HELP FOR THE HOME

(“The Legacy Of Timothy’s Mom”)

II Timothy 1:1-5; 3:14-15 (NASU)

^1:5“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 … ^3:15and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

(II Timothy 1:5; 3:15)

(A) A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY

(1) Timothy is mentioned by name twenty-four times in the New Testament – always in connection with the Apostle Paul. Indeed, Paul mentions Timothy in twelve of his fourteen letters¹ – two of which were addressed directly to him (c.f. I Timothy 1:1-2; II Timothy 1:1-2).

(2) Timothy traveled extensively with Paul (c.f. Acts 16:3; 18:5), sharing in the work of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Hence, Paul referred to him as, “my fellow worker” (c.f. Romans 16:21) – and said that he was “doing the Lord’s work, as I also am” (c.f. I Corinthians 16:10).

(3) Even though Paul refers to Timothy in this morning’s Scripture lesson as “my beloved son” (c.f. II Timothy 1:2), Timothy was not Paul’s biological child – especially since it appears Paul was never married (c.f. I Corinthians 7:7). Rather, the Book of Acts tells us Timothy was the son of “a Greek” father and “a Jewish” mother (c.f. Acts 16:1). We’re also told that his mother was “a believer” – that is, she was a Christian (c.f. Acts 16:1). However, there’s no indication the same thing was true of his father.

(4) So why does Paul refer to Timothy as his “son” (c.f. I Timothy 1:18) – even his “beloved son” (c.f. II Timothy 2:2; see also I Corinthians 4:17)?

Some believe it’s because Timothy may have been converted under Paul’s ministry, which would have made him the apostle’s spiritual son – his “child in the Lord”, as Paul refers to him in on place (c.f. I Corinthians 4:17) – or his “true child in the faith”, as he calls him in another (c.f. I Timothy 1:2).

This explanation is certainly possible, even though Scripture never comes right and says whether Timothy was converted as a direct result of Paul’s ministry or not.

Remember, too, that the great apostle would have had many similar sons (and daughters). And yet, there seems to have been a very special bond between Paul and Timothy – one that he did not have with many of his other coverts – a bond that, when they were separated, caused Paul (in verse four) to “long to see Timothy” again – and had “filled” Timothy’s eyes with “tears” when the separation took place (c.f. II Timothy 1:4)

(5) This special bond leads us to another possible answer to our question, which I think is more likely the correct one – namely, that in Timothy, Paul not only found a young man with whom he naturally “hit it off” (as we sometimes say today) – a young man for whom he felt a special, father-like affection – he also found someone who had a similar passion for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Hence, he tells the Philippians: ¹⁹“… 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. ²⁰For I have no one else OF KINDRED SPIRIT (literally, “no one of the same mind”)⁶ who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. ²¹For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. ²²But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel LIKE A CHILD SERVING HIS FATHER” (c.f. Philippians 2:19-22).

I think that in Timothy, Paul found the closest thing to a “father-child” relationship he would ever know on this earth – not just because there was a kind of natural bond between them – but because in Timothy Paul found someone who shared his commitment to the “interests … of Christ Jesus” and “the furtherance of the gospel”, as well as his sacrificial “concern” for the spiritual “welfare” of those who had responded positively to the preaching of that Gospel (c.f. Philippians 2:20-22).

(B) A MOTHER’S ROLE

(1) Timothy undoubtedly owed a great debt to Paul for his spiritual growth and maturity in Christ (c.f. II Timothy 3:14). Having said that, however, I think his feet had been set on the right path long before he ever met the great apostle. Paul seems to acknowledge this himself, saying (in verse five): “… I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, WHICH FIRST DWELT IN YOUR grandmother Lois and your MOTHER EUNICE …” (c.f. II Timothy 1:5) – while over in chapter three, verse fifteen, he reminds Timothy that “… FROM CHILDHOOD you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (c.f. II Timothy 3:15).

(2) Scripture exhorts Christian “fathers” to take the lead in seeing that their “children” are brought “up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (c.f. Ephesians 6:4) – however, that doesn’t mean mothers have no role to play in these matters. On the contrary, the Book of Proverbs says: “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction and do not forsake YOUR MOTHER’S TEACHING” (c.f. Proverbs 1:8) – and again: “My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake THE TEACHING OF YOUR MOTHER” (c.f. Proverbs 6:20). Even the introduction to Proverbs chapter Thirty-One describes it as an “oracle” taught “King Lemuel” by “his mother” (c.f. Proverbs 31:1).

(3) In Timothy’s case – since his father was apparently an unbeliever (see Acts 16:1) – the entire responsibility for bringing him up “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (c.f. Ephesians 6:4) fell to his mother “Eunice”, who may have been helped in this regard by Timothy’s grandmother “Lois” (c.f. II Timothy 1:5).

Together, these two women – by Christ’s enabling grace – were instrumental, not only in Timothy becoming a Christian, but also a useful servant in Christ’s kingdom. Indeed, by God’s grace, they were able to lay the foundation upon which Paul would later build – even the groundwork upon which Timothy eventually became the great apostle’s “beloved son” (c.f. II Timothy 1:2), his “fellow worker in the gospel of Christ” (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:2), and his “kindred spirit” (c.f. Philippians 2:20).

(4) Some people are converted to Christ out of non-Christian, or even non-religious backgrounds. In other words, they grew up in homes where neither parent (nor anyone else in their immediate family) were Christians – where they were never taken to Sunday School or worship – where the bible was never read, nor prayers ever offered – and where the name “Jesus” was not revered, but used mainly for swearing. AND YET, (by God’s power and grace) He mercifully reached down and saved them – snatching them from the fire (as it were) (c.f. Jude 1:22) – much like He did with King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (c.f. Daniel 4:1-37), and Saul of Tarsus (c.f. Acts 9:1-19), and even that generation of Assyrians living in the city of Nineveh in the days of Jonah the prophet (c.f. Jonah 3:1-10). Perhaps some of you were converted out of such a background.

(5) Scripture tells us, however, that ordinarily people are converted to Christ because God has sovereignly arranged for them to grow up in a home where one or both parents are Christians – where they have the distinct “advantage” (c.f. Romans 3:1-2) of being taught the Scriptures “from childhood” (c.f. II Timothy 3:15) – where they learn early on about their need for “salvation”, and how that can only be found “through faith … in Christ Jesus” (c.f. II Timothy 3:15) – where the faith of previous generations is passed on to them, in keeping with a passage found in Psalm Seventy-Eight that says (in part): ³“… our fathers … told us … ⁴(and now we will tell) the generation to come the praises of the Lord … ⁵… that they (in turn) should teach them to their children” (c.f. Psalm 78:3-5).

This is how Timothy became a Christian – because God had sovereignly placed him in a home where both his grandmother and mother were women of “sincere faith” (c.f. II Timothy 1:5) – and where Timothy’s mom started passing that faith on to him at a very early age (c.f. II Timothy 3:15).

(6) We must NEVER (EVER) attribute the work of salvation to anything or anyone other than God – and God alone! Psalm Three says: “Salvation belongs to the Lord …” (c.f. Psalm 3:8) – Psalm Thirty-Seven says: “… salvation … is from the Lord” (c.f. Psalm 37:39) – while Psalm Sixty-Two says: “… from Him comes my salvation” (c.f. Psalm 62:1, NKJV).

God alone saves sinful people – you and I do not. God alone saves our children – we do not. And yet, it’s also true that God glorifies Himself (in part) by stooping to work through weak, finite creatures like ourselves, to bring about the salvation of His elect. In Timothy’s case, the Lord used his mother (and probably even his grandmother) to bring about his conversion to Christ.

(C) A SINCERE FAITH

(1) So – what’s the best and greatest heritage² a mother (or father) can pass on to their children? What’s the best and greatest inheritance any parent can pass on to their son or daughter? Is it a successful family business? – or a sizeable bank account? Is it an antique vase? – or a cabin in the mountains? Based on the passages before us this morning, the best and greatest heritage any parent can pass on to their children is a “sincere faith”, like that Paul speaks of in our text (c.f. II Timothy 1:5).

(2) We should not confuse Paul’s reference to a “sincere faith” (c.f. II Timothy 1:5), however, with the notion that it doesn’t matter what people believe as long as they are “sincere” – as long as they hold to their beliefs honestly and earnestly – or as long as they are heartfelt about what they accept as true (regardless of whether it’s true or not). Sincerity, in the sense of truly believing something, has nothing to do with whether that something is actually good or bad – right or wrong – true or false. Truth is truth, whether people believe it or not – and that which is wrong or false is wrong or false, no matter how many people sincerely think otherwise.

(3) Notice, then, that the “sincere faith” of which Paul speaks in chapter one verse five (c.f. II Timothy 1:5), is actually defined for us in chapter three verse fifteen as, “the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (c.f. II Timothy 3:15). Hence, the “faith” Paul saw in Timothy, as well as his mother and grandmother before him, is something very specific – namely, a “faith” that has the Person and Work of Jesus Christ as its object – as opposed to some nebulous belief one has conjured up on their own.

(4) The object of one’s faith, then, determines whether that faith is well-placed or misplaced – helpful or hurtful – beneficial or of no consequence. In the case of Christians, the object of our faith is Jesus Christ.

Having said that, however, it’s important to note that the Greek word Paul used for “sincere” (in chapter one verse five) (c.f. II Timothy 1:5) literally means “unfeigned”, “without hypocrisy”, or “not hypocritical”.³ In other words, Timothy’s faith – the same faith passed on to him by his mother and grandmother – was genuine and honest, without pretense or deceit.²

Some people pretend to be Christians, when they know deep down that they aren’t. But not Timothy – he was the genuine article.

Some people have fooled themselves into thinking they have saving faith, when they don’t. But not Timothy – his faith was authentic and real. It actually resulted in his salvation.

Some people believe in Jesus the Man, or Jesus the Teacher, or Jesus the Good Example – but not in Jesus the only Savior of sinners (c.f. Acts 4:12). But not Timothy – his faith was the same as the Apostle Paul’s, in this regard, that he was trusting solely and only in Jesus Christ for his salvation, and not in any works or effort of his own (c.f. Ephesians 2:8-9) – or any supposed “goodness” in himself.

(5) Timothy’s “faith” was “sincere” for at least two reasons (c.f. II Timothy 1:5). First, according to chapter three verse fifteen, Timothy’s faith was based on “the sacred writings” taught him “from childhood” (c.f. II Timothy 3:15).

By the way, the Greek word translated “childhood” (“brephos”) refers to a newborn baby⁴ – which implies Timothy’s mother began teaching him God’s word from the day he was born – certainly long before he could talk, or understand everything she was telling him – which (in turn) tells us that it’s never too early to start training up our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (c.f. Ephesians 6:4).

So don’t wait until your son or daughter is two or three years old – start teaching them about Jesus when they are two or three months old – even two or three days old! Read to them about Jesus – sing to them about Jesus – talk to them about Jesus – make the name of Jesus so familiar to their ears, that they will never remember a time when they did not know that “name which is above every name” (c.f. Philippians 2:9)!

As for Paul’s reference to “the sacred writings” (c.f. II Timothy 3:15) – that’s clearly a reference to the Scriptures. In Paul’s day, those “writings” were the Old Testament – but its application for us today includes “all Scripture (that has been) inspired by God” (c.f. II Timothy 3:16) – which now includes both the Old and the New Testaments.

There are others “writings” people of different faiths consider to be “sacred” (c.f. II Timothy 3:15). For Muslims, it’s the Koran – for Hindus, it’s the Vedas – for Mormons, it’s the Book of Mormon.⁵ But, only the Bible is “the word of God” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:13) – only the Bible has been “inspired by God” (c.f. II Timothy 3:16) – only in the Bible do we find the writings of men who were being “moved by the Holy Spirit” as they wrote (c.f. II Peter 1:21).

Therefore, it’s only in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments that we find the truth about why and how we must be saved – only in the Bible do we find “the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (c.f. II Timothy 3:15) – only in the Bible do we find everything we need to know in order to have a “sincere faith” (c.f. II Timothy 1:5). So teach your children the Scriptures – because in doing so, you will be teaching them the way of eternal life (c.f. John 5:39)!

(6) The other reason Timothy’s “faith” was “sincere” (c.f. II Timothy 1:5) is because it was centered on Jesus Christ – and Him alone. Hence, Paul says in chapter three verse fifteen that, “the wisdom that leads to salvation” tells us we are saved “through faith … in Christ Jesus” (c.f. II Timothy 3:15).

There are lots of people today who say they believe in God – and I have no reason to doubt the sincerity of many of them. However, a “sincere CHRISTIAN faith” – a “sincere BIBLICAL faith” – is not based simply upon believing in God – not even in the true God. It’s based on believing in God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ!

If you find that idea hard to accept, or doubt what I just said, then consider these verses – First John chapter Five (starting at verse ten): ¹⁰“The one who believes in the Son of God (i.e. Jesus) … believe(s) in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. ¹¹And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. ¹²HE WHO HAS THE SON HAS (ETERNAL) LIFE; HE WHO DOES NOT HAVE THE SON OF GOD DOES NOT HAVE (ETERNAL) LIFE” (c.f. I John 5:10-12).

Or, consider Jesus’ own words in John chapter six, where He said: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who BELIEVES IN ME has everlasting life” (c.f. John 6:47, NKJV) – not He who simply believes in God.

Or, consider anew the often-quoted, and just as often-misunderstood verse from the Gospel of John, where Jesus also said: “… God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever BELIEVES IN HIM (Who’s the “Him”? It’s JESUS, not God the Father) (“whoever BELIEVES IN HIM – i.e. JESUS) shall not perish, but have eternal life” (c.f. John 3:16).

The bottom line is this – the only truly “sincere faith” (c.f. II Timothy 1:5), in the biblical sense of that phrase, is that faith which trusts in Jesus Christ (and Him alone) for salvation. All other so-called “faiths” – be they organized or personal – are deceitful, and utterly worthless!

(D) SOME FINAL THOUGHTS

(1) By way of application, then, I feel compelled to begin by asking you if your “faith” is “sincere” (c.f. II Timothy 1:5)? In other words, is the faith you claim to have based on the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments (or is it based on something else – like, another set of religious writings – or your “gut” – or what some so-called celebrity thinks)? Is the faith you are betting your life on – the faith you are putting your hope in (both for this life and the next), centered solely and only on the Person and Work of Jesus Christ (or is it centered on someone or something else)?

Scripture says: “there is salvation in NO ONE ELSE; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (c.f. Acts 4:12) (except for the name of Jesus). Jesus Himself once said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father BUT THROUGH ME” (c.f. John 14:6). While a verse we read earlier says: “He who has the Son has the life; he who does NOT have the Son of God does NOT have (eternal) life” (c.f. I John 5:12).

So, if you care at all about whether or not your “faith” is “sincere” (c.f. II Timothy 1:5) – if you care at all about whether you will stand before God covered in the offensive guilt of your sins, or with your sins forgiven – if you care at all about what’s going to happen to you after you die – if care anything at all about what your eternal future holds – then turn to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, because they alone will point you to Jesus Christ (c.f. John 5:39)! They alone will “give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (c.f. II Timothy 3:15).

(2) Finally, then, a word to you mothers (and fathers). How can you ever hope to pass on the legacy of a “sincere faith” (c.f. II Timothy 1:5) to your children? How can you ever hope to teach your sons and daughters “the sacred writings” in such a way that it will lead to their “salvation through faith … in Christ Jesus” (c.f. II Timothy 3:15)? How can you ever hope to duplicate what “Eunice” (and “Lois”) did for Timothy (c.f. II Timothy 1:5; 3:15)?

(a) First, you must make certain you are a Christian yourself – for you cannot pass on what you do not possess. You can’t leave your children an inheritance of one million dollars, if you don’t have one million dollars – and in the same way, you cannot point your children to Christ, if you yourself have not turned to Him in repentance and faith. Hence, the oft-quoted passage from Deuteronomy Chapter Six says: ⁶“These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. ⁷(And then) You shall teach them diligently to your sons (at every opportunity) …” (c.f. Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Note that God’s word has to be “on our heart” first, before we can teach it to our children! Christ has to be “in our heart” first, before we can tell our children about Him in any meaningful, effective way!

(b) Second, we must actually teach our children about Christ – and do so diligently. The local church can help in this regard (through various teaching programs like Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School) – but in Scripture, the responsibility for educating children in “the discipline and instruction of the Lord” is clearly put on parents (c.f. Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Ephesians 6:4). Our children need to hear about Christ from our lips – from the lips of their mother (and father) – and, they need to see that He has made a real difference in the way we live our lives.

(c) Third, we must ultimately rely on God’s enabling grace – for, as we pointed out earlier, He is the One who saves our children, not us. To use a metaphor from the Book of Psalms, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it …” (c.f. Psalm 127:1) – i.e. the Lord must be drawing our children to Himself, in order for our efforts to be successful.

(d) Finally, we must learn to hope in God’s covenant promises to us and our children – especially the one where He says to Abraham, “I will establish My covenant between Me and you AND YOUR DESCENDANTS after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you AND TO YOUR DESCENDANTS after you” (c.f. Genesis 17:7) – a promise that’s repeated in Acts Chapter Two, on the Day of Pentecost, when Peter told his audience that the promises (i.e. God’s covenant promises) regarding salvation are “for you AND YOUR CHILDREN” (c.f. Acts 2:39).

BIBLIOGRAPHY

¹Bible Companion Series: Strong’s Concordance; Word

#5095.

²MacArthur: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary;

II Timothy; p. 8.

³Bible Companion Series: IBID; Word #505.

⁴IBID; Word #1025.

⁵http://www.sacred-texts.com/sbe/index.htm

⁶Bible Companion Series: IBID; Word #2473.