Getting Unstuck

Yesterday, we started a new sermon series called "Unstuck" and the topic for our first Sunday was "Appetites".  2 Timothy 2:22 was one of the Scripture verses for our topic:
"Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

This verse reminds me of James 4:7 which says, "Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."  Another Scripture reference to "resist the devil" is in Ephesians 6:11, 14-15 which says, "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."

What can we do to be ready? How can we flee evil desires and resist the devil?  Verse 15 says by putting on the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace!  We can do these things by knowing and believing the gospel.  And how are we perceived when we have feet that are fitted with readiness that comes from the gospel of peace?  Isaiah 52:7 tells us!
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"  Let's focus on bringing good news instead of spending time on what we want to do.

Circling back to 2 Timothy, we find another answer to the question, "How can we flee evil desires and resist the devil"?  By pursuing righteousness, faith, love and peace.  This is a great recipe for getting unstuck from our selfish appetites!