Honoring Generational Faithfulness

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

worship night next Sunday at 6p,

Happy Mother’s Day - T-Shirts

*CHURCH UPDATES: Digital and paper connect Card

DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, and we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit. And we are missionaries.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

BIG IDEA: God calls us to build faith across generations. The family is the first place where discipleship and spiritual legacy take root.

WHY THIS MATTERS:

Our families are under pressure today. Culture is reshaping the meaning of marriage, parenting, and identity—but God's design for spiritual legacy through family remains unchanged. On this Mother’s Day, we celebrate and challenge mothers, grandmothers, mentors, and spiritual parents to pass on genuine faith that lasts.

Opening Scripture:

Context: Paul reminds Timothy of the sincere faith he first saw in Timothy’s grandmother Lois and mother Eunice—a legacy that lives on in Timothy. This Scripture shows us how faith is passed on, not just biologically, but spiritually through intentional relationships.

2 Timothy 1:1–7 “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. 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.”

7 Thoughts on BUILDING FAITH ACROSS GENERATIONS from 2 Tim. 1:1-7:

1. Older Generations Share the Promise of Life (v. 1)

Paul roots his calling in "the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus.”

That promise is for every generation.

The older generation models what it looks like to live from that promise.

Application: Your personal walk with Christ is a living testimony. What kind of “life in Christ” are you modeling?

2. Spiritual Families Form Through Love and Mentorship (v. 2)

Paul calls Timothy his “beloved child.”

Timothy wasn’t his biological son—but he was his spiritual son.

Families of faith extend beyond biology to those we mentor in Christ.

Mother’s Day Application: You may be a spiritual mother to someone who isn’t your biological child. That role is powerful and irreplaceable.

3. Prayer and Integrity Sustain Generational Legacy (v. 3)

Paul serves God with a clear conscience and prays constantly for Timothy.

Legacy isn’t just about what we say—it’s about how we live and how we pray.

“Inheritance is what we leave FOR them while Legacy is what we leave IN them.” - AS ESPI

Challenge: Commit to praying daily for your children and spiritual children. Integrity and intercession go hand in hand.

4. Joy Comes from Seeing Spiritual Growth (v. 4)

Paul longed to see Timothy and be filled with joy.

Nothing brings greater joy than watching those we’ve discipled walk with Jesus.

Encouragement: Your sacrifices for your children and spiritual family matter more than you may see right now.

5. Faith Is Caught as Much as It’s Taught (v. 5)

Faith was alive in Lois and Eunice—and it lives in Timothy.

Genuine faith in the home shapes the future of the Church.

A Few things the younger generation must “catch”

Be Humble & Approachable

Be Willing to Share Your Mistakes

Be Affirming & Encouraging

Be Willing to Let Go

Reflection: What are you intentionally modeling in your home? Is it faith, trust, and love in Christ?

6. The Older Generation Fans the Flame of Calling (v. 6)

Paul urges Timothy to “fan into flame” the gift of God.

Older believers have a role in helping the next generation discover and grow in their calling.

Application: Speak life into into the younger generation.

…Encourage them to step into the purposes God has for them. (1 Tim. 4:14)

…Remind them of God’s Presence and power (Joshua 1:9)

…Affirm their maturity (3 John 1:4)

7. We Are Called to Replace Fear with Power, Love, and Wisdom (v. 7)

Paul reminds Timothy that God has not given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

The next generation needs courage—and it begins with what we model.

Encouragement: You shape courage and calling by how you live. Don’t underestimate your influence.

Conclusion/Reflection:

Today, we honor the spiritual mothers and grandmothers among us—those who, like Lois and Eunice, pass down a vibrant, living faith. Whether you're raising young children, mentoring students, or praying for adult kids, your role is sacred.

Are you building a spiritual legacy of faith that lasts? Today is the perfect day to recommit to that calling.

Final Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for every woman called to nurture faith. Bless the mothers, grandmothers, and mentors among us. May they walk in strength, pass on sincere faith, and fan the flame of the next generation. Amen.