Pursue Righteousness

"Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with all those who call on the Lord from a pure heart" (2 Tim 2:21-22).

In these verses, Paul is calling Timothy to actively participate in the sanctification process, rather than just being a passive recipient. However, many people approach the process of sanctification as if it is an option--as if it is the road traveled by the super saints or the "really" religious. Yet, that is not at all the picture we see in Scripture. It is God's will that we all be sanctified (1 Thes.4:3-8; John 17:17).

Some approach sanctification as if it is solely a work of God. It is true that sanctification is primarily of work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a believer, but it is a work that is accompanied by means. The Holy Spirit does not just make us holy; he causes us to work toward holiness. Even as Paul tells Timothy in this passage, "If anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable," and "flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace . . . ." The expression "cleanses himself," "flee," and "pursue" all express means by which Timothy (and others) will be brought into sanctification.

Paul is not suggesting in this passage that Timothy has some natural ability to do these things. Paul wasn't asking Timothy to do the impossible, but he was asking to do what was required. If Timothy wanted holiness he would have to work for it, but not without the Spirit's enabling him to do it. As Paul reminds us elsewhere, "Work out you own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Phil. 2:12b-13).

Do you mourn your lack of holiness? Do you desire a deeper walk with the Lord? It is probably the Spirit of God urging you to "pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace." Are you ready to answer the call? Heed the warning: "As it is said, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.' For who were those who heard and rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses . . .whose bodies fell in the wilderness? . . . So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief" (Heb. 3:15-19).

Initially, we are cleansed from our unrighteousness through trust in Christ's person and work. We have perfect righteousness with the Father, because Christ's righteousness has been imputed to us. However, we do not always live in perfect righteousness. Our righteous standing is never endangered by our sinful actions (because of Christ's atoning work), but our fellowship is hindered. Joyful fellowship is restored when we continual confession of our sin and trust in Christ (see 1 John 1:9). We must also flee youthful lusts (see Gal. 5:16-21) and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, as we seek to walk in obedience to the leading of the Spirit. We learn to discern his leadership as we read, study, understand, and apply the Word of God to our hearts and lives.

Sanctification is meant for every believer, and every true believer will experience it. If we have no desire for holiness, then we have no desire for God. For he is holy, and requires us to be holy, as well. By holy, I do not mean, holier-than-thou. We must not wear our righteousness as a badge of honor, but must bear it as a gift. If we see flames of holiness kindled in the ashes of our hearts, we can be confident that it is God at work in us. And everyone who truly desires to be holy, will openly acknowledge how far they feel they are from it. True holiness and humility go hand in hand, but that is a post for another day.