sf832 - FAITH OF OUR MOTHERS (2 Timothy 1 3-5)

2 Timothy 1:3-5

Introduction

Mean Mom (see attached)

Biblical context

Writing of Timothy, his son in the faith, Paul could say, with frankness, “There is no one like Timothy (Philippians 2:20).

What in Timothy justified such a commendation?

Part of the answer is given in our text; recalling Timothy’s sterling qualities, Paul singles out his “sincere faith” for special mention (2 Timothy 1:5), and then immediately affirms that this faith dwelt first in Timothy’s grandmother Lois, and in his mother Eunice.

Paul implies that but for the faith found in Lois and Eunice it is unlikely that there would have been any faith found in Timothy!

We have here, the faith of three generations—Lois, Eunice and Timothy. What a commentary this is on the faith of our mothers!

Let us examine the kind of faith every mother needs…

1A. A Mother’s Faith should be a Sincere Faith (1:5)

1B. The legacy of a mother’s faith – “mindful”

“mindful” = hupomneôsis; a reminding, reminder:

A faith that is enduring

Ø When God wrote His hall of fame He only included men and women of faith (Hebrews 11)

“By faith Abel” (Hebrews 11:4), “By faith Enoch” (11:5), “Through faith… Sara” (11:11), “By faith …Rahab” (11:31), and so on.

2B. The quality of a mother’s faith – “sincere”

A faith that is priceless

Proverbs 31:10 (NKJV) 10Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.

Ø The world may cry, “What is a man without money?” but the Christian replies, “What is a man without faith?”

2A. A Mother’s Faith should be a Shared Faith (3:14)

1B. Shared by personal instruction- “learned” (3:14a)

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (NKJV) 6“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

2B. Shared by practical demonstration – “convinced of” (3:14b)

Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV) 6Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Mrs. Wesley's Rules

Susannah Wesley spent one hour each day praying for her 17 children. In addition, she took each child aside for a full hour every week to discuss spiritual matters with him or her. No wonder two of her sons, Charles and John, were used of God to bring blessing to all of England and much of America.

Here are a few rules she followed in training her children:

1. Subdue self-will in a child and thus work together with God to save his soul.

2. Teach him to pray as soon as he can speak.

3. Give him nothing he cries for and only what is good for him if he asks for it politely.

4. To prevent lying, punish no fault which is freely confessed, but never allow a rebellious, sinful act to go unnoticed.

5. Commend and reward good behavior.

6. Strictly observe all promises you have made to your child.

3A. A Mother’s Faith should be a Saving Faith (3:15)

1B. A faith that rests on the Scriptures (3:15a)

Romans 10:17 (NKJV) 17So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Psalm 119:9 (NKJV) 9How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.

Psalm 119:11 (NKJV) 11Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

Psalm 119:105 (NKJV) 105Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

2B. A faith that results in salvation (3:15b)

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) 8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Application

Our homes need faithful mothers.

Our homes need mothers of faith.

Forsaking

All

I

Trust

Him

FAITH OF OUR MOTHERS
2 Timothy 1:3-5

1A. A Mother’s Faith should be a _______________________ Faith (1:5)

1B. The ________ of a mother’s faith – “mindful”

2B. The _________ of a mother’s faith – “sincere”

A faith that is ______________ (Proverbs 31:10)

2A. A Mother’s Faith should be a __________________ Faith (3:14)

1B. Shared by personal _________________ (14a)