A Mother's Influence

A Mothers Influence

2 Timothy 1:5

May 09, 2004

2 Timothy 1:5 (NIV)

I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Instill A Respect For Scripture

• Creates a foundation of truth - 2 Timothy 3:14-15

– Establishes moral absolutes

– Respect for the scriptures internalizes knowledge

2 Timothy 3:14-15 (NLT)

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. [15] You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

Instill A Respect For Scripture

• Creates a foundation of truth - 2 Timothy 3:14-15

– Establishes moral absolutes

– Respect for the scriptures internalizes knowledge

• God commands it – Deuteronomy 6:4-7

Deuteronomy 6:4-7 (NLT)

"Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. [5] And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. [6] And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. [7] Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again.

Instill An Authentic Faith

I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

2 Timothy 1:5 (NIV)

Instill An Authentic Faith

• Our children need to come to faith in Christ

– Faith is not hereditary…it is learned

• When mothers model genuine faith, an environment is created that motivates children to a similar faith

A Mother’s Priorities

• Her children’s souls vs. their clothes

• Her children’s eternal life vs. success in life

• Her children’s relationship with Jesus vs. popularity in the world

• Her children’s standing with God vs. their social status

• Her children’s spirituality vs. their intellectual, musical or athletic accomplishments

The Hallmark of a Godly Mother

• Prayer

– The mother of John Mark opened her home for prayer while Peter was imprisoned (Acts 12:12)

– Mary, the mother of Jesus “joined together constantly in prayer” with the disciples (Acts 1:14)

Instill A Desire To Minister

Paul and Silas went first to Derbe and then on to Lystra. There they met Timothy, a young disciple whose mother was a Jewish believer, but whose father was a Greek. [2] Timothy was well thought of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium, [3] so Paul wanted him to join them on their journey…

Acts 16:1-3 (NLT)

Instill A Desire To Minister

• 3 Qualities passed down from mother to son

– Timothy was a strong believer…he is referred to as a disciple

– Timothy had a good reputation

– Timothy was available

• Commitment to ministry does not develop if it is not encouraged at home

Parenting Guidelines of

Susannah Wesley

• Subdue self-will in a child and thus work together with God to save his soul

• Teach the child to pray as soon as he can speak

• Give the child nothing he cries for and only what is good for him if he asks for it politely

• To prevent lying, punish no fault, which is freely confessed, but never allow a rebellious, sinful act to go unnoticed.

• Commend and reward good behavior

• Strictly observe all promises you have made to your child

My Mother

My Mother

Your love, I know – I’ve seen your tears;

You’ve given to me my life.

You’ve walked through hours and days and years

Of heartache, toil and strife.

To see that I could have the best

That you could give to me,

You gave up needs and often rest –

You viewed eternity

To do His will my highest call

And by your special care

I stood and walked and did not fall

You held me up in prayer.

Though strands of gray may brush your hair,

And miles divide our way,

I know that by your quiet prayer

You’ve helped me day by day.

You’ve shown me how to give, to share

To put my own needs last.

You’ve helped me see and be aware

That life is so soon past.

To spite your love I would not dare,

For there’s not another

Who spreads her gentle love and care

Like you-My Loving Mother.

Proverbs 31:28

Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:

Proverbs 31:30

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.

**Powerpoint available on request