How can we "turn away from iniquity" as instructed in 2 Timothy 2:19? A Firm Foundation and Clear Call “Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.’” (2 Timothy 2:19) Remember Whose You Are • John 10:27–28—because the Shepherd knows His sheep, we can confidently follow His voice away from sin. • Titus 2:14—Christ “gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness.” Being His purchased people motivates holy living. Recognize What Iniquity Is • 1 John 3:4—“Everyone who practices sin practices lawlessness as well.” Iniquity is any departure from God’s law. • Psalm 51:2—David treats sin as filth that must be washed away, not redefined or excused. Rely on the Indwelling Spirit • Romans 8:13—“If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” • Galatians 5:16—“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Practical steps: – Begin the day asking the Spirit to govern thoughts and attitudes. – Pause to yield every temptation to His control the moment it surfaces. Renew Your Mind with the Word • Psalm 119:9–11—hiding Scripture in the heart guards against sin. • James 1:21—receive the implanted word “which is able to save your souls.” Suggestions: – Memorize verses targeting persistent sins. – Replace idle scrolling with short readings of a Gospel or Psalm. Put Off and Put On • Ephesians 4:22-24—“Put off your former way of life… be renewed… put on the new self.” • Colossians 3:5-14—lists specific sins to kill and virtues to clothe yourself with. Strategy: – Identify one sinful habit; replace it with a Christ-like action (e.g., turn gossip into intercessory prayer). Remain Accountable in the Body • Hebrews 3:12-13—daily encouragement keeps hearts from being “hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” • Proverbs 27:17—iron sharpening iron. Application: – Invite a trusted believer to ask direct questions about your walk. – Meet regularly for mutual confession and Scripture reading (1 John 1:7). Use God’s Escape Routes • 1 Corinthians 10:13—He “will also provide an escape” so you can endure temptation. Escapes may include: – Physically leaving compromising settings (Genesis 39:12). – Installing filters or setting curfews for media use. – Praying the moment a tempting thought arises (Matthew 26:41). Cultivate a Forward Focus • 2 Peter 3:11-14—since everything will be dissolved, pursue “holy and godly lives.” • 1 John 3:2-3—hope in seeing Christ purifies us now. Key Takeaways • Turning from iniquity is not optional for those who “name the name of the Lord.” • God supplies everything needed—identity in Christ, the Spirit’s power, His living Word, supportive fellowship, and promised escape routes. • Actively rejecting sin and embracing righteousness displays the unshakable foundation on which our lives rest. |
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