DCLM Higher Everyday 19 April 2024 — Flee Youthful Lusts
Topic: Flee Youthful Lusts
Text — 2Timothy 2:19-22
19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
22Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Key Verse: “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).
Message
A Christian writer, Merlin Carothers in his book, What‘s on your Mind, states, “We need to look into the future and examine what could happen if we permit lust to live in our hearts. It is deadly, destructive and powerful.” Lust is a strong immoral desire towards someone or something, and this is common among young people. Actually, youthful lust is not limited to physical attraction. It includes excessive desire for fame, acceptance, worldly success or achievement. Paul therefore warns us against such cravings for pleasure rather than godliness. King Solomon lusted after women, fame, music and many other things but later saw them as vanity.
To flee youthful lust, the youth must surrender his or her heart to Jesus. He or she must follow after those who call on the name of Christ out of a pure heart. Every youth must take the study of the word of God seriously, live a prayerful life and shun evil association. It is God’s will to see you enjoy a life of freedom from lust. Take necessary steps to Christ and be free.
Quote: Solomon lusted after women.
Challenge: Keep yourself pure.
Prayer for today: Father, in mercy, free me from youthful lust, in Jesus’ name.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
