We can be tempted to make Christianity much more difficult than it really is. Some things are really not that complicated. For example, how do you deal with temptation? The simplest answer is: flee! Escape it; don’t enter a discussion with it! At times we spend too much time debating what is and is not a sin, when we ought to be putting as much distance as we can between us, and the temptation.
Paul urged Timothy to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. These don’t come automatically; you must pursue them. It is not enough to simply avoid evil; we must also fill our lives with righteousness. The greatest protection against temptation is a holy life. Likewise, faith is something you can develop. If you have a weak faith, you can exercise it until it becomes strong. Love is also a quality that can be enhanced with much use. Allow the Holy Spirit to love people through you until your heart is filled with His compassion for others. Finally peace is a trait that can be cultivated. You might be anxious and a worrier by nature. Yet as you surrender your life fully to Christ, you discover His peace that surpasses your understanding, filling you, and guarding your mind and heart.
Finally, Paul urged Timothy to pursue these things with other believers who followed God with pure hearts. There is safety in walking with other consecrated believers! When you heed the apostle’s advice, you can withstand any temptation that comes!