The new year always brings resolutions and goals. It is a time when people talk about things they will tackle in the coming year. We also know that the talk of and the setting of goals often leads to them not being met.
Did you set any goals in 2023 that you failed to meet? Did you set any that you did meet?
In From the Elders, over the next few weeks, I want to challenge us all with a some goals for the coming year, indeed for all of life. These goals come to us from God’s Word and are found in Paul’s second letter to Timothy; 2 Timothy 2:22, specifically. It says:
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
Goal #1: Flee Youthful Passions
Some may read that word youthful and think, “Oh, you’re not talking to me.” But I am. Paul, an older man of maybe 60, is writing to Timothy, a younger man of maybe 40 or even 50. We have in our mind that Timothy was a teenager or young adult, but history has him as slightly older than we think; however, he was younger than Paul. And Paul wrote this, perhaps middle aged, but younger man saying, “flee youthful passions.”
That word passions, in the Greek is the word epithymia (pronounced ep-ee-thoo-me-uh). and it carries with it the thought of lust or cravings or desire for things forbidden. To help us understand this better, we could easily say that Eve’s epithymia for the forbidden fruit was a passion that she needed to flee from.
We all know that no matter the age, there are passions and desires within us that are contrary to what God calls his people to. Passions and desires that tempt us to disobey God. Passions and desires that lead us into sin. We are called—no matter the age—to flee these desires.
What passions or desires do you need to flee?
Prayer: Oh Lord, God of all mercy and grace, forgive me of the passions and desires that I spend thought and energy on; that I give in to; that cause me to sin against you. Strengthen me, Lord, to flee these passions and desires as you have called me to in your word. Amen.
I’m looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday! Lord willing, I’ll see you then!
Grace & Peace,
John
You can reach the elders anytime by email, call, or text at:
Jon Collins, jcollins@thevillagemi.com, (810) 869-3949
John White, jwhite@thevillagemi.com, (810) 275-4267