What Does It Mean to “Pursue Righteousness”?

In 2 Timothy 2, Paul challenges us to “pursue righteousness.” But what exactly does that mean, and why is it important?

Scripture:       

2 Timothy, chapters 1-4

2 Timothy 2:20-26 (NASB):

Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honor while others are for dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

Observations: Pursue Righteousness

Paul writes to his young protégé Timothy to remind him of the foundational truths Paul has taught him. From chapter 1, we see that Paul is in prison; chapter 4 tells us that only Luke is with him (4:11). Paul wants Timothy to come to see him, but he also realizes that his own time may be short. So he instructs Timothy on a number of important issues relating to Timothy’s life and ministry.

One primary point that Paul makes is for Timothy to follow his example:

• • “Join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God” (1:8)
  • “Hold on to the example of sound words which you have heard from me” (1:13)
  • “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also” (2:2)
  • “Suffer hardship with me” (2:3)
  • “You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them: (3:14)

But in the center of the letter – in the passage set forth above – Paul urges Timothy to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. So what does it mean to pursue righteousness?

Sanctification: Set Apart for God’s Use

In verse 20, Paul makes a transition in his instruction to Timothy. He has challenged Timothy to “present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2:15). So starting in verse 20, he expands on this idea of “presenting yourself to God.” He starts by using an illustration of a “large house.” In such a house, Paul says, there are all sorts of implements or furnishings. Some are made of gold and silver, while others are made of wood and earthenware. While the gold and silver furnishings might seem more appropriate for such a house, the others are also necessary.

Paul’s point is not about the inherent value of gold and silver as opposed to wood or earthenware. Instead, in verse 21 he says: if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. Our part, Paul says, is to cleanse ourselves from these things. But what things does Paul mean? Looking at the preceding verses, Paul focuses on two items: denying Christ (2:12) and disputing about words (2:14, 16).

“Denying Christ” can involve either words or actions. The more obvious denial would be in words, as when Peter denied knowing Jesus on the night of His arrest. However, Jesus made it clear in His teaching that it is not enough to simply call Him Lord; we must also do God’s will (Matthew 7::21). Jesus calls us to follow Him; that implies that we follow His example, that we emulate Him. To do so means to cleanse ourselves from unrighteousness: flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Pursue Righteousness and Model Christlike Behavior

At the end of our passage, Paul says that servants of the Lord should not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition. Why are these things important? Because they demonstrate the attitude of Christ (see Philippians 2:5-8). They also reflect the reality of a life transformed by the Spirit. Kindness, patience, and gentleness help us to demonstrate the truth to others. The kingdom of God is not built on force – not physical force, and not mere intellectual power. Our attitudes must reflect Jesus in such a way that He can draw people to Himself.

Application: What Does It Mean to Pursue Righteousness?

So what does it mean to pursue righteousness? I think Paul is pointing us toward a more classical Biblical understanding of righteousness – to be in a right relationship with both God and our fellow human beings. Obviously, if we’re not in a right relationship with God, nothing else in our lives will be right either! But we cannot be in a right relationship with God if we are not striving to be right with each other.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talked about going and being reconciled to our brother or sister before bringing our gift to the altar (Matthew 5:23-24). That’s important, no matter who our “brother or sister” is. If that brother or sister is someone outside the kingdom, God may use our example to draw them closer to Him. If they are another believer, striving for reconciliation is an effort to participate with Jesus in His desire for God to make us one (John 17:22-23).

So one way that we “pursue righteousness” by cleansing ourselves from the things which cause division and strife. We pursue righteousness by setting ourselves apart for God’s use, so that He can purify us and empower us for His work. God calls us to focus on what He has commanded, rather than quarreling with each other over things that are not priorities in the kingdom of God.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for reminding us that You have called us to pursue righteousness. Help us to strive to live in right relationship with You and with each other. In a world that is devolving more and more into conflict and anger, help us to model the love and the peace of Christ. Amen.