Follow After Righteousness
The sermon emphasizes the importance of fleeing youthful lusts and pursuing righteousness to live a life that honors God.
Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of fleeing youthful lusts and pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace, as outlined in 2 Timothy 2:22. He shares the story of a young couple who prioritized God's blessing above all else, enduring hardships but receiving immense blessings in return. Stegen warns that those who do not heed the call to flee from youthful lusts, which include not just sexual sins but also pride and haughtiness, may be considered 'church heathen.' He encourages believers to surround themselves with those who share a pure heart and a commitment to following Jesus wholeheartedly. The sermon serves as a call to repentance for those who appear godly but deny the power of true faith.
Text
2Tim2:22
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Louis Harms tells of a young couple who wanted God's blessing above all else, and they received untold hardships, but also untold blessings. Read their full story here.
When we see how these people put Jesus first - before marriage, career, wealth and even life itself - it should move us to fully follow Jesus with all our hearts and propagate His Gospel. They truly obeyed this word to flee youthful lusts and God could use them in propagating His Gospel.
Those that don't obey this word to flee youthful lusts, are heathen, even though they're in church, they're church heathen.
To flee youthful lusts, you must pursue righteousness, and be in earnest to do it.
Be in the company of those who do the same and are pure of heart.
Youthful lusts are not only sexual sins, but pride, haughtiness, flippancy, etc.
The Bible says in the last days people will have an appearance of godliness, but denying the power thereof. If you are such, repent!
Sermon Outline
- I. Flee Youthful Lusts
- A. Understand the scope of youthful lusts
- B. Recognize the consequences of not obeying this word
- II. Pursue Righteousness
- A. Be earnest in pursuing righteousness
- B. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals
- III. The Importance of a Pure Heart
- A. Recognize the difference between appearance and reality
Key Quotes
“Those that don't obey this word to flee youthful lusts, are heathen, even though they're in church, they're church heathen.” — Erlo Stegen
“To flee youthful lusts, you must pursue righteousness, and be in earnest to do it.” — Erlo Stegen
“The Bible says in the last days people will have an appearance of godliness, but denying the power thereof. If you are such, repent!” — Erlo Stegen
Application Points
- You must be earnest in pursuing righteousness and avoid sinful behaviors.
- Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who are also striving for purity of heart.
- Recognize the difference between appearance and reality, and repent if you're living a life that denies the power of godliness.