"THE ENCOURAGMENT"
Notes
Transcript
Proposition - In our text this morning we are going to see how the Apostle Paul encourages Timothy with three things: 1) the cause for thanksgiving, 2) the cause for prayer, and 3) the cause to press on.
Interrogative question - Where are you at with your christian life?
2 Timothy 1:3–5 (NASB95)
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy.
5 For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.
1. The Cause for Thanksgiving - vs. 3
1. The Cause for Thanksgiving - vs. 3
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day,
“I thank” - (charis) - noun, accusative, singular, feminine - direct object - grace
Sense: thanks - an acknowledgment of appreciation (to a divinity).
Notice how this word in used within the book of 2 Timothy -
Grace - “goodwill freely disseminated (by God); especially to the benefit of the recipient regardless of the benefit accrued to the disseminator.”
2 Timothy 1:2 (NASB95)
2 To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Timothy 1:9 (NASB95)
9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,
2 Timothy 4:22 (NASB95)
22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.
Grace (outworking) - “the resulting activity that is a necessary consequence of genuine, beneficent goodwill; especially used of the outworking of God’s goodwill.”
2 Timothy 2:1 (NASB95)
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Thanks - “an acknowledgment of appreciation (to a divinity).”
2 Timothy 1:3 (NASB95)
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day,
“God” - (theos) - noun, dative, singular, masculine - preposition of reference - God
The Word “God” is used 12 times in the book of 2 Timothy -
2 Timothy 1:1 (NASB95)
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,
2 Timothy 1:2 (NASB95)
2 To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Timothy 1:3 (NASB95)
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day,
2 Timothy 1:6 (NASB95)
6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NASB95)
7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,
“word of God” - the content of the communications or documents produced by, and representative of, God and His mind; often of a specific portion or topic (like the Gospel).
2 Timothy 2:9 (NASB95)
9 for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned.
2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB95)
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:19 (NASB95)
19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.”
2 Timothy 2:25 (NASB95)
25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,
“man of God” - an appointed leader of God’s people; probably one whose life and beliefs are a testimony to the influence of God in his life.
2 Timothy 3:17 (NASB95)
17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 4:1 (NASB95)
1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:
a. Personal Sanctification
“Serve” - (latreuo) - verb, present, active, indicative, first person, singular - finite verb - serve; worship
Sense: to worship - serve - to worship a deity, conceived of as serving the deity.
only used here in our text this morning -
“clear” - (katharos) - adjective, dative, singular, feminine - attributive adjective - pure; clean
Sense: guiltless - clean - characterized by freedom from guilt or responsibility; conceived of as being clean.
2 Timothy 1:3 (NASB95)
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day,
2 Timothy 2:22 (NASB95)
22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
“a conscience” - (syneidesis) - noun, dative, singular, feminine - prepositional object - conscience
Sense: conscience - the psychological faculty that distinguishes between right and wrong; either afflicts or comforts the person depending upon their actions.
This is the only that it is used in 2 Timothy - (it is used several times in 1 Timothy)
Think about 1 Peter chapter 3 -
b. A Biblical Investment
“the way my forefathers did” - (progonos) - noun, genitive, plural, masculine - prepositional object - parents; forebears; ancestors
Sense: ancestor - someone from whom you are descended; usually more remote than a grandparent and usually strictly masculine, though possibly generic in the plural.
1 Timothy 5:4 (NASB95)
4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
2 Timothy 1:3 (NASB95)
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day,
2. The Cause for Prayer - vs. 3b-4
2. The Cause for Prayer - vs. 3b-4
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy.
a. The Results of Discipleship
“Constantly” - (adialeiptos) - adjective, accusative, singular, feminine - adverb of manner - unceasing; constant
Sense: ceaseless - uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long in continuing (the idea of being settled)
Romans 9:2 (NASB95)
2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart.
2 Timothy 1:3 (NASB95)
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day,
“I remember you” - (mneia) - noun, accusative, singular, feminine - direct object - remembrance; mention
Sense: mention (memory) - a remark concerning someone called into recollection; especially a statement made to God in prayer.
“prayers” - (deesis) - noun, dative, plural, feminine - prepositional object - prayer; supplication
Sense: divine entreaty - an earnest or urgent request (to God).
this Greek word is used 3 times in the Pastorals - “an earnest or urgent request (to God).
1 Timothy 2:1 (NASB95)
1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
1 Timothy 5:5 (NASB95)
5 Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day.
2 Timothy 1:3 (NASB95)
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day,
4 longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy.
b. The Remembrance of Discipleship
“Longing” - (epipotheo) - verb, present, active, participle, singular, nominative, masculine - simultaneous participle - long for; desire -
Sense: to long - to desire strongly or persistently
notice the use of the word in the following passages -
1 Peter 2:2 (NASB95)
2 like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,
“I may be filled with” - (pleroo) - verb, aorist, passive, subjunctive, first person, singular - finite verb - fulfill; complete; fill -
Sense: to be filed (supplied) - to be or become generously supplied with; also in a metaphorical sense.
“joy” - (chara) - noun, genitive, singular, feminine - accusative of reference - joy
Sense: joy (emotion) - the emotion of great happiness and pleasure.
3. The Cause to Press On - vs. 5
3. The Cause to Press On - vs. 5
5 For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.
a. The Sincerity of faith
“For I am mindful of” - (hypomnesis) - noun, accusative, singular, feminine - direct object - a reminding; reminder
Sense: reminding - the act of helping or stimulating someone to remember.
“sincere” - (anypokritos) - adjective, genitive, singular, feminine - attributive adjective - without hypocrisy; genuine
Sense: unhypocritical - not pretended; sincerely felt or expressed
1 Timothy 1:5 (NASB95)
5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
2 Timothy 1:5 (NASB95)
5 For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.
1 Peter 1:22 (NASB95)
22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,
Romans 12:9 (NASB95)
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.
James 3:17 (NASB95)
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.
2 Corinthians 6:6 (NASB95)
6 in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love,
Notice how the word “faith” is used throughout the book of 2 Timothy -
Faith - trust in the Gospel - trust in Jesus as contained in the content of the Gospel -
18 men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.
8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith.
15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;
Faith - trust (faith) - strong confidence in, and reliance upon, someone or something; often with the object of trust understood.
13 Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
10 Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance,
15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Faith - faithfulness - the quality of being faithful.
22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
Faith - gospel content - the content of what is (and should be) believed about the good news of Jesus’ way of salvation.
5 For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.
b. The Sincerity of discipleship
“dwelt” - (enoikeo) - verb, aorist, active, indicative, third person, singular - finite verb - live; dwell; dwell (in)
Sense: to dwell (abstract) - to exist or be situated within
4. enoikeo (ἐνοικέω, 1774), lit., “to dwell in” (en, “in,” and No. 1), is used, with a spiritual significance only, of (a) the “indwelling” of God in believers, 2 Cor. 6:16; (b) the “indwelling” of the Holy Spirit, Rom. 8:11; 2 Tim. 1:14; (c) the “indwelling” of the Word of Christ, Col. 3:16; (d) the “indwelling” of faith, 2 Tim. 1:5; (e) the “indwelling” of sin in the believer, Rom. 7:17. Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W., Jr. (1996). In Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Vol. 2, p. 180). T. Nelson.
There is only one mention of Lois and Eunice in the Bible. They were the grandmother and the mother of Paul’s young protégé Timothy. In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he mentions the faithfulness of these women in raising Timothy with such a devout and fervent faith. He writes, “I am 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).
Eunice was a Jewish believer who had been married to a Greek man (Acts 16:1), which would explain the fact that, as an infant, Timothy was not circumcised as all Jewish boys were. It was the responsibility of Jewish fathers to oversee that rite, and, since Timothy’s father was Greek, circumcision would not have been his custom. Paul had Timothy circumcised before they began their missionary journeys together in order not to offend their Jewish audiences (verse 3).
Lois was either Eunice’s mother or her mother-in-law. The fact that she helped rear Timothy may indicate that Timothy’s father had died or that the family all lived together, which was not uncommon in those days. It is possible that the father had died while Timothy was young, since Paul takes on a fatherly role with Timothy and often refers to him as “my true son in the faith” (1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Timothy 1:2, 18).
Timothy’s godly upbringing is referenced again in 2 Timothy 3:14–15: “You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” Paul’s mention of those “from whom you have learned” probably refers to Timothy’s godly mother and grandmother, Eunice and Lois, who taught him the Jewish Scriptures from infancy. They, along with Timothy, received Paul’s teaching about the Messiah and continued to train young Timothy in the things of Christ.
Lois and Eunice are examples of the powerful influence a mother or grandmother can have on a young man’s life. Many personal testimonies include statements such as “My mom (or grandma) took me to church, taught me right, and prayed for me every day.” Paul recognized the life-changing contributions of these two women in a day when women were rarely mentioned by name. He honored their impact in preparing his young protégé, who later joined Paul in his travels (Romans 16:21) and eventually became the pastor of the church at Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3). Lois and Eunice should encourage all Christian mothers and grandmothers, reminding them that their godly influence has an eternal impact on the lives and futures of their children and grandchildren.
SO WHAT?
Where are you at with your christian life?