Thirsting Souls Bible Teaching

 (2Ti 3:1) “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”  We are in these times. They are perilous physically as far as safety is concerned. They are perilous on the world scale as nation is beginning to rise against nation. And in this nation we are moving rapidly towards another civil war as politicians seek to exalt some above others. But friend, the true peril are the souls of those who put the flesh and now over the spirit and eternity. Where do you stand? Which is your focus?

(2Ti 2:26)  “And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”The devil is just as real as you are! He rules in the hearts of each unsaved person, urging them to follow the desires of their heart, to put what they think over what God has said. You know you in reality follow the world, if you still put yourself before following the steps of Jesus Christ. In what way have you taken up the cross as commanded by Jesus?

(2Ti 2:26)  “And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”This verse is speaking of the unsaved. Notice the difference in the following: (1Pe 5:8) “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”  When the saved do not seek to  “….purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use,…. (2 Tim 2:21), he is giving Satan permission to influence. The lost can only be delievered through repentance of sin, asking forgiveness and by faith praying the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus for their salvation.  

(2Ti 2:26)  “And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” Satan snares the souls of men through lies. He works upon their pride. Once a person embraces an idea, they will hold to it all the way to hell rather than seek to know the truth and say they are wrong. There are exceptions, this verse speaking to that. So…..humbly give them the truth.  

(2Ti 2:23)  But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. (24)  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, (25)  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”  God give us wisdom in our conversations with others! We are always to seek peace, for the receiving of the truth by others requires an open heart. This cannot always be achieved, but their soul is worth our trying.

(2Ti 2:22) “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”    People who love the Lord desire to please Him with their life. They will see to think in a righteous way will leads to righteous actions. Remember, as  a person “thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Prov 23:7), so  (Php_4:8)  “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” 

 (2Ti 2:22) “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”   One cannot know or assess the purity of their own heart; but, they can seek to purify it by obeying God’s Word. Here we are told to follow – literally, “to pursue” these things. Will you focus your attention of them (one at a time if need be) and pursue them before the Lord? 

(2Ti 2:22) “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”  Human reasoning: youthful lust is only found in young people. No, youthful lust are found in the hearts of those who have not grown spiritually in Christ Jesus. Youthful lusts are those of the flesh, followed by those who have not grown to love their Lord enough to (Rom_6:11) “ Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”