Paul's Call To Remembrance Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. The Faith That Dwelt in Thy Grandmother - Lois

2. The Faith That Dwelleth in Thy Mother - Eunice

3. The Faith That Dwelleth in Thee – Timothy

Introductory Remarks.

1. In our lesson today, we will discuss Paul’s call to remembrance regarding his son in the gospel. He discusses the faith that was instilled in him from an early age. Paul reminds Timothy that the faith in him dwelt first in his grandmother, then his mother, and now in him. Most children with a godly mother will first learn of God from her. So, was it in this young man’s life – and I might add – so was it in my own life? Paul was reflecting on his son in the gospel as he awaits execution – as we discussed several weeks ago.

2. First, we will observe the power of a faithful grandmother – passed on to her daughter and then to her grandson. Most daughters learn of God and the love of Jesus because of their mothers. So, is it in our lesson today? Eunice had a mother of faith. If you have one, you are truly blessed (whether a daughter or son). Nothing is more potent than a godly grandmother who guides and directs her family’s affairs through her faith and wisdom – by providing a foundation of faith, first from the scriptures and then from a good example. Nothing witnesses more to one's faith than a godly example.

3. Secondly, we will consider the example of a faithful mother to a son. Timothy was the product of both a faithful mother and grandmother. We don’t know whether one of both was alive when Paul wrote to his beloved son. We do know that Timothy’s grandmother was alive when Paul “preached in the City of Lystra on his first missionary journey with Barnabas,” Acts 14:6. Once they heard the gospel of Christ, he and his mother became obedient to it through the preaching of Paul and Silas, Acts 16:1-4. Paul would become the father image in Timothy’s life of faith. And it is to this end that he finds himself alone, thinking of his beloved son, nearing the last days of his life, and with an earnest desire to see Timothy again before his death.

4. Lastly, we investigate that Timothy, up until now, had exhibited the same faith in God as seen in his grandmother and mother. Paul wrote: “I am persuaded that in thee also,” “a faith unfeigned.” He further wrote: “I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with a pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy.” He no doubt alludes to his capture while in Timothy’s presence – and witnessing his tears as the Roman officials led him off to prison and later to his death. It is believed Paul was arrested in Troas and sent to Rome again to appear before Caesar. Here’s why I say this: he later wrote: “The cloak (coat) that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments,” 2 Timothy 4:13. With this introduction, let's consider our first point in this lesson.

BODY OF LESSON

I THE FAITH THAT DWELT IN THY GRANDMOTHER - LOIS

A. Paul writes, “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and then in thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that it is in thee also,” 2 Timothy 1:5.

1. What a compliment to this young preacher's family.

2. His grandmother and mother educated and schooled him first in the scriptures.

3. He was taught his ABCs, timetables, and the holy scriptures.

B. Lois means “agreeable.” Timothy's grandmother and mother, Eunice, taught him the scriptures (2 Timothy 1:5). This undoubtedly meant they got along in the same house and enjoyed the same things, especially with their guidance and discipline of Timothy. I will speak to this more later.

1. These were, without a doubt, the Old Testament scriptures concerning the Messiah. It seems that Lois and his mother, Eunice, resided at Lystra.

2. Timothy had obtained an excellent knowledge of the Scriptures from an early age, 2 Timothy 3:15.

3. A good bible education will last longer and sustain one’s walk in the faith more so than any education one might receive from the most notable college or university.

4. Mothers should strive to provide their children with the knowledge of the scriptures and the love of God early in their young lives.

NOTE: Illustrate that my mother required us to memorize scriptures. My two brothers and I were given memory verses to memorize and quote to her weekly. She gave us early instructions on the importance of the scriptures. I did not know then how valuable this training would become for me as a man of God, preacher, husband, and father to my beautiful wife and children. Lois lived up to her name!