Passing Down a Sincere Faith

Sermon Title: Passing Down a Sincere Faith

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:3-5

Occasion: The Lord’s Day

Date: February 9, 2025

“Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1 Ti 1:2.

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You this morning with hearts hungry for Your truth.

We need the bread of life this morning, and you alone are the bread we need, O, Christ.

We thank You for Your Word, Lord, which is living and active, able to search our hearts and transform our lives.

As we open the Scriptures today, Spirit of God, open our eyes to see, our ears to hear, and our hearts to receive Christ today.

What we know not, teach us. What we are not, make us. What we have not, give us.

Father, we do not want to be hearers only—we long to be doers of Your Word.

Shape us, mold us, and convict us where we need to be convicted.

Strengthen us where we are weak, and give us grace to walk in obedience.

Let Christ be magnified in our worship, in our hearing, and in our obedience.

We ask this in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Introduction: The Power of a Legacy

Imagine standing at the edge of a great river. (Maybe your mind thinks of the Mississippi River or Missouri River)

The water rushes past, flowing toward an unseen destination.

We know that the river did not begin at the spot where you stand; it has traveled from distant mountains, gathering strength as it was fed by countless streams.

This is how faith works—it does not begin with us.

It is received, stewarded, and then passed on to others.

In 2 Timothy 1:3-5, the apostle Paul is nearing the end of his earthly journey.

Imprisoned in Rome, he pens his final words to his beloved spiritual son, Timothy.

What does he emphasize?

Not strategy.

Not leadership techniques.

He speaks of faith—real, living, sincere faith—and the necessity of passing it down.

As we examine this passage today, we will consider three essential aspects of passing down a sincere faith (Sermon Title “Passing Down a Sincere Faith”):

The Role of Prayer in Passing Down Faith (v. 3)

The Deep Affection of Gospel Relationships (v. 4)

The Generational Transmission of Sincere Faith (v. 5)

And as we explore these truths, let us ask ourselves:

Are we passing down our Faith? 

If so…

What kind of faith are we passing down?

Hopefully we will be able to answer this question, by the Spirits help, at the end of this sermon,

I. The Role of Prayer in Passing Down Faith (v. 3)

2 Timothy 1:3 ESV

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.

Paul begins this letter not with complaint or despair, but with thanksgiving.

And he is not thanking Timothy—he is thanking God.

That alone tells us something.

Faith is not ultimately something we generate in ourselves or in others; it is a gift of God, wrought by the grace and mercy of Christ, and sustained by the Spirits power.

But notice carefully how Paul describes the God he thanks:

“whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience.”

The word serve here is the Greek word latreuō, which is the language of worship.

Paul is saying, “I worship God, just as my ancestors did.”

Worship is not just what happens in a Sunday service; it is a life of total surrender, a heart given fully to the Lord in obedience and adoration.

You Cannot Pass Down What You Do Not Have

Paul’s ability to thank God and pray for Timothy flows from something deeper—he has a faith that is real.

He is not passing down empty religion; he is passing down the true and living worship of the true and living God.

You cannot pass down what you do not have.

You cannot give others what is not first burning in your own soul.

Paul’s ancestors worshiped the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

They upheld the Scriptures, they preserved the law, they clung to the promises of God.

Such a rich spiritual heritage, and one clearly to be celebrated and praise the Lord for.

BUT here is the critical distinction—they missed the fulfillment of those promises in Jesus Christ.

They worshiped the right God but did not yet see the full revelation of Christ, the Messiah.

Paul, however, has been given the greater light—the full gospel, the mystery now revealed in Jesus. (Eph. 3:1-6, Col. 1:26, Rom. 16:25)

Paul is passing down not just the faith of the Old Covenant, but the faith fulfilled in the New.

The faith of Abraham looking forward has now been realized in Christ, and Paul is urging Timothy to hold fast to it.

A Clear Conscience—The Mark of True Worship

Paul also says he worships God with a clear conscience.

This is remarkable, given Paul’s past.

Before Christ, he was a blasphemer, a persecutor of the church, a man who raged against Jesus.

BUT NOW, through the blood of Christ, his conscience is clean.

No longer weighed down by guilt, he serves God in the purity of faith.

And this is what Paul desires for Timothy—and what Christ desires for us—not just knowledge about God, but a heart that truly worships Him, a conscience cleansed by the gospel, and a faith that is alive and transforming us.

Avoiding the Ditches: Legalism and Passivity

This is where so many have gone wrong.

On one side, some assume that if we just fill the next generation with Bible knowledge, they will naturally come to faith and be transformed.

We think that if we teach them doctrine, keep them in church, and surround them with Christian influences, then transformation will follow automatically.

But soon we realize—that is not the case.

The Danger of Dead Faith

James warns us of a dead faith—a faith that has all the right words but no real life (James 2:17).

And that is what can be passed down if we are not careful:

A faith that is informational but not transformational, a faith that knows about Christ but does not truly rest in Him.

Mere information will not save.

Just because we did family worship, sent our children to a Christian school, enrolled them in a Christian college, and involved them in church activities does not mean we have passed down a genuine faith.

If all they received was routine without reality, religion without regeneration, then what we passed down was not the gospel but a hollow shell.

The Only Faith That Saves

So what must we do?

We must ensure that our faith is real, our devotion is sincere, and that those who follow us don’t just hear about the gospel but actually see it shaping our hearts and lives.

That they would see joyful submission to the Master, Jesus.

Because here is the truth:

Only gospel-transformed faith compels others to true, saving faith.

It is not merely what we teach but what we treasure.

If we cherish Christ above all, if we live by grace and not mere religious duty, if we repent, believe, and walk in love—then our faith will be compelling, not just instructive.

If faith has not been passed down with transforming results, it may be that what was handed down was Christian culture, not Christ.

But praise be to God—His grace is greater than our failures.

So let us not despair but press on, seeking to live out and pass down a faith that is real, alive, and centered on Jesus Christ alone.

Romans 12:1 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

It's one thing to pass down information about the Bible, but what the Word calls for here is to pass down the transformation the Bible brings.

Parents, grandparents, friends—hear this clearly:

We don’t just want to hand down knowledge of the faith; we want to pass down a living, transforming faith.

It is a faith that can be heard in our words, seen in our lives, sensed in our worship, and shared with our children, our friends, and the generations to come-just as Psalm 145:4 declares:

'One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.'

Psalm 78:4 echoes this by saying:

'We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.'

The goal is to pass done a transforming faith, not a dead faith!

This is why Paul begins with thanks.

He is thankful to pass down a real transforming faith.

His conscience is clear on this reality.

Is this yours?

Is your faith real or fake?

Real faith leads to a real joy and thankfulness.

Faith is Transferred on the Knees

Paul’s gratitude leads to something crucial—prayer.

Thankfulness always leads to prayer.

In Scripture you often see them linked-

Colossians 4:2 ESV

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 ESV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

But notice closely here that Paul says he constantly remembers Timothy in his prayers night and day.

This is not casual prayer.

This is fervent, continual intercession.

Before Paul teaches, before he exhorts, before he passes down anything else—he prays earnestly.

This is a reminder that passing down faith happens after prayer.

Faith is transferred on our knees.

If we want the next generation to walk with Christ, we must first bring them before the throne of grace.

Illustration: The Gardener’s Work

My mother loves gardening. She is always caring for her plants.

I know what my mom doesn't do- She doesn’t just throw seeds into the ground and walk away, hoping for the best.

Every morning and evening, she goes outside—pulling weeds, watering the soil, checking the leaves for pests.

She knows that if she neglects this daily care, the plants will wither, the fruit will be weak, and the harvest will be poor.

But what if my mom only watered the plants when she saw them drooping?

What if she only pulled weeds after they had already choked the roots?

By then, it would be too late.

This is what Paul is doing for Timothy—he is tending the garden of his faith, and timothy’s faith, and the faith of those around him through constant, fervent prayer.

He is not waiting for Timothy to struggle before interceding.

He is praying ahead of time, night and day, because he knows that faith is nurtured through intercession long before difficulties arise.

As the old hymn goes;

Oh, what piece we often forfeit oh what needless pain we bear all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

And this is what we must do.

If we want the next generation to grow strong in the Lord, we must not wait until we see their faith withering—we must water it daily in prayer.

Before we teach, before we guide, before we correct—we must be on our knees, tending their souls before the throne of grace.

Charles Spurgeon once said,

“O that we would pray more! We would accomplish infinitely more by prayer than by our feeble efforts.”

Reflection

Parents, are you praying for your children’s salvation?

Church, are we interceding for the next generation?

Application of the Text

Faith is not passed down by accident.

It must be sought in prayer.

It must be intentionally and transformationally passed down.

Transition:

But faith is not just passed down through prayer; it is also passed down through relationship.

This leads us to our second point.

II. The Deep Affection of Gospel Relationships (v. 4)

2 Timothy 1:3–4 ESV

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. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.

Paul now shifts from prayer to personal affection.

His relationship with Timothy is not merely professional—it is deeply personal.

Gospel Work is Not Merely Transactional—It is Relational

Paul recalls Timothy’s tears, likely shed at their last departure.

These were not just tears of sadness but of deep love, of gospel labor shared, of a relationship forged in the fires of ministry.

The word “remember” (μεμνημένος) here suggests a deep, reflective longing—Paul is not just thinking of Timothy in passing.

His heart is stirred with emotion when he recalls their last moments together.

This is not the detached professionalism we often see in ministry today.

This is discipleship forged in love.

A Bond Formed in Gospel Labor

To grasp what Paul is expressing here, think of a soldier going off to war, embracing his commanding officer one last time.

Their bond has been forged in battle.

Their tears are real because their love is real.

They have fought side by side.

They have faced hardships together, endured struggles, and pressed forward with the same mission.

Their shared experience makes their love unshakable.

This is what we see between Paul and Timothy.

Their experiences together of Christ’s faithfulness and grace are real, and that real gospel labor creates real gospel bonds.

I have countless stories of sharing these kinds of moments with Pastor Jeremy, Pastor Dustin, and others in our congregation—brothers and sisters with whom I have walked closely in discipleship relationships over the years.

These relationships are not just about teaching theology—they are about walking through suffering together, celebrating victories together, and pushing one another toward Christ.

Faith is Passed Down in Relationships

Paul is showing us something profoundly important here:

Faith is not just transferred through instruction—it is transferred through affectionate, gospel-shaped relationships.

This is where many go wrong.

We sometimes believe that if we simply teach someone the right doctrine, they will absorb it and grow into maturity.

But faith is not just about what we know—it is about who we walk with.

Jesus did not just deliver a sermon and leave.

He walked with His disciples, ate with them, wept with them, and suffered with them.

His teaching was wrapped in relationship, and that is how faith is passed down.

In essence we can say that faith is passed down through discipleship relationships.

There are many reasons why discipleship relationships are important, but this is the most important one:

The goal of having discipleship relationships is to pass down a sincere, living faith.

True, biblical discipleship relationships are not just about learning—it is about imparting a genuine faith that endures.

It is the God-ordained means by which genuine faith is transferred from one generation to the next.

Discipleship relationships are the conduit, the vehicle, the bridge through which faith moves forward.

Without it, faith remains informational rather than transformational.

But when discipleship is done rightly—when truth is lived, modeled, and shared in real relationships—it produces a lasting faith, and most importantly, a faith that is passed down to the next generation.

Application: Are We Investing Deeply in Others?

Parents, do your children know your love for Christ not just by what you say, but by how you love them?

Church leaders, are you investing in others beyond formal ministry?

Christian, do you have deep, gospel-centered discipleship relationships—ones that shape you, ones that hold you up and tell you to keep going and not give up, and ones that compel you to pass down your faith?

J.C. Ryle once said,

“The highest form of selfishness is to be content to go to heaven alone.”

Who in your life would weep at your departure because of the faith you have shared together?

Paul longed for Timothy—who are we longing for?

Faith must be passed down personally, relationally, and deeply.

It is not just about what we believe, but how we live together in the body of Christ.

Transition

But faith must not only be shared relationally—it must be rooted in history and passed down generationally.

That brings us to our final point.

III. The Generational Transmission of Sincere Faith (v. 5)

2 Timothy 1:5 ESV

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 now brings his encouragement to a climax—this is the heart of his message to Timothy.

He reminds him that his faith was not an isolated event, nor the result of mere tradition, but part of a legacy of gospel witness.

Yet, Paul makes an important distinction—this is not a dead, inherited faith.

It is a faith that dwells, lives, and endures.

A Living, Dwelling Faith

Paul uses the word “dwelt” (ἐνῴκησεν, enoikēsen) to describe Timothy’s faith.

This is the same word used in Scripture to describe:

The Holy Spirit indwelling believers (Romans 8:11; 2 Timothy 1:14)

God’s presence among His people (2 Corinthians 6:16)

The word of Christ richly dwelling in us (Colossians 3:16)

This means that Timothy’s faith was not just intellectual, nor a cultural inheritance—it had taken residence in his heart.

It was alive, shaping his convictions, character, and calling.

Paul specifically calls Timothy’s faith sincere (ἀνυπόκριτος, anupokritos)—"without hypocrisy, genuine, unhindered by pretense."

Why is this significant?

Because not all faith is sincere.

The Bible warns of counterfeit faith:

James 2:17 – "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

Matthew 7:21-23 – Jesus warns that many will claim to know Him but will hear, "I never knew you."

2 Timothy 3:5 – Paul describes false believers as "having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power."

This is the danger of merely passing down Christian culture, traditions, or even correct doctrine—without true heart transformation.

Timothy’s faith was different.

It was real, tested, and proved genuine through his life and ministry.

Faith Must Be Received, Not Just Inherited

Paul does not say:

"Timothy, you have faith because your family was Christian."

"Timothy, you are saved because you grew up in a godly home."

Instead, he says, "I am sure that [this faith] dwells in you as well."

There was a moment in Timothy’s life where he had to personally take hold of faith—to repent, believe, and follow Christ himself.

This is a critical application for us:

Parents, your children cannot be saved through your faith.

Church, the next generation will not inherit salvation just by being around the truth.

Every believer must personally trust in Christ.

John 1:12-13 makes this clear:

John 1:12–13 ESV

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Faith is not transferred by genetics—it is transferred by gospel witness.

Yes, Lois and Eunice modeled real faith young Timothy, BUT Timothy had to own it for himself.

Faith is Not Transferred by Blood, But By Witness

Timothy’s mother and grandmother did not simply give him morals, traditions, and religious habits—they gave him the Word of God, which made him "wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15).

They didn’t just send him to synagogue—they taught him the Scriptures.

They didn’t just correct his behavior—they pointed him to Christ.

They didn’t just pray for him—they prayed with him.

This is how real faith is passed down.

Illustration: The Legacy of William Tyndale’s Influence

One of the most powerful examples of faith passed down through discipleship is the story of William Tyndale’s influence on John Rogers.

William Tyndale was the man who translated the Bible into English when it was illegal.

He was arrested and burned at the stake for his work.

But before his execution, he had poured his knowledge of Scripture, his passion for the gospel, and his commitment to Christ into a young man named John Rogers.

John Rogers took Tyndale’s English translation, compiled it into what became known as the Matthew Bible, and continued Tyndale’s mission after his death.

Eventually, Rogers himself was arrested and became the first Protestant martyr under Queen Mary.

But here’s the powerful truth:

Tyndale’s faith did not die with him.

It dwelt in John Rogers.

And because of this, the English Bible continued to spread, ultimately shaping the course of history.

Tyndale never saw the full fruit of his discipleship—but he was faithful to pass down a faith worth dying for.

Conclusion: Will You Pass Down a Sincere Faith?

Paul’s message to Timothy is clear:

Real faith is passed down through real discipleship.

• It is a faith that dwells—not just in our heads, but in our hearts. • It is a faith that transforms—not just our theology, but our lives. • It is a faith that endures—not just in our generation, but in those to come.

The Question Before Us Is Simple: What Are We Passing Down?

Paul has laid before us three vital realities about how faith is transmitted:

Faith is transferred through fervent prayer—

Are we on our knees, interceding for the next generation?

Paul constantly remembered Timothy in his prayers, night and day.

Are we doing the same for our children, our disciples, our church?

It happens after prayer.

2. Faith is shaped in gospel-centered relationships—

Are we investing deeply in others?

Paul and Timothy’s bond was not just theological—it was relational.

Their discipleship was real, affectionate, and transformative.

Are we walking alongside others in faith, weeping with them, rejoicing with them, and pointing them to Christ?

3. Faith must be intentionally passed down—

Are we modeling sincere faith?

Paul commended Timothy’s grandmother and mother because their faith was real, it dwelt in them, and it was visibly transferred to the next generation.

But faith is not inherited by blood—it must be personally received.

Are we ensuring that what we pass down is not just religious routine but real, living faith in Jesus Christ?

The Gospel Did Not Come to You to End With You

Brothers and sisters, the faith we have received is not meant to end with us.

This is why your elders have been in fervent prayer and diligently searching the Scriptures—seeking how we can best equip you to make real disciples of Jesus.

I cannot encourage you enough—take the next step.

Sign up for Discipleship Night Out.

Register for the Women’s Workshop.

Be a part of the launch of Men and Women of the Word in March—where real discipleship relationships will take root and grow. Be a part of that so far as it depends on YOU!

Don’t miss this opportunity.

Sign up today.

Get equipped.

We, as your elders, are doing everything we can to strengthen your faith so that you, in turn, can pass down a sincere, living faith to as many people as the Lord sees fit.

Last Plea

We have been entrusted with the most precious truth in the universe—the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Will we be faithful stewards?

Will we make sure that those around us don’t just know about Jesus, but truly know Him personally?

Will we pass down a faith that is alive, that transforms, that dwells?

The call is clear this morning:

Run the race well.

Hold fast to Christ.

Pass the baton of faith securely to those who come after you.

Let us be a people who do not merely talk about faith—but live it, model it, and pass it down with sincerity, conviction, and gospel power.

May we leave behind more than memories—may we leave behind a legacy of faith in Jesus Christ that will echo into eternity.

Let us pray.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the privilege of hearing Your Word today.

Your truth is life, and we desire to not only hold it for ourselves but to pass it down to those who come after us.

Lord, let us be a people who pray fervently, who invest deeply in others, and who model a sincere faith.

Guard us from hypocrisy.

Protect us from complacency.

Let our lives reflect a faith that is real, alive, and firmly rooted in Christ.

Lord, we confess that apart from You, we can do nothing.

So we ask for Your Spirit to strengthen us, to embolden us, and to equip us to be faithful stewards of the gospel.

Let our faith not end with us.

May it echo into eternity through the lives of those we disciple and love.

And Father, for those who do not yet know Christ, I pray that today would be the day they receive this faith for themselves.

Open their hearts to believe, to repent, and to trust in Jesus alone for salvation.

Let them not leave today merely knowing about You, but truly knowing You.

For the glory of Christ and the sake of His kingdom, we pray. Amen.