Timothy: A Letter to a Godly Mother

Introduction: Timothy; A Thank you note to my Mother and Grandmother

Now

-Counseling session with Single Mother’s or Married Mother’s struggling to raise godly children in an antagonistic environment.

I. Mom I became a believer at a young age because of you

Acts 16:1 NASB95

1 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek,

-(v.1) Paul in the midst of doing gospel ministry came to the area of Derbe and then to Lystra. This area is a province of Galatia separated by about 60 miles this area is located in current Turkey. During his time at Lystra he met a young disciple. There was about a 15 years difference between Paul and Timothy.

-(v.1) Timothy or Timotheus name means “one who honors God” in this name it tells us a couple things. Timothy was Lycaonian which is a greek province. One must ask themselves how this greek speaking pagan would be named in such a manner.

-(v.1) “the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek” During this time the Jews had been spread over the known world, due to their disobedience. Many of them never returned to Jerusalem during the time of Artaxerxes king of Persian allowing them to return to reestablish the holy land. We call those Jews Hellenized. Notice in the book of James who is audience is

(support)

James 1:1 NASB95

1 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.

James 1:

-In this text in James you will notice that James audience is all those who never returned to Jerusalem.

-(v.1) Timothy’s mother is a Jewish women by ethnicity, but she had become a believer in the Risen Savior. You will notice the conjunction “But” Paul put that in the text to juxtapose to separate realities. Paul wanted to make in clear in this text that Timothy grew up in a house with parents that were previously yoked but became unequally yoked when his mother became a believer. In the previous description of Timothy’s mother Paul made sure that you knew that she was a believer, but when he described Timothy’s father he only talked about his ethnicity. That is why he used the word “but” because he was basically saying that Timothy’s father was a Greek through and through meaning he was a polytheist believing in the Greek Pantheon of Gods---zeus, hermes, aries, etc,etc.

-(v.1) This truth takes me back to the name meaning of Timothy name “One who honors God” Timothy name alone tells you who had the most influence in Timothy’s adolescent life. His name does not mean “One who honors the Gods(plural)” but it says “One who honors God(singular)” This tells me that Timothy’s mother made a decision in spite of the idols put up in the house by her Husband that she would raise Timothy in the fear and admonition of the Lord......Sidenote: Mothers raising children with an unsaved Father. Keep pressing on and teaching your children your influence will eventually overwhelm the evil schemes of an unsaved father.

II. Mom I learned to live the Christian life watching you

-(v.

Acts 16:2 NASB95

2 and he was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium.

-(v.2) The greek word underneath spoken is “witness” this tells me that Timothy lived in such ac way that his life bore witness to what he believed in. We might say that Timothy was a young believer that practiced what he preached. His life had been so impactful that the older brother’s and elders of the church noticed. Now Paul listed two areas Lystra and Iconium which were about 20 miles apart. Timothy had made in impact in both of these areas which were probably two separate churches.

-(v.3) “Paul wanted this man to go with him” Timothy life was so impactful that Paul discerned something about him that attracted him to Timothy. This made Paul want to mentor him.

III. Mom my first major assignment came as a result of your faithfulness

Acts 16:4–6 NASB95

4 Now while they were passing through the cities, they were delivering the decrees which had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem, for them to observe. 5 So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily. 6 They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia;

Acts 16:4 NASB95

4 Now while they were passing through the cities, they were delivering the decrees which had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem, for them to observe.

-(v.4) Paul and Timothy immediately began the ministry of instructing the churches about decision that had been made by the Apostles concerning how the churches were supposed to be run. Notice the text “while they were passing through the cities” Timothy was beginning to walk in the call that God had for his life. God lead him to his purpose because he had been faithful prior to learning his purpose.

-(v.5) “so the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily” God allowed he and Paul to have great success in the spread of the Gospel and the strengthening of the church. God was using the faithfulness of Paul and Timothy to grow the early 1st century church.

IV. Mom I was mentored by the Man who lead you and Granny to the Lord.

1 Corinthians 4:15–17 NASB95

15 For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 16 Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me. 17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church.

1 Corinthians 4:15-17

2 Corinthians 4:15–16 NASB95

15 For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

-(v.15) Paul tells the Corinthians that I have been your Father in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Your primary teacher and example.

-(v.16) “Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me” Paul encourages the believers at Corinth to be imitators of me. Paul understood that the Christian life can sometimes be tough to live, because Jesus is not physically with us to help us every step of the way. This is why human examples of the faith are good as a guide to living the Christian life. Paul could not make it so he sent guess who:

-(v.17) “For this reason I have sent to you Timothy” Paul was so impressed with Timothy walk with the Lord, that he sent him to be an example to the believers in Corinth. Paul was generally saying while I cannot come to you, I am sending my protege Timothy who’s walk is so similar to mine that to see him is like seeing me.

-(v.17) “Who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord” Look at how Paul describes Timothy to our knowledge Paul did not have any biological children and it looks like Paul pick up Timothy child rearing where his Mother and Grandmother left of. Paul become more than a mentor, he became a father to Timothy. Look at him describe Timothy

-(v.17) “he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church” Timothy came to Corinth and Preached the New Testament to the believers. He stayed consistent to what Paul teaching was. He did not add to it or take anything away. A was a faithful Pastor to the believers at Corinth.

-Paul and Timothy were so close that he is in the Salutation of 6 of Paul letters.

2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Philemon....And Paul wrote 2 letters directly to Timothy making Timothy intricately interwoven in 8 out of 13 letters that Paul wrote to the Churches.....Example

2 Corinthians (Support)

2 Corinthians 1:1 NASB95

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth with all the saints who are throughout Achaia:

2 Corinthians 1 NASB95

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth with all the saints who are throughout Achaia: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; 7 and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort. 8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; 9 indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; 10 who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us, 11 you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many. 12 For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you. 13 For we write nothing else to you than what you read and understand, and I hope you will understand until the end; 14 just as you also partially did understand us, that we are your reason to be proud as you also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus. 15 In this confidence I intended at first to come to you, so that you might twice receive a blessing; 16 that is, to pass your way into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come to you, and by you to be helped on my journey to Judea. 17 Therefore, I was not vacillating when I intended to do this, was I? Or what I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, so that with me there will be yes, yes and no, no at the same time? 18 But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no. 19 For the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silvanus and Timothy—was not yes and no, but is yes in Him. 20 For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. 21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, 22 who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. 23 But I call God as witness to my soul, that to spare you I did not come again to Corinth. 24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm.

Philemon (support)

Philemon 1 NASB95

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker,

-These two men shared a true Father and Son relationship. Paul poured his life into Timothy and Timothy followed without reservation.

V. Mom I learned to love the Church because you and granny took me to church

Philippians 2:19–21 NASB95

19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. 20 For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.

philippians 2:19-

-(v.19) Paul once again is sending his ambassador and mouthpiece to the church at Phillipi to get an assessment of their condition.

-(v.20) “For I have no one else of kindred spirit” Paul spoke highly of many individuals in the NT writings, but this phrase tells you a lot about his impression of Timothy. Paul in this statement is saying “I have never met someone who thinks so closely to my thinking” we have the same philosophy when it comes to ministry.

In what way did they share the same spirit?

-(v.20) “who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare” Paul says when it comes to “love for the church” Timothy and I share the same passion. Timothy had a love for the sheep that Paul admired. Paul says when I send Timothy to you he will care for you just like did. I can just imagine when Paul and Timothy heard of the problems in Corinth they both probably shed tears together as they wondered what happened to that church.

-(v.20) I can hear Timothy---You know Paul when you came to Lystra the first time and preach the gospel my Granny and Mother got saved, then they took me to the local house church and I got saved. My mother and granny made sure I went to church every Lord’s Day. I learned to love the body as I saw my Mother and Granny pray over the weak, feed the poor, and willingly submit to the leadership of the church. I learn to love the church through my Mother and Grandmother.

VI. Mom you love me enough to let a man take over where you left off

Acts 16:3 NASB95

3 Paul wanted this man to go with him; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

Acts 16:3–4 NASB95

3 Paul wanted this man to go with him; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 Now while they were passing through the cities, they were delivering the decrees which had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem, for them to observe.

-(v.3) Paul was so impressed with Timothy that he called him into ministry. Paul took him and had him circumcised so that he could preach in the synagogues.

-(v.4) “Now while they were passing through the cities” Timothy immediately hit the road with Paul. But do you wonder what kind of faith it would have taken by his Mother to let him go as a young man to go on a Death Mission with Paul. These women where well aware of the dangers that would come to thier precious young son. It is not like Timothy was choosing to become a Doctor. He was choosing to hit the road with one of the most notorious trouble makers in the 1st Century the Apostle Paul.

Application—One of the toughest things for Mothers’ to do is let their sons go. These women understood that it was time for Timothy to be a man, so when God sent them a man; Paul they let him go. What a picture of Submission??

VI. Momma you would be proud of Me I finish my journey

1 Timothy 1:1–7 NASB95

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope, 2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, 4 nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. 5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, 7 wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.

1 timothy

-(v.1-2) This what we call a death epistles. This is Paul last correspondence to his son. He greets his Son by calling him “my true child in the faith” Paul affirms his love for his son in the faith, then he gives him some final instructions found in (v.3)

-(v.3) Paul says to him “you remember when I told you to go Pastor the Church at Ephesus, I want you to go and Pastor the church I planted there” Look at the text “Remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines” For all of Paul and Timothy ministry time together they went from church to church encouraging and correcting error. Paul is giving Timothy the mandate to settle roots and become the Pastor at Ephesus. Then he gives the reason “there are certain men teaching strange doctrines” Paul left his protege to handled Ephesus which was a large epicenter of false teaching and idolatry.

Notice what he tells him in 2 Timothy

2 Timothy 1:

support

2 Timothy 1:4–5 NASB95

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.

2 Timothy 1:4–7 NASB95

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. 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. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

-(v.4) Paul says I wish I could see because I remember your tears when I got locked me up. I would be filled with so much joy to see my closest relationship on Earth while I am in these chains.

-(v.5) Paul then encourages Timothy to “keep the faith” Timothy you have a legacy of faith: I know your granny “Lois” and your mother “Eunice” those were some godly women I watch their walk. Listen Timothy you did not come to Christ on your own, it was because of the Godly legacy of your Mother and Granny. You have some History. Stay strong!!!

-(v.6-7) Look at this here: Timothy had grown scared and lost his passion for the Gospel. This seems to coincide with the arrest of his mentor/father, Paul. Paul also assigned him to an area that was an epicenter of pagan worship. Ephesus was the location of the one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world it is called “The Temple of Artemis or Dianne” Paul sent Timothy right into the heat of the battle of the ancient world.

-(v.6-7) Look what he told him “kindle afresh the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands” Timothy remember when we laid hands on you, and you preach to everyone that you saw without fear. Don’t stop just because I am not with you. Keep going!!! “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline”

Did Timothy finish his course???

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Revelation 2:1–5 NASB95

1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this: 2 ‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; 3 and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary. 4 ‘But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 ‘Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place—unless you repent.

-(v.1-3) The Apostle John critiques Timothy work in the church of Ephesus. This is written in about 90ad the last book of the bible. You remember the problems of the church that Paul sent Timothy to around 56ad. There was all kinds of false teaching and bad doctrines, but look at how Timothy grew the church notice the commendation that John gives them:

a. You are a godly church

b. You are a persevering church

c. You handle idolatrous/wicked men

d.

d. You hold false teachers to the fire

e. You have endured persecution and trials for his name and have not fallen away

-There was one rebuke however:

a. Lost of love---in there quest to make sure the church is pure, they had become unloving about it. They preached the Truth mixed with little love.

-7 years later in roughly in 97ad Timothy preached against a parade to celebrate the Temple of Dianne and the people in the parade grabbed clubs and beat him to death....This is found in a historical book called “the acts of Timothy” written in about the 4 century.

-Timothy finished his course faithfully as a Christian Martyr.

Conclusion

-Mothers hold one don’t let the ungodly influences in your children life keep you from present joy.

-Mothers teach your children the word, let them see it in your speech and in your actions

-Mothers don’t dog their father even if he is not doing right, pray for him. Your children will see your testimony

-Mothers the testimony of the word supersedes any other influence in your children life. The word will bear fruit.

-Remember God sees your faithfulness and we serve a God the loves to bless faithfulness from his Saints “He hears your cries” Keep pressing on!!!!

Quote

No man is poor who has had a godly mother.

Abraham Lincoln.

An ounce of mother is worth a ton of priest.

Spanish proverb.

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Illustration

Dr. G. Campbell Morgan had 4 sons and they were all preachers. Someone once came into the drawing room when all the family was there. They thought they would see what Howard, one of the sons, was made of so they asked him this question: "Howard, who is the greatest preacher in your family?" Howard had a great admiration for his father and he looked straight across at him and then without a moments hesitation he answered, "Mother."

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