2 Timothy 2:22

Memory Verse

And flee the strong desires pertaining to what is new, but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call upon the Lord out from a clean heart (2 Timothy 2:22).

In many English translations, youthful is used in this passage, implying the desires associated with youth. Youthful is a translation of the Greek word νεωτερικός (neōterikós), an adjective derived from νέος (neos), meaning new or young. The suffix conveys the sense of something pertaining to or emanating from that which is new. In this context, youthful carries the meaning of new-fangled, innovative, or novel, with a negative connotation—suggesting something overly modern or radical.

The lusts of our youth are not the focus here; rather, it is the strong desires for new things. Our pursuit in this life is not to be directed toward the innovations produced by the world system to distract the mind, nor toward some novel approach to serving God—often introduced into the assemblies by men who serve only their own appetites. Through such means, many pagan religious practices have been blended with Christianity—for example, the worship of idols (as seen in Catholicism), vain repetitions (as found in modern worship services), and the adoption of worldly principles (such as Lent). The old paths are the ways of rightly dividing the Scriptures, grounded in a proper understanding of Dispensations, which comes through a literal interpretation of the Word of God.