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!
C. Lois was a genuine woman of great faith. This is the only passage where Lois is mentioned. However, in 2 Timothy 1:5 and 2 Timothy 3:15. Observe,
1. Paul refers to Timothy's having "from a child known the holy scriptures;” therefore, he includes Lois as contributing to much of that learning.
2. This grandmother first instilled faith and trust in God in her daughter and then made sure her grandson Timothy was taught the holy Scriptures.
D. It would appear that Lois was close to Eunice in her reverent faith in God in the home and in the careful instruction she gave her grandson Timothy in the Old Testament. Some words of wisdom,
1. Young mothers, I encourage you to heed your mother and grandmother’s instruction – it will prove well with you and your children.
2. Too often, once a child has reached the age of teens, they seem to know more than their mother and grandmother. Some young ladies need to attend to the advice given to them by their parents and other seniors.
3. They consider them too “old-fashioned.” Daughters should:
a. Take counsel from their parents (mother and grandmother).
b. Show respect for them in their home around their children.
c. Covet to be a daughter of like faith and devotion to the Lord.
d. Allow parents to mentor them and their families in the ways of the Lord.
e. Heed their advice and counsel on how to chastise and discipline your children.
4. The children will observe their mother’s behavior toward their parents [mothers and grandmothers]. The “Law of Reciprocity” says, “What goes around comes around.” Consider,
a. Jesus said: “Therefore, all things whatsoever you would men should do unto you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets,” Matthew 7:12.
b. Paul wrote: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting,” Galatians 6:7-8.
c. Conclusion: If you reject the counsel of our parents, don’t be alarmed when your child rejects your counsel. When you ask them why they behave in such a fashion, they will remind you: “That’s how you treated my grandmother. Why are you chastising me?” Set a good example by heeding the guidance of your mother and grandmother. It will be good in your life now and in the future.
E. Many grandparents are becoming mothers again. Our society has caused many young mothers to abandon or lose custody of their children. Grandmothers are being called upon to step up once again “to train up a child in the way he should go, that when he is old, he will not depart,” Proverbs 22:6. Observe,
1. We live in “perilous times” where men are “lovers of their selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents…lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God,” 2 Timothy 3:1-4. These are times when children are disobedient to their parents. Daughters to the mothers! Sons to their fathers. Please consider,
a. Many young mothers are losing custody of their children because they are considered “unfit mothers.” These children become the “ward of the courts” and end up in “foster care institutions” or, even worse, in “juvenile detention” because some have become “incorrigible.”
b. Sometimes, in divorce, because of an unfaithful husband and father, the daughter comes home to her mother with a child or children as her only hope of saving herself and her family. In such cases, when parents support their children’s choice in marriage and workforce requirements, it is good that they know they can return home to a loving family that understands their children’s needs.
c. Some daughters are forced to leave an abusive man after months and years of physical, mental, and sexual abuse by a live-in partner. It might take years of counsel and financial help for her to begin a new life by joining the workforce to assist her mother and father in managing family expenses. And they will, with God’s help and a loving family’s assistance, during this transition period in her life.
d. Grandparents and great-grandparents are being called upon to share their homes, purses, and love to help raise their grandchild or children. This is often done without financial support from other family members, federal and state institutions, or many " so-called churches.” Finally,
e. Sadly, I now confess, some of these young mothers have no home to return to. Because of their choices in life, their husbands, and live-in partners, they were rejected and put out of the house by the family and now must somehow make it on their own with no family or community support. Consider,
1) Every child should always be welcome to come home, even when they have displeased their parents. We must love them when they are doing right and even wrong. We can disapprove of the wrong, but we cannot abandon them.
2) We must not reject them just because they have behaved wrongfully. We are not their judge! We are their parent, and our love must “cover all their sins and mistakes,” 1 Peter 4:8. Recall,
3) The parable of the prodigal. Jesus spoke of a father who welcomed his child back home, forgave him, restored him, and celebrated his “homecoming,” Luke 15:11-32. Here is a note to all parents,
NOTE: Remember. We are their mothers and fathers, not their judge and jury (Matthew 7:1; James 2:13). Open your arms of love to your children and let them know there is always room in your home for them and their children regardless of the circumstances.
4) This kind of love and forgiveness will also permit our heavenly Father “to forgive us of our trespasses and sins,” Matthew 6:14-15. Our forgiveness of others is a predicate (the basis) of God’s forgiveness of us. If we cannot forgive our children, then God will not forgive us as children. Forgive, because we were forgiven, Ephesians 4:31-32.
2. Paul mentions “these times” again: “Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,” Romans 1:30-32. [Text shortened for brevity].
3. Children are instructed to honor and obey their parents, Ephesians 6:1-3. This is the first commandment with promise. Illustrate Old Age.
4. Sons, hear your mother's wisdom and instruction.
a. Solomon wrote: “My son, hear the instructions of thy father and forsake not the law of thy mother,” Proverbs 1:8.
NOTE: Illustrate instructions for a son. A son can learn about women from his mother. Your mother has traveled the “highway of life” longer than you. Listen to her counsel about life’s many challenges and dangers.
b. Solomon wrote again: “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies,” Proverbs 31:10. This was his mother's advice!
c. She taught further: “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised,” Proverbs 31:30.
d. Conclusion: A son will look for a mate like his mother and a daughter like her father. Let's now consider our next point in this lesson.
II THE FAITH THAT DWELLETH IN THY MOTHER - EUNICE
A. Timothy's mother—Eunice. The family lived at Lystra, acts 16:1. It was on the occasion of Paul's first missionary journey, Acts 14:1. Eunice and Timothy were converted to Christ, and it was possible that Lois also became a Christian on the same occasion.
B. Eunice, literally "a conquering well," 2 Timothy 1:5. The mother of Timothy. Paul speaks of the unfeigned faith that is now in Timothy and was also in his mother, Eunice. She was also a convert to the gospel by the apostle Paul.
C. Her Home. Her name is Greek, which might lead to the inference that she was a Gentile. But such a conclusion would be wrong, Acts 16:1.
1. She was a Jewish woman and wife. Love draws us into circumstances in life that we may later regret. This is not the case here, but it might have been for many years.
2. Her husband, however, was a Greek. The Greek men sought wisdom through philosophy, human reasoning, and secular education. Most had no time for God in their lives or their faith in their artificial god (idols).
a. David wrote: “Their idols are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear and noses that cannot smell. They have hands that cannot feel, feet that cannot walk, and throats that cannot make a sound. And those who make idols are like them, as are all who trust in them,” Psalms 115:3-8; Psalms 135:15-18. Knowing this truth,
b. Lois must have struggled while raising Timothy. Grandmothers love their grandchildren very much and desire only the best for them from an early age until adulthood.
c. This was undoubtedly the case with Eunice's relationship with her son Timothy.
3. Eunice was the daughter of Lois, Timothy's loving and supportive grandmother. Eunice loved and honored her mother. However,
a. They could live and coexist in the same dwelling (peacefully and cooperatively).
b. Some households today could not have a peaceful affair under the same conditions.
c. Many families like this one cannot live in the same house for long. Where love does not abound, one of both women will experience anger, bitterness, and the need for dominance.
d. Especially in some homes I have witnessed over the years. In this household, however,
4. Both were Christian women spoken of, in one breath, by Paul and in the highest terms of commendation. These were women who exhibited a genuine and sincere faith in God first. And then to Christ after learning of Him from Paul and becoming a Christian (grandmother and mother).
a. This peaceful coexistence was mainly due to their love for God, Christ, each other, and Timothy.
b. Like most grandparents, there is nothing we won’t do for our grandchildren. They are precious in our eyes. We welcome their visits, their noise, laughter, and hugs. But we also know they will go home with their parents at the proper time. As older people, we cannot tolerate the noise and confusion of our grandchildren for too long. This is not a matter of love for them but one of quiet and peaceful living after years of hard work and struggles in their early lives. Recall,
c. Earlier, we mentioned the grandchildren who have come to live with grandmom and great-grandmom. These families must sacrifice tremendously for their daughters' health and well-being. Parents are called upon to be a formidable part of their children's and grandchildren’s lives and aid in this family’s recovery process. We do this because we love them! However,
1) Some rules must be adhered to for a peaceful living environment.
2) Mom and Dad are not young anymore, and their patience can run out early in these situations.
3) The family must begin planning how the daughter and her children will move out of the parent's home and back into their place to begin living apart again.
4) The young mother must be financially stable and self-sufficient, capable of managing her affairs (without the help of her parents).
d. Parents will help make this situation work for the daughter’s long-term recovery! However, the daughter and children must know they must start planning to return to life outside the grandparent’s home.
1) If the daughter is working (this is a must unless she is disabled). There must be a savings and checking account.
2) She must manage and share her financial resources to defray her mother's and father's added expenses due to her and her child (children) living in her parents' home.
3) This should not be viewed as a free ride or a continued stay. There must be an exit plan!
4) A time limit would be wise for both grandparents and the daughter to plan and save for the future. Now, let’s get back to Timothy’s mother,
D. How she trained her son. Timothy had not been circumcised as a child, probably because his father forbade him because he was not entirely a Jew (of mixed race). Paul, however, “took Timothy and had him circumcised, because the Jews in those parts knew Timothy’s father was a Greek,” Acts 16:3. Observe that,
1. His mother and grandmother did all they could to teach Timothy the fear of God and to read and study the Old Testament Scriptures. Both knew and reverenced God.
a. Eunice taught her son to "know the holy Scriptures from a child," 2 Timothy 3:15. Therefore, it is fitting to connect Timothy's home training in the fear of God with both parents, which undoubtedly led to his and their conversion to the gospel, through Paul’s preaching.
b. His name, Timothy, was chosen not by his father (no doubt) but by his mother, Eunice, and signifies "one who honors God."
c. The scriptures say very little about Timothy’s father. Like most working fathers, Timothy's father was sometimes disconnected from the family’s daily affairs.
2. The Hebrews' "wisdom" consisted not of worldly prudence or speculative philosophy but of the fear of the Lord, as shown in many passages, like Psalms 111:10 and Job 28. Solomon wrote extensively about the need to “love, fear, and reverence for God.”
a. First, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction,” Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 1:8-9.
b. Next, “The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom. And before honor is humility,” Proverbs 15:33; Proverbs 22:4.
c. Finally, “The fear of the Lord leads to life. And he who has it will abide in satisfaction. He will not be visited with evil,” Proverbs 19:23.
3. Timothy’s name and home training were instrumental in preparing Timothy to be a good student and helper of Paul in his missionary work after his return to Lystra. It would be wise to review Paul’s missionary journeys to Lystra. Observe,
a. On his first journey, he was in the Phrygian and Galatic regions, i.e., racially and politically Galatic, where the apostle and company successfully preached the gospel of Christ, Acts 14:6-7. It was here he was stoned and left for dead, Acts 14:19-20. However, God raised him because his work was not yet completed. On the other hand, his suffering for Christ has just begun, Acts 9:13-16.
b. On his second journey, Paul returned to Lystra, Derbe, and Lycaonia Galactica, the regions where Eunice and her family lived, Acts 16:1-5.
1) He successfully preached the gospel in Lystra and Iconium, Acts 16:4-6.
2) During this visit, Paul chose Timothy to travel and train as an evangelist, Acts 16:1-3. He would be his constant companion until being arrested while at Troas. [See 4. Below].
3) During this missionary journey, “Silas and Timothy accompanied Paul,” Acts 16:6. They visited the "region of Galatia," where he was detained by sickness, Galatians 4:13. Thus, he had the more extended opportunity of preaching the gospel throughout that region with great success.
c. On his third journey, he visited "all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in (this) order," Acts 18:23. Paul sent Crescens there toward the end of his life, 2 Timothy 4:10.
d. Conclusion: Paul’s missionary journeys brought many into the kingdom of God. God permitted him to preach to this entire loving family, and from it came a son in the gospel who became instrumental in leading others to Christ. Timothy would be given the care and love of a father in the faith, like many young brothers today who were tutored and taught “to do the work of an evangelist,” 2 Timothy 4:5; Colossians 4:17.
NOTE: Reference, “International Standard Bible Encyclopedia,” Galatia, Part III, The Narrative of Luke, by W. M. Ramsay.
4. This is implied in the account of “Paul's second missionary journey,” Acts 16:1. We read that when Paul came to Lystra, and “found there a certain disciple named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman who was a Jewess, who believed.” This mother provided her son with an excellent knowledge of the scripture. Perhaps the most important gift a mother can give her son or daughter after birth is the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures.
E. Her conversion to Christ. Therefore, it is confident that Eunice and Timothy were already Christians; she was "a believer," and he was "a disciple." This meant that Eunice, Lois, and Timothy had been converted to Christ during Paul's first visit to Lystra.
1. This conclusion is confirmed in 2 Timothy 3:10-12. Paul recalls to Timothy that he had fully known the persecutions and afflictions which came upon him at Lystra. Timothy knew what persecutions Paul had endured. This persecution occurred during Paul's first visit to Lystra due to his preaching of Christ.
2. Eunice, Timothy’s mother, was one of those who, on that occasion, became a "disciple" or a “Christian.” Both Eunice and Timothy’s faith in Christ were proven to be genuine. During Paul’s return to the cities of Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, he "confirmed the souls of the disciples, and exhorted them to continue in the faith, and that they through much tribulation would enter into the kingdom of God,” Acts 14:21-23.
3. During Paul's second visit to Lystra, Eunice was delighted to see how the apostle Paul chose her son to be his companion in the work of Christ. Timothy would become more than a disciple in his work with Paul, but also a son “in the faith, the most common salvation,” 1 Timothy 1:2; Jude 1:3.
4. Eunice is no longer mentioned in the New Testament, though Paul might have referenced her in his instruction regarding widows and their children, 1 Timothy 5:4-5; 1 Timothy 5:8. And the aged women likewise, Titus 2:3-5. Paul no doubt had her in mind when he wrote these words to Titus, his other son, in “The Common Faith,” Titus 1:4. Let's now consider our last point in this lesson.
III THE FAITH THAT DWELLETH IN THEE - TIMOTHY
A. Timothy – Paul’s son in the gospel. And a son too many godly women in the faith. Timothy – “Honoring God.” He is spoken much of in Paul’s writings to the churches. Paul wrote to him,
1. First, “Unto Timothy, my (own) son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord,” 1 Timothy 1:1. Now in our text of discussion,
2. Further, “To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father, and Christ Jesus our Lord,” 2 Timothy 1:2. Paul held similar regards for Titus. He wrote concerning him,
3. Finally, “To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Lord,” Titus 1:4.
4. Conclusion: It appears that Paul had two sons whom he loved dearly. Aged ministers should be able to write and call upon the young men they took under their wings to teach, coach, and nurture them in the faith, who would later be able to carry on the work they had been called to in Christ.
B. Timothy was one of the best-known of Paul's companions and fellow laborers. He was one of Paul's converts, as the apostle describes him “as his beloved and faithful son in the Lord” 1 Corinthians 4:17.
C. Timothy was Paul’s child who exhibited unfeigned faith. The word “unfeigned” means a faith that is “undisguised, a genuine and sincere faith “toward God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” His faith was “without dissimulation, partiality, and hypocrisy,” Romans 12:9-10. Paul wrote of this kind of faith to the saints of God. Observe,
1. “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and faith unfeigned,” 1 Timothy 1:5.
2. This faith is unswerving, unyielding, and untiring in its devotion to God and the gospel of Christ.
3. Peter mentions it to the scattered Jews in 1 Peter 1:1. He wrote, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently,” 1 Peter 1:22.
4. John wrote: “Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and truth,” 1 John 3:17-21. [Text shortened for brevity].
5. Conclusion. Christian faith is not words and phrases we cite but a behavior pleasing to God and our fellow man. Too many so-called Christians seem only to be able to say they love their brothers and sisters but find it difficult to show it in their actions and commitment to each other. Love is the “badge of discipleship” worn to be viewed by the world as a true sign that we are the children of God and the “disciples of Christ,” John 13:34-35.
NOTE: If we cannot love one another here (on earth and in the church), we won’t be able to do it there (heaven). The God of heaven knows our thoughts, intended behaviors, and professed love for one another. David carefully illustrated this truth to all of us in Psalms 139:1-24. You might want to read these Psalms before you make another promise to God.
D. Timothy’s work at Philippi. As you surely recall, Paul speaks of his faith and work in his Letter to the Philippians. Observe,
1. He wrote: “I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort when I know your state, for I have no man like-minded, who will naturally (sincerely) care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. But ye know his proof that he served with me as a son with the father in the gospel. Therefore, I hope to send him to you as soon as I see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord I also shall come shortly,” Philippians 2:19-24. Consider,
a. The apostle informs the Philippian church, "I will send Timothy to you." So,
b. I may be of good comfort when I know your state.
c. And you may be of good comfort when hearing of my state.
d. That our love may abound one to another in the work of Christ.
NOTE: Download our lesson: “No Son Like Timothy,” from SermonCentral.com, by Ron Freeman, Evangelist. This was not the only work Paul sent him to teach and shepherd. Observe,
2. He sent him to Corinth. The apostle inscribed: "For this cause, I sent Timothy, my beloved in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach everywhere in the church," 1 Corinthians 4:17.
3. Later to Ephesus. He noted: "Unto Timothy, my son in the faith, grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord, as I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou might charge some that they teach no other doctrine," 1 Timothy 1:2-3.
4. Finally, unto Macedonia. Luke composed: "So he (Paul) sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus, but he stayed in Asia for a season," Acts 19:22.
NOTE: These visits are not in the order Timothy completed them. This shows how busy and faithful Timothy was in “doing the work of an evangelist,” 2 Timothy 4:5.
5. Conclusion: Timothy, like Paul, sincerely desired and cared for all the churches. This had to be part of the training his mother and grandmother had given him. Young men should be faithful to their charge as ministers and workers in the kingdom of God. Paul penned: “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful,” 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:2.
E. Paul loved Timothy dearly. He wrote of several “I call to remembrance” in this Letter. Observe,
1. First, I call thee to remembrance in my prayers. He 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,” 2 Timothy 1:3-4.
2. Further, I call thee to remembrance of your faith. He continued: “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee," 2 Timothy 1:5. And finally,
3. Next, I put thee in remembrance. He concluded: “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on my hands. God, hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, love, and a sound mind,” 2 Timothy 1:6-7.
4. Finally, he charges him to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” 2 Timothy 2:15. Timothy now must be approved by God by his growth in the word of truth.
NOTE: “Rightly dividing” means to cut it straight or stay on course. Too much preaching is “watered-down” instead of “telling it like it is written.” The preacher must speak the truth plainly, not polished, perverted, or polluted. We preach to please God, not men!
a. It may come a time when the son finds favor with God to instruct his mother more fully in the ways of the Lord. When that is the case, it is hoped that the mother can receive instruction from a son, as he was careful to receive it from a mother or grandmother. Illustrate My Mother’s Conversion.
b. My mother brought me into this world, and I was privileged to help her understand the necessity of the new birth and the kingdom of God. God gives our loved ones a “hunger and thirst for righteousness—that God might fill them,” Matthew 5:6.
c. Let me now hasten to a conclusion. Recall we discussed--
CONCLUSION
A. 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
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we noticed the power of a faithful grandmother –passed on to her daughter and then to her grandson. Most mothers 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.
2. Secondly, we considered 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 Paul and Barnabas’ preaching, 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.
3. Lastly, we investigated 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 (you) 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. 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.
C. Invitation: Present the "pattern of conversion" while extending heaven's invitation.
D. Exhortation. Peter: “With many other words did testify and exhort, saying: save yourselves from this untoward generation,” Acts 2:40; Matthew 11:28-30; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11.
E. Persuasion. We love you here at this congregation of God’s people and want the best for your life and your family. We invite you now to come and respond to God's love and his Son's death. What you do today will have lasting benefits for you and perhaps for those you love, whether family or friends. Come to Jesus as you think soberly about these things while we stand together and sing the song of encouragement.
Updated on 4/26/2024, by Ron Freeman, Evangelist
