The Dual Activity of the Sanctified Vessel

In church today, Pastor John Dennis preached on 2 Timothy 2.20-26. At verse 22 it reads τὰς δὲ νεωτερικὰς ἐπιθυμίας φεῦγε, δίωκε δὲ δικαιοσύνην, πίστιν, ἀγάπην, εἰρήνην μετὰ τῶν ἐπικαλουμένων τὸν κύριον ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας. The two imperatives, φεῦγε and δίωκε, which, due to English word order, are some distance from each other in English translations, are consecutively juxtaposed in the original, heightening the contrast of the dual responsibility of the believer.

On the one hand, he must 'flee' from youthful lusts (which, in the context of the passage are probably not primarily sexual desires), and on the other, he must simultaneously 'pursue' (the verb is quite strong, elsewhere translated as 'persecute') righteousness, faith, and love with those who call upon the lord from a clean heart.

Neither fleeing youthful lusts nor pursuing righteousness (etc) are enough by themselves. He who wishes to be useful to his master must be actively engaged in both fleeing evil and pursuing righteousness.