A Sincere Faith’s Legacy

Outline

Big Idea: Moms, the greatest legacy you can leave is one of sincere faith that produces a genuine love.

What does a sincere faith look like?

Hate Evil - Romans 12:9, 21.

Do not partake in it

Overcome it with Good

Passionate Care for One Another - Romans 12:10, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20.

Love one another with brother affection

Outdo one another in showing honor

Contribute to the needs of the saints

Show hospitality

Rejoice with those who rejoice

Weep with those who weep

Live in harmony with one another

Live at peace with others, as much as depends on you.

Feed your enemies

Passionate Pursuit of God - Romans 12:11.

Do not be slothful in zeal

Be fervent in spirit

Serve the Lord

Rejoicing in Hope - Romans 12:12.

Be Patient in Tribulation - Romans 12:4, 12, 17, 19, 21.

Bless those who persecute you

Repay no one evil for evil

Never avenge yourself

Overcome Evil with Good

Prayer Warrior - Romans 12:12.

Live humbly - Romans 12:16, Ephesians 4:2.

Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly

Never be wise in your own eyes.

Introduction

Between the Lines Monologue (15min)

Video - A Mother’s Day Thank you (Skit Guys) (1:12)

Big Idea: Moms, the greatest legacy you can leave is one of sincere faith that produces a genuine love.

2 Timothy 1:1-5.

2 Timothy 1:1–5 ESV

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

Paul, in writing to Timothy, to admonish and encourage him, takes particular note of the example passed down to Timothy from two very key women in his life….his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice.

He expresses his thanks God constantly, thanking Him for this young man, whom he denotes as his spiritual child, and God’s work in and through Him.

He tells Timothy that he cannot help but reflect upon and note the faith of his grandmother and mother.

And he takes care to make note that this faith was passed down to Timothy.

While we are not given specifics of how this was displayed in them or in Timothy, what is clear enough is that their love and influence had an indelible influence on Timothy and God used these two woman to raise this young man up to be a man who loves God passionately and who is now being used mightily to grow the church of God.

SO MUCH SO, this is what Pauls says…

2 Timothy 1:6–14 ESV

6 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, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

Such was the nature of this faith that it was Paul urges him to FAN INTO all the more, to keep it alive, to pass it along.

Such was the strength and quality of this faith that Paul could urge Timothy to NOT BE ASHAMED of the gospel, to be willing to suffer for it, and know that he was not asking too much.

Certainly, Paul understood that the work of the Holy Spirit was present and enabling it, but the truth is, we have a choice to yield to the Spirit, to respond to Him or not…

Timothy was so profoundly influenced by the godly women in his life, that their legacy of godliness was carried on through Timothy

And through Timothy, was passed to the church at large through his leadership.

Even in his first letter to Timothy, Paul notes…

1 Timothy 1:5.

1 Timothy 1:5 ESV

5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

The aim of Paul’s ministry, his teaching was a LOVE that issued forth FROM a good conscience and a SINCERE FAITH…

A faith that was modeled and passed on to him by two KEY women in his life.

THIS SINCERE FAITH was the foundation, power, and driving force of his ministry.

This is the legacy you too can leave, moms.

What is a sincere faith?

What does it look like?

How can one tell?

In 1 Timothy 1:5, Paul noted that the aim of the ministry was LOVE.

What does love look like?

There are a number of places we could look, but for just a few moments this morning, let’s turn to Romans 12.

Romans 12 is not specific to moms, but is applicable TO US ALL, but Mom’s, you are included in that all. The sincere faith that was passed down to Timothy, which produced an authentic love…looks something like this.

Romans 12:9–21 ESV

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

So, what does genuine, authentic love issuing from a sincere faith look like?

Body

Big Idea: Moms, the greatest legacy you can leave is one of sincere faith that produces a genuine love.

So, what does genuine, authentic love issuing from a sincere faith look like?

Hate Evil - Romans 12:9, 21.

Romans 12:9 ESV

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

Romans 12:21 ESV

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

A sincere faith that looks up to God, will have a hatred of sin and evil…and ever increasing as we grow in Christlikeness.

We are told here in Romans 12 to abhor what is evil.

Thus…

Do not partake in it

Overcome it with Good

Truth is, as we grow in grace and truth, as God sanctifies us, there WILL BE a growing hatred for sin and evil AND THUS, a change in how we face it.

We will live repentant lifestyles.

We will not seek to justify our sin but will own up to it, repenting and reconciling as necessary.

We will not deflect the attention when our sins are pointed out, but will simply repent and reconcile.

We will NOT repay evil for evil, we will not seek our own vengeance, but we will leave it to God, FOR when we abhor what is evil, we will refuse to respond in kind even when others do it to us.

A life of sincere faith and genuine love will abhor evil and will seek to eradicate it from our lives where ever we see it.

We will also seek to pass that legacy down to others by fostering in them a love of holiness and hatred of evil.

The question is this…where in your life are you harboring evil, justifying it, excusing it, rationalizing it, and/or ignoring it?

Where in your life, does your family see a double standard? A justification of sin?

Do they see you saying one thing, but practicing another?

Do they see in your daily routines, habits, time usage, etc a little preservation of the fleshly passions?

Do you hate and abhor evil and sin more now than you did the past OR are you getting more comfortable with it than ever before?

Mom’s, how are you modeling and teaching a hatred for sin and a love for truth and righteousness?

Are you setting an example for them that there is to be NO room in your life for evil…

Do they see a repentant and humble heart that seeks to live only in the righteousness of Christ?

A genuine love that issues from a sincere faith will hate evil.

Passionate Care for One Another - Romans 12:10, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20.

Throughout this text, we see repeated admonishments to display a passionate care for one another.

Love one another with brother affection

Outdo one another in showing honor

Contribute to the needs of the saints

Show hospitality

Rejoice with those who rejoice

Weep with those who weep

Live in harmony with one another

Live at peace with others, as much as depends on you.

Feed your enemies

Underlining ALL of these is a sincere faith that LOVES GOD first with all your heart and soul and mind and strength.

This is a tough list, for sure….

The list in exhaustive…

Love BOTH the saints….AND our enemies…

OUTDO one another….meaning, do more than others…don’t just settle for a passing grade, but go above and beyond….

Extend hospitality - which is hard for some who prefer their privacy and their own personal sanctuary from ALL outside world…included the saints.

Also hard, when that hospitality costs something, or continues for an extended time…when it infringes upon one’s own comfort..

Live in harmony AS MUCH AS DEPENDS ON YOU….granted, we cannot control another, but we can do our part to live at peace with others..

Which means we are quick to forgive, quick to seek reconciliation.

We do not purposefully do things to instigate or rile up.

Means we avoid things like gossip and slander

Means we are quick to SEEK forgiveness when we have wronged another.

Means we REJOICE with those who REJOICE

Which means that we have to set down our envy and jealousy and legitimately give thanks and celebrate with those who experience good things…things we may well be tempted to be jealous and envious of.

Means we WEEP with those who WEEP

Which means we have to step outside of our comfort and get in the trenches with those suffering and walk the dirty and sorrowful road that they are.

Which means that we have to get our hands dirty in their mess of sin and transgressions to help pull them out

Which means that we have to set aside our agenda and plans to be with those who need it.

Moms, all of this not directed ONLY at your children….though for both your adolescent and adult children it can be, but it is also directed at those around. The example and model that you will leave your children will be just as palpable as if they were the actual recipient at times. They will see, they will catch, and the legacy you leave will be on of love and sincere faith.

A genuine love that issues from a sincere faith will have a passionate care for one another.

Passionate Pursuit of God - Romans 12:11.

Mom’s, let your children see your passionate pursuit of God AND inspire them to do the same.

Romans 12:11 ESV

11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Do not be slothful in zeal

In other words…don’t be spiritually lazy.

Don’t be apathetic.

Don’t be content.

Don’t be indifferent.

Don’t settle for a Sunday Christianity.

Don’t settle for a acquaintance level relationship with God.

Don’t settle for a few nuggets when a whole vast hoard of wealth awaits in your relationship with God.

RATHER…

Be fervent in spirit

Be passionated, excited, and moved….

Be on fire…

Be enthused…

Be passionate in your pursuit of God…

And don’t be afraid to let that show

Serve the Lord

Out of this passion for God…serve Him!

Mom’s, how do you display and encourage PASSION FOR GOD?

What do your children and family see you get passionate about?

You tv show?

Is the only time you get passionate about anything the times when you don’t get what you want?

Do they see you get passionate about your time spent with God?

Do they see you get passionate about truth, about the word.

One of things I appreciate deeply about my wife is the many passionate and creative ways she has come up with over the years to teach our children biblical truth. She has found TWO different ways over the years to teach the kids about an empty tomb THROUGH BAKING! :)

What do you get passionate about? What are you teaching and modeling by the things are you most passionate for? Would you children and family say that GOD tops that list?

Your sincere faith and genuine love…WILL inspire passion for God…it will not be able to help it. You are instinctively vocal and promotional of those things which you are passionate about.

Rejoicing in Hope - Romans 12:12.

Romans 12:12 ESV

12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Rejoice…

IN HOPE

In that confident expectation of God’s presence, grace, strength, and purpose.

IN HOPE of God’s promises…

In HOPE of God’s goodness…

In HOPE of God’s love…

In HOPE of God’s mercy and grace…

Pull out that arsenal and claim it…

What can we not endure…when this is in focus?

Boy, in our struggle and our weariness…it is easy to wonder.

But…mom’s you can rejoice IN HOPE by clinging to this truth….

Isaiah 55:10-11.

Isaiah 55:10–11 ESV

10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

God’s word, which is living and active, does not return void. God accomplished what he intends.

And he uses our imperfect efforts to do so.

Mom’s, saints…if we are faithful TO THE WORD, the WORD is faithful to do what it sets out to do, one way or another.

I know that this is hard to reconcile with the fact that people have a choice to make…but the end game is fixed….God WILL be glorified in both men’s acceptance and in their rejection of truth. His word will not return void. We are not responsible for the responses men give to the word as we give it.

Mom’s you are not responsible for your children’s choices…you are responsible to be faithful to GIVE and LIVE the word. Leave the rest to God, trusting that He will use his word as he sees fit in the hearts and lives of our children.

REJOICE IN HOPE…not hope that things will turn out how you want…but HOPE IN GOD who makes all things turn out as he desires, for the best possible good.

A genuine love that issues from a sincere faith will rejoice in Hope

This particularly pertinent and relevant in light of the next statement…

Be Patient in Tribulation - Romans 12:4, 12, 17, 19, 21.

Romans 12:12 ESV

12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Tribulation here is the term that most directly speaks to Christians being persecuted for the sake of the gospel upon which they stand.

At times in your lives, you may face direct opposition and persecution for your faith in Christ. At times you may have to take a stand for truth and it may cost you.

I don’t know if any of your mom’s face persecution, resistance, and opposition from your children for your faith in Christ, though perhaps some of you do…

BUT throughout this text we see also this…

Bless those who persecute you

Repay no one evil for evil

Never avenge yourself

Overcome Evil with Good

Even if you do not face persecution from your children or any other source, surely there is application to other mistreatment.

Which of you mom’s has ever had evil done against you from your child?

An act of disobedience?

An act of disrespect?

An unkind word?

Anger thrown at you?

Point is…We all face tribulation, hardship, unkindness.

Mom’s, your handling of those offenses and sins will be an opportunity to leave a legacy of truth, of the greatness of God.

This DOES NOT mean that you ignore, condone, excuse sin…but that you humbly, rightly correct, rebuke, admonish, and instruct.

If you do face persecution for your faith in Christ either from your children OR from others…your patient endurance will model and leave a legacy of faith for your children to see and emulate.

Even if persecution is not what you face, handling mistreatment and unkindness with the same level of patience and grace, exemplifies the example of Christ who refused to revile when he was reviled. And it leaves a legacy of Christlikeness for the next generation.

A genuine love that issues from a sincere faith will be patient in tribulation

Prayer Warrior - Romans 12:12.

Romans 12:12 ESV

12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Be constant in prayer.

What example of prayer are you leaving for your children?

Will they see that prayer is important and vital?

Will they see it optional, secondary, and unimportant?

Do they see the power and impact of prayer through your life?

Do they see the priority of prayer?

We are told the be constant in prayer, to pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17.)

WHAT do they hear you pray for?

HOW do they hear you pray?

FOR WHAT do you teach them to pray?

Do you help them see ANSWERED PRAYERS?

Mom’s, you have the chance through your commitment, dedication, and example of prayer to leave a legacy of trust in God, HOPE in God, dependence upon God through your example of prayer.

A genuine love that issues from a sincere faith will be committed to prayer.

And finally

A genuine love and sincere faith will…

Live humbly - Romans 12:16, Ephesians 4:2.

Romans 12:16 ESV

16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly

Never be wise in your own eyes.

Similarly, Ephesians 4:2 says…

Ephesians 4:2 ESV

2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Humility is the posture of the King.

Humility is the posture of Kingdom men and women.

Humility is the posture of Jesus followers.

Remember, humility is NOT thinking less of yourself. It is thinking about yourself less.

This is hard when your own children fail to appreciate you, love you, and recognize the sacrifices your make for them.

And certainly there are teachable moments we need to claim to teach and instruct them to be mindful of the things…

BUT…if you always take their lack of gratitude and thankfulness as PERSONAL attacks against you, instead of the immature and selfish actions that they really are, you will become discouraged and despairing.

Live with a heart of humility…of self forgetfulness that serves with no thought of return, with no thought of acknowledgment

Except those which you are seeking to train into your children.

Live humbly.

Display it for your children to see.

Leave a legacy of sincere faith and genuine love.

Conclusion

Big Idea: Moms, the greatest legacy you can leave is one of sincere faith that produces a genuine love.

ANNOUNCE ABOUT VIDEO DISC to take hom

What does a sincere faith look like?

Hate Evil - Romans 12:9, 21.

Do not partake in it

Overcome it with Good

Passionate Care for One Another - Romans 12:10, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20.

Love one another with brother affection

Outdo one another in showing honor

Contribute to the needs of the saints

Show hospitality

Rejoice with those who rejoice

Weep with those who weep

Live in harmony with one another

Live at peace with others, as much as depends on you.

Feed your enemies

Passionate Pursuit of God - Romans 12:11.

Do not be slothful in zeal

Be fervent in spirit

Serve the Lord

Rejoicing in Hope - Romans 12:12.

Be Patient in Tribulation - Romans 12:4, 12, 17, 19, 21.

Bless those who persecute you

Repay no one evil for evil

Never avenge yourself

Overcome Evil with Good

Prayer Warrior - Romans 12:12.

Live humbly - Romans 12:16, Ephesians 4:2.

Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly

Never be wise in your own eyes.

Application

What example or legacy of faith did your mother (or another godly women of influence) leave you? Share a story or example of how they influenced or passed their sincere faith on? If you do not have an example, share, how do you want to pass a sincere faith on to your children?

How do you foster a sincere faith?

How do you know when love is genuine?

What is one thing you can begin to do this week that will strengthen or begin to leave a legacy of sincere faith for the next generation?