Lois Lesson 4 Series

A GRANDMOTHER OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

A. LOIS: LIVING BEYOND HER CIRCUMSTANCES

1. Married a Gentile just as her daughter Eunice. “Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman (Eunice) who believed, but his father was a Greek” (Acts 16:1).

2. What was her life in Lystra?

a. Not enough Jewish families for a Synagogue.

b. Not any civilized advantage.

c. Not many Roman citizens.

3. Lois expected a son but got a daughter. “Thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice” (II Tim. 1:3).

4. Lois became a genuine believer. Paul said, “I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in you (Timothy), which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois” (II Tim. 1:5). Unfeigned means genuine, not a play actor repeating lines.

5. Lois and Eunice poured their faith into Timothy. “Continue in the things which you (Timothy) have been assured, knowing for whom you have learned them” (II Tim. 3:14).

a. The word “whom” is plural, both taught.

b. The word “knowing” is oida, i.e., innate knowledge. Their teaching becomes more than knowledge, it became his conviction.

c. The word “continue” means the women laid a foundation on which Paul and Timothy built.

6. Lois and Eunice began teaching early. “That from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation” (II Tim. 3:15).

a. The word “childhood” is brephos, which means embryo or new born baby.

b. The word “known” is oida, i.e., innate knowledge.

c. Holy Scriptures is braphe, i.e., writings, which is plural all parts of the Word of God.

d. “Make you wise into” Greek suggests “motion into.” The women were moving Timothy into salvation.

7. The women prepared the spiritual foundation for Timothy’s conversion. “When I (Paul) call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also” (II Tim. 1:5).

B. PAUL BUILT ON LOIS AND EUNICE

1. The women were converted on Paul’s first trip. (Acts 14:6-23). Paul returned on his second trip. “Then he came to Derbe and Lystra, and behold a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was a Greek” (Acts 16:1). “Believed” is past tense.

2. Timothy believed in Christ under Paul’s ministry. “To Timothy, my true son in the faith” (I Tim. 1:2). “To Timothy my beloved son” (II Tim. 1:2).

3. Timothy believed in spite of persecution. “The Jews . . . stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city (Lystra) supposing him to be dead” (Acts 14:19). Timothy was probably an eyewitness. “You have fully known my doctrine, manner of life . . . persecutions, afflictions, which came upon me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra” (II Tim. 3:10-11).

4. Timothy was recommended by the church leaders at Lystra. “Do not neglect the gift that is in you . . . with the laying on of hands of the presbytery” (I Tim. 4:14). They would have endorsed the training given by Lois and Eunice.

5. Timothy was ordained by Paul. “Stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (II Tim. 1:6).

C. LESSONS TO TAKE AWAY

1. When a grandmother has many limitations, she can be a great influence for God through your children.

2. Godly children are not automatically raised. It takes:

a. Early instruction

b. Plain instruction

c. Frequent instruction

d. Patient instruction

(Adapted from John Wesley)

3. Your home can be a great godly influence, even when a church is not available to help.

4. Every grandmother should get the help of a godly role model to influence her grandchildren.

5. Giving attention to small details in a child’s education will influence his/her total life.

6. When grandparents can’t be all they want to be in life, at least they can be faithful in what’s given them in life.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.