A Mother’s Faith
2 Timothy 1:5-6
Introduction
Last Sunday we celebrated Homecoming here at Bethlehem Baptist, and this Sunday we have another celebration – Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day is always the time when we remember to get the cards in the mail, order the flowers for our loved ones, and especially try to take it easy on Mom during this day.
Whether it is breakfast in bed or not having her cook dinner – Mother’s Day should always be remembered as something special, and should be remembered in everything we do.
Even in these trying times, mothers who try to remain faithful to marriage and family in a traditional way STILL fight every obstacle under the sun.
This morning I want to admit and profess that God loves mother’s and ordains their ministry over their families because it is His will.
Motherhood is one of the finest and most highly remembered expressions of love and faith that we have, and this morning I want to talk about this faith that mother’s have.
I believe that mothers have three characteristics for which they can be remembered. They are genuine, they are faithful, and they are responsible for inspiring that same faith in their homes.
2 Timothy 1:5-6 says, “I have been reminded of your genuine faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
Pray
Point 1 – A Genuine Faith
While on one of Paul and Barnabus’s journeys, Paul came to the city of Lystra where he was in a thriving church and met a woman named Lois, and her daughter Eunice. What struck Paul the most about these two women is their faith, their dedication, and how faithful they were to the Lord. They were without question, genuine.
These two women expressed a genuine faith in knowing more about God and following Jesus, and Paul immediately recognized that in them.
Because of this meeting, Paul understood that they would be faithful to raise children in this same belief, and he remembered that.
On Paul’s second journey through Lystra, Paul took Eunice’s son Timothy under his wing and from this – Timothy became one of the greatest men to ever give the Gospel to others.
Paul understood that because of the faithful upbringing of these two women, Timothy could be trusted to handle the message of Jesus Christ.
2 Tim 2:2 shows what kind of man Timothy was, and what he was able to handle. It says, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.”
This mission that Paul gave to Timothy was because of one reason – He was raised by Godly women who were first faithful to instill Godly faithfulness in Timothy.
Mothers are given a genuine faith when it comes to their children, they are given a mission from the Lord to watch after their children, and these two women of 2 Timothy demonstrated that to the fullest. I believe that they brought to life Proverbs 31, because they were genuine.
Expound on Proverbs 31: faithfulness, dedication, commitment
In light of Proverbs 31, it should be understood that a mother has the ability to handle all things when it comes to her household, I for one say Thank God for mothers who are faithful to look after their household completely – even in the bad times.
Second, mothers have a constant faith in the Lord.
Point 2 – A Constant Faith
When mother’s have a genuine faith, they also have a constant faith.
Lois was a woman of great faith, and she was responsible enough to ensure that it was passed onto to her daughter.
Titus 2:3-5 talks about this responsibility in detail by saying, “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
If Lois was a mother who was unfaithful or uncommitted to God, it would have shown in the one place most never look – her family.
However, Lois had a constant faith!
This morning, I want to offer a word of thanks to all mothers who have remained constant and faithful to the Word of God – so much so that it shows in their children and in their children’s children.
Point 3 – An Inspiring Faith
Lastly, the faith of these two women was the platform that grew young Timothy into the man of God that he became.
I believe that an inspiring faith is the key to encouraging a child to work for the Lord.
Mother’s, I want to encourage you to pray often and constantly for your children – for the faithful prayers of a mother are what opens doors in Heaven; and these prayers are heard by the Father!
Paul even reminded Timothy of the faith of family, to encourage him and let him know that this was the time to step up! This reminding, gently made, is what spurred Timothy into action, and is what this world needs more of --- Mother’s who would spur their children to godly things!
Conclusion
You may say to me today that you are thankful for your mother – have you told her that? I believe even if your mother is no longer with us, have you thanked God for the gift of your mother?
We should model after the faith of our mother’s. God will truly make this faith available to anyone.
Mother’s, I pray that you would take advantage of the faith God has given you – and that you would take this faith and be faithful to pray!
Children, pray for your mother’s! God blesses our mother’s, but we still need to pray for our mother’s that they would be protected from the attacks of the enemy.
Mother’s, if you are having struggles today – I pray that you would take those issues and be strengthened by them – because God is always faithful to take care of you.
Never forget the ordaining that God places on the position of motherhood – and always remember that God is with you, no matter the circumstance or the issue. God is faithful – and He will never let you down!
Happy Mother’s Day to our mom’s – be blessed today!!!!
Pray
- Based on the sermon by Pastor James Sanders, May 2002
