (Matt. 3:7). And Joseph would tell you, flee youthful lusts.
2. Follow that which is Pure
“…but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace…”
When you flee from something, it’s best to run to a place of safety. Proverbs 18:10 tells us, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous running into it, and is safe.”
The word “follow” here actually means “to pursue.” There’s a difference between following something and pursuing something. Ex: sheep follows, lion pursues.
It’s true that we, as sheep, are following our Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ. But we should also be pursuing some things when it comes to our walk with Christ. This verse gives us four pursuits.
—Pursue righteousness (Gr. dikaiosune — “integrity, virtue, purity of life, uprightness, correctness in thinking, feeling, and acting”). Righteousness is worth pursuing, and when you have it, it will change you.
Proverbs 28:1, “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.”
—Pursue faith (Gr. pistis — “instruction concerning the necessity of faith”). Plain and simple, this is trusting God. The only way to grow your faith is by getting into the Word of God. Romans 10:17 tells us, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
—Pursue charity (Gr. agape, sacrificial love, the kind that God has for us). We don’t have time to talk about why love is so important, but the Apostle Paul covers that in I Corinthians 13. Love is one of the factors that sets us apart from the world, so we must pursue our love for God and for others.
—Pursue peace (Gr. eirene, “peace between individuals, harmony, concord”). So this kind of peace has to do with other people. Paul tells us in Romans 12:18, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” This can be a real challenge with certain people, but we should pursue peace with those in our lives.
Explain: Joseph didn’t have Bible, or law, he pursued his dreams
3. Find those who are Purposeful
“…with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
While it’s important to flee youthful lusts and pursue godliness, you shouldn’t do it alone. We all need good friends who can join us in our fleeing and pursuing. These friends are characterized by two qualities: prayer and purity.
Good friends are hard to come by, but we’re talking about godly friends, friends who tell you, “I’m praying for you.” Those are the best friends you could ever have. These are friends who are living with the same purpose as you, pursuing godliness. These are friends that you must cherish because they’re a rare breed, even among Christians.
The reason this verse emphasizes friends should be obvious: you can’t do it on your own. Fleeing temptation is exhausting; you will need encouragement. Pursuing godliness can be difficult; you will need support. And while it’s true that God is always right there with you, human companionship is also essential (Ex: Adam, “it’s not good that the man should be alone”). This is one of the reasons why marriage is so important. But if you’re single, then it’s vitally important that you have good friends who will encourage you to walk with the Lord.
Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
Explain: I believe Joseph made friends in prison; he took an interest in people (such as butler and baker). He was in charge of all the prisoners. Also, Joseph was concerned that his brothers had changed, that they had learned to be self-sacrificing.
CONCLUSION
We all know how the story of Joseph ends. Joseph is promoted to Grand Vizier, becoming the savior of Egypt, and helping anyone who would come for food. His brothers come, and after testing them, reveals himself to them as their long-lost brother. God prospered Joseph and used him in amazing ways. Do you think that any of that prospering had anything to do with the fact that Joseph ran from temptation and pursued his dreams?
It absolutely does! What if Joseph had given in to Potiphar’s wife? What if he had given up on his dreams? The story would be completely different. The secret to Joseph’s success was his character. And God still blesses and prospers those who have the character to flee temptation, follow godliness, and do it with those who have a pure heart.
What sin are you running from? What are you pursuing in your life? What kind of friends do you have? These are all choices you have to make. Your circumstances might not be the best. You might not be the smartest or the strongest. You might not have all the answers to all the questions. But you CAN have character! And no one can take that away from you.
