Posts Tagged ‘Timothy’

History Shapers

Posted: August 11, 2011 by Pam Larson in 2 Timothy, August, Devotionals/Commentaries
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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. —2 Timothy 1:5

Who knows what lifelong influence a mother and grandmother can have in the life of a child? Sure, Timothy was strengthened greatly through his relationship with Paul. But the foundation, the early training in the Scriptures, was laid by his godly mother Eunice and grandmother Lois. Is it too much to argue that world history is shaped in the home through godly mothers?
In Spurgeon’s autobiography he says,

Never could it be possible for any man to estimate what he owes to a godly mother. Certainly I have not the powers of speech with which to set forth my valuation of the choice blessing which the Lord bestowed on me in making me the son of one who prayed for me, and prayed with me. How can I ever forget her tearful eye when she warned me to escape from the wrath to come?… How can I ever forget when she bowed her knee, and with her arms about my neck, prayed, “Oh, that my son might live before Thee!”(p. 44)

Benefits God brings through suffering

Posted: July 13, 2011 by Pam Larson in 1 Thessalonians, Devotionals/Commentaries, July
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From Bible study notes on 1 Thessalonians 3:1-10, THE BENEFITS OF GOSPEL AFFLICTION

Paul was writing this letter to a group of Christians who were suffering for their faith. He had the privilege of seeing them receive the message of the Gospel in an exemplary way; but now that they were suffering for the Gospel, he was very concerned – being separated from them – that their faith endure. He received the welcomed news that they had indeed endured, and had even grown! This resulted in an outburst of praise from Paul.

This is a very personal and intimate look at the apostle’s love for the people under his care. And in looking at it, we are shown some of the benefits that God can bring about upon His people when they faithfully endure affliction for the sake of the Gospel. We see that God brought about . . .

I. AN EXPANSION OF THE MINISTRY (vv. 1-2).

A. Paul’s great concern for the spiritual condition of the Thessalonians was so great that he was willing to be left in Athens and to send Timothy to find out how they were.B. As a result, the ministry was expanded, and another good minister was put to work.

II. AN ESTABLISHMENT OF FAITH (vv. 3-4).

Paul’s concern was that the Thessalonians should not be shaken or upset in their faith by the afflictions they were suffering. Paul had helped prevent this by . . .

A. Making sure they knew they were appointed to this.B. Warning them that tribulation would indeed come.

C. Confirm it it through their experience.

III. AN EAGERNESS FOR ENDURANCE (v. 5).

A. Twice Paul said that this was because he could no longer endure the depths of his concern (v. 1, 5).B. He sent to know their faith out of an eagerness to see them endure:

1. Concerned that the devil had tempted them.2. Concerned that, as a result, his labor and that of his co-workers had been in vain.

IV. AN ENCOURAGEMENT IN COMFORT (vv. 6-8).

A. He was greatly encouraged by the news from Timothy:

1. Of their faith.2. Of their love.

3. Of their good remembrance of Paul and his co-workers.

4. Of their desire to see Paul.

B. This good news comforted Paul in his affliction and distress

C. His encouragement was wrapped up in the fact of their endurance.

V. AN EXCITEMENT OF PRAISE (vv. 9-10).

A. There is thanks to God for the Thessalonians.B. There is joy before God because of their faith.

C. There is increased intercession for them:

1. To see them.2. To perfect what is lacking in their faith.