Motherhood
Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God might not be something you do, but someone you mentor or raise. Mother’s Day is a day of celebration for some and a painful reminder for others. The former may feel they can never measure up to the high calling passed on to them by their moms. The latter may feel they’re too hurt or damaged to mentor or raise someone else.
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KEY VERSES
2 TIMOTHY 1:5-6 (NASB)
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.6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
2 TIMOTHY 3:14-15 (NASB)
14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and 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.
ACTS 16:1-3 (NASB)
1 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek, 2 and he was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted this man to [a]go with him; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
UNDERSTANDING
What would you say are the most important factors that play into being a good mom?
What is one life lesson you learned from your mom that has stuck with you over the years?
How do you notice some of the traits and habits of your mom in yourself?
How do you think your mom’s example has affected you?
How active of a role did your parent(s) play in your spiritual growth? What is your role in the spiritual growth of other people?
What do you learn about Timothy’s spiritual upbringing from these verses?
Since Timothy had learned the Holy Scriptures since childhood, what can you infer about Lois and Eunice’s (2 Tim. 1:5) view of the Word of God?
Can a mom or any of us pass along sincere faith to the next generation without demonstrating a genuine love for the Word of God? Explain.
Is it enough for a person to have respect for God’s Word, or is something more required for true discipleship to take place? What do the phrases, “continue in” and “become convinced of” in verse 14 tell you about Paul’s heart for Timothy?
If a child must learn to own his or her faith and love for God’s Word, then what is a mom or dad’s role in that process?
Take a few moments to think back through the communities of faith you’ve been a part of. In those experiences, how was faith passed down to a new generation?
Based on verse 5, had Timothy owned his faith? What types of things would Paul need to have seen in Timothy’s life to categorize his faith as “sincere”?
What does it mean to you when someone encourages and affirms you in your faith?
Why is it important to do this for the people in your life, particularly your children, if you have been blessed with kids?
How do Paul’s words about Lois and Eunice in verse 5 encourage, challenge, or motivate you in your own ministry efforts?
If Timothy had a sincere faith, then why would Paul feel the need to tell him to “kindle afresh the gift of God” (v. 6) that was within him? In your own words, what does it mean to “kindle afresh the gift of God”?
Why do you think the writer of Acts described Timothy’s family background (16:1)?
What reputation did Timothy have among Christians (16:2)?
How did Timothy’s qualities and background make him an asset to the missionary team?
Why do you think Paul wanted Timothy to go with him?
APPLICATION
We’ve learned that the way we can impact future generations is by: instilling in them a respectful attitude of God’s Word, a sincere faith, and a desire to serve others in ministry. Who has God placed in your life to parent or mentor? What are some practical steps you can take to impact that person (or people) in those three ways?
At LCC, we believe God has called us to partner with families to train and equip the next generation to love and serve Jesus. As a group, how are we doing at living out that calling? How can we do better?
WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?
Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you.
GIVING
Everything that happens at LCC is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through LCC, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and are making a difference for the Lowcountry and around the world.