2:20,21
Paul again focuses on the part Timothy has to play, using an analogy. In a house there are objects for special purposes, and others for common purposes. If we want to be used for special purposes we need to cleanse ourselves of wickedness, to devote ourselves to faithfully serving Christ. Then we will be used for good works.
2:22
We see here the practicality of Paul and the complete lack of living in unreality. When we are young our hormones are at a higher level, we are more headstrong, and less balanced. Society may even teach us that when we are young we should rebel. The Bible does not teach us to do that, and Paul tells Timothy to “flee the evil desires of youth”, and he was presumably to pass this teaching on to the young people in the church. Instead we are to “pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace”. “Along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart”. Not all who are older are wise! But there are some who are, and we should seek to learn from them.
2:23
Timothy is warned to steer clear of foolish and stupid arguments” These things produce nothing good, leading only to quarrels, and therefore to disunity in the body. Now deciding what is “foolish and stupid” is not always easy.
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