Eunice & Lois
Providing a positive influence to follow
2005043
Topic # 2634 women
Introduction:
A. We are introduced to Eunice & Lois in 2 Timothy 1:5.
1. Paul writing to Timothy – seeking to stir him up in the faith.
2. Timothy had a good background – where the influence of his mother & grandmother helped him become the great preacher, helper of Paul, and man of God he was.
B. We know very little from his mother and grandmother.
1. But the result of their influence and teaching is easy to see as we go throughout the NT.
I. Timothy’s background.
A. Acts 16:1-2. Timothy raised by God fearing, God believing woman.
1. Text says father was a Greek (a non believer).
a) So the spiritual training fell to mom. No small feat!
b) If not for mom, where would have Timothy ended up?
2. She patiently taught her son, lived her faith.
a) It is in the small areas of life that we make the big impressions on our children.
b) Everyday actions: Kindness? Genuine trust in God? Living faith in every circumstance? A person of prayer?
c) It is in these areas that we children see their parent’s faith is real.
B. 2 Tim. 1:5 – Timothy was from a family of believers.
1. Grandmother was a believer and then passed it on to his mother.
C. 2 Tim. 3:14-15 – Timothy was taught the Scriptures from an early age.
1. His mother did not wait until he was grown to teach him.
2. If we can influence our children at an early age – there is a better chance of raising godly children.
D. Children need to be taught about God at an early age instead of waiting until they’re “grown up.”
1. Deut. 6:6-9
2. While father is supposed to be the spiritual head, the majority of the teaching often falls on mom.
a) If not for mom – many children would not be taught properly.
b) Requires time. But she did not give up on her responsibilities. Eunice was faithful & willing to do the extra work.
3. How much time are you willing to spend for your children?
a) Willing to do the extra work to instruct them about God & His word?
b) We must be willing to pass on spiritual truths to our children!
c) Mother in counseling office. Counselor said, Lets see, you spend 50 % of time/energy on the job; 50 % on your husband and 50% on your children. I think I see your problem.
4. The most important thing is our children’s spiritual growth. Must not neglect it.
E. Mothers have much to offer in light of spiritual teaching. Pro. 6:20; 31:10-31
1. Present the picture of a godly mother/wife.
2. how to be a hard worker
3. how to be a good servant of God
II. Who Timothy Became.
A. Due to his religious upbringing, Timothy was prepared to become an important worker for the Lord.
1. Acts 16:2 – possessed a good reputation amongst the brethren.
2. His work…
a) 2 Tim. 4:1-2; Acts 16:1 – he was an evangelist.
b) Acts 16:3 – he traveled with Paul.
3. He was the recipient of 2 pastoral letters.
B. Pro. 22:6. if child is instilled with God’s truth at an early age, it is probable that he will grow into a productive person/Christian.
1. Do we believe this?
2. Integrity, knowledge, etc. is not instilled overnight.
3. We must use the time we have today to prepare our children spiritually.
C. A Mother’s Influence: Poem.
III. How did Timothy Get to this Point?
A. Timothy became the person of God he was because his mother taught him God’s truths.
1. She took an interest in his future spiritual condition.
2. Parents, what are we doing today?
3. Do we encourage our children by:
a) Example? Words? Apathy?
B. Parents today must recognize what is at stake.
1. Children are ours only for a short time.
a) Then they’re off to make their own lives.
C. Parents: You are teaching your children something!
1. Mt. 14:3-8 – ways of the world. OR
2. 2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14-15 – ways of God.
Conclusion:
A. Mothers deserve the honor/respect due them.
B. Let us thank God for our godly mothers.
