As we reflect of those people who cared for us and raised us, it is fitting that we reflect the great influence of our mothers. We set aside one day a year to show our mothers what their contribution means to each of us.
In 2 Timothy, we see Paul mentioning the Timothy’s grandmother and mother. That their heritage gave to Timothy a baseline faith in Jesus. That they and Timothy had a sincere faith. A dynamite-powered faith that is lived out every day. Not just something you say. But something where words and deeds are paired together.
What does an insincere faith look like? Maybe we proclaim our Christianity privately but unable to live that out in public. Maybe we are not able to do the things that Jesus calls us to do. How do we change? A powerful example or a demonstration of sincere faith by those we trust, maybe our insincere faith can begin to transform into sincerity. Timothy’s mother and grandmother was his trusted example of sincere faith.
Paul describes the result of a sincere faith. Power is an explosive, growing excitement in faith in Jesus. Love is the need to reflect the love of God. And in self-control, it is the ability to do what is right over what we might want to do or what is wrong.
We are not to be ashamed of the gospel. Because if we are shameful of the message of Jesus, we will end up compromising. We tip-toe around tough questions or harsh retorts. Christians will be singled out. Paul notes this by stating that we will join him “in the suffering for the gospel.”
From the beginning of time, God has poured out grace through Jesus. But there is a revelation now that Jesus has come and died. Giving us a pardon by dying for our sins, and inviting us to a new eternal life with God through his resurrection. And we are to continue to demonstrate the faith and guard the truth of Jesus for our whole lives.
We are called to guard the good deposit that was entrusted t0 us. A sincere faith handed down to us by Jesus, by good examples, and by our mothers and grandmothers.
We thank all the mothers and grandmothers who provided a good deposit to each of us!
Happy Mother’s Day!
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. (ESV)
7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (ESV)
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, (ESV)
9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (ESV)
14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. (ESV)