Building a Firm Foundation

2 Timothy 3: 14-15 “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

Timothy was pastoring the church of Ephesus, where the Apostle Paul sent him. His letter is filled with advice and motivation.

Paul’s love for Timothy is very evident; his letters are filled with encouragement, friendship and hope. Although Paul was not Timothy’s biological father, Paul referred to Timothy as “a true son in faith” (1 Timothy 1:2), so Paul saw Timothy as his “Spiritual son. And as Paul concluded his second letter to Timothy, he encouraged him with the words of 2 Timothy 2:14-15.

In the beginning of the letter, Paul recounts to Timothy the Godly influence of Timothy’s mother and grandmother as they taught the Word of God and nurtured his spirit, soul and body with Godly faith from a baby. He had this teaching right through his childhood. 

Paul reminds Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:5 “When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” Timothy’s grandmother and mother diligently studied the scripture, and shared their knowledge of the gospel with Timothy from a young age right through to his young adult life. They never gave up on Timothy and I am sure Timothy went through the normal stressful young adult complications in life as with every teenager and young adult does. They persevered and were faithful to do what God tells us to do when He says in Deuteronomy 6:7 “You 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 rise up.” 

When we can persevere through these times of troubles with the Word of God being placed within our children and grandchildren and not give up, we have a generation that will continue to serve God. Although Timothy experienced many challenges in his ministry, by teaching him the Word of God, his mother and grandmother laid down a strong spiritual foundation for him to stand upon.

We as mothers and fathers and grandmothers and grandfathers need to seek to do the same for our children and grandchildren. By laying down a solid Christian foundation of knowledge and faith with trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are enabling our children to face difficult circumstances that will not let them fall but stand firm on solid rock of faith bound lessons in life. Never give up praying for your children and grandchildren. We must teach our younger generation to love Jesus Christ and to get their guidance from the Word of God. 

Timothy experienced many challenges in his ministry, just as our younger generation are challenged with what the world has become. We cannot give up hope. Just as Paul encouraged Timothy so we are to encourage our young ones. Maybe there are young Timothy’s out there that need to look up to a Spirit filled mother or father or grandparent to guide them.  Take them under your wing and don’t give up on them even when they seem to be impossible.  Jesus loved Judas even though He knew that Judas was to the one who would cause the start of His crucifixion.  Don’t stop praying for the younger generation.

PRAY: Heavenly Father, we ask that You give us strength and perseverance as we teach our children and younger generation about You and Your Word.  Guide us in all seasons, and direct us as we seek to pass down Biblical Truths to the next generation.  Jesus, help us to never depart from your Holy Spirit and to keep our focus on You and You alone.  Help us, Abba Father, to motivate and encourage our young generation to trust in You and to believe in You through every season of their lives. In Jesus Name we pray.  Amen

God Bless

Toby

Dr Marishjean Paton Dr.Div PhD

 Melqowsh Ministries and Melqowsh Bible College

Our thanks to Toby for this month's Blog contribution