Where Do I Go From Here? 5 (2)

This Influence Of A Godly Mother

Text: 2 Timothy 1:5 & 3:14-15

Introduction

Illustration: As Andie and I continue to grow in our parenthood, on thought remains prominent on our minds and drives us to make the best of decisions and plans for our children’s future. It is the fact they will face all the challenges of life and need the best foundation.

Paul took notice of the sadness and discouragement Timothy was experiencing.

Before Paul noticed Timothy’s experience, there were two generations of mothers who had already built a solid foundation for Timothy to face the growing persecution for Christian leaders like himself.

To think your child is born into a world where you have the power to ultimately protect them from hardship, and attacks from the devil, you are living in a fantasy.

There is a foundation outside of you and within you that your child needs to be familiar with. More than familiar, reach a personal relationship with; Jesus and His fullness.

Before they will trust such a foundation, they must witness YOU standing on it yourself. That is exactly what Timothy had; two authentic generational pillars of Christianity. Two authentic examples of the faithfulness of God and the power of His grace. Two joyful encouragers to live the Christian life because it is where joy is found.

The two great encouragements Paul reminded Timothy about were his mama and grandma!

The impact from home was and still is God’s gift to children.

Sin has invaded that tribe called the family.

That said, every godly home is that more important to raise up a legacy of children who can help those who had less.

1) A Motherhood Of Active Faith

Mother’s must be seen living with an active faith, not a perfect one.

While a believer’s faith goal should be that of perfection, we all know well that it is impossible to fully achieve this side of Heaven.

God did not give you your children that they would understand what a perfect faith looks like. God gave you your children so they would understanding the blessings of an active faith.

Paul describes their faith as an “unfeigned” faith.

unfeigned = unhypocritical adjs. — not pretended; sincerely felt or expressed.

2 Corinthians 6:6 “6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,”

1 Timothy 1:5 “5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:”

James 3:17 “17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”

There are multiple examples in scripture of following someone’s faith steps.

The assumed truth is this: In order for steps to be follow, they must precede the one who will at some future need to follow them.

Here is the sobering truth — Your children will follow someone’s steps. It will either be yours or someone else.

One important aspect of the family unit is this — Your children’s best teacher will always be their parents.

This is why every mother and father must keep a mindset of placing their minds in the mode of learning what their children need the most.

Timothy’s mother and grandmother took time to learn their child.

The home education they provided was so powerful because they took advantage of what the home atmosphere provided them with; an opportunity to learn their child better and then make the necessary adjustments to help them learn better.

2 Chronicles 17:1–6 “1 And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel. 2 And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken. 3 And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; 4 But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. 5 Therefore the Lord stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance. 6 And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.”

2 Chronicles 26:3–7 “3 Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. 4 And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah did. 5 And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper. 6 And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines. 7 And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gur-baal, and the Mehunims.”

Notice that Paul said, “I am persuaded that in thee also.”

2) A Motherhood Of God’s Truth

Turn to — 2 Timothy 3:12-15

LISTEN…The ONLY WAY to defeat all of Satan’s lies and attacks is with God’s truth!!!

Timothy was taught God’s Truth ever since he was a child.

Have you ever heard someone say, “Well, I needed the Bible when I was younger, but I can do without it now that I am older.”

These mothers understood through experiential knowledge, YOU NEVER OUTGROW YOUR NEED FOR GOD’S TRUTH!!!

Timothy would need it EVEN MORE at this point because he is facing more temptations than when he was younger.

Timothy heard God’s truth and saw God’s truth from these ladies.

LISTEN CAREFULLY…Teach your children the Bible!

I wander…if our homes were full of Bible teaching, would we need all the youth programs of our day?

Mama, you are called out by God to be His Truth teacher and worship leader within the home (Dads are called out also!)

1 Peter 1:22 “22 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:”

Why is God’s Truth so important? Paul explains…

(v15) God’s Word’s are HOLY. Because they are holy, they have the ability to lead you to salvation.

The Bible reveals our need for salvation.

It reveals our sinfulness and hopeless position.

It explains God’s command for every sinner to repent and believe on Jesus.

(v16) God’s Word is true and dependable.

(v16) God’s Word is profitable.

They are profitable for doctrine (what is right), for reproof (what is not right), for correction (how to get right), and for instruction in righteousness (how to stay right). A Christian who studies the Bible and applies what he learns will grow in holiness and avoid many pitfalls in this world. Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 253.

(v17) God’s Word equips us for service

3) A Motherhood Of Continual Reflection

As your child grows, you better believe when they face difficulties and challenges, one thing they are going to consider is this: What would mama do? How did I see mama handle similar situations?

While keeping this in mind, step through some verses of this letter:

1:8, 12

2:1, 3, 4, 14, 19

3:5, 12, 5, 7, 8

Conclusion

Do you know who was instrumental is the success of Timothy’s ministry? MAMA AND GRANDMA! Who do you think crossed Timothy’s mind with every eternal crown he laid at his Savior’s feet that was won through his life’s service to God? MAMA AND GRANDMA! Outside of Jesus Himself, who do you think the first people he got to see in Heaven? MAMA AND GRANDMA!

Faith in Jesus and following Jesus closely made all of this possible. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Mama, is Jesus your personal Savior?