◄ What Does 2 Timothy 1:5 Mean? ►

As Paul was nearing the end of his ministry, we discover that all but a handful of believers had deserted him and many were straying from the gospel of grace. Following a life of hardship and pain where he determined to preach nothing but Christ crucified, we discover Paul at the end of his life, alone and in a Roman prison cell. He obviously recalled the sincere faith that so exemplified this special young disciple as he wrote his final epistle, but so too did he recall the sincere faith of Timothy's mother and grandmother.

What a testimony to the faithful foundational work of Lois and Eunice who knew the value of bringing up children in the ways of the Lord so that when they are grown-up, they will not depart from it. And what a wonderful example of the value of godly parenthood in infancy, throughout early childhood, and into the teenage years.

What an encouragement to Christian mothers and grandmothers (as well as the fathers and grandfathers) to pass on the gospel of God's grace to each new generation of children, and to teach them the things of God.

What eternal rewards there are when we speak the truth to children and young people, and to encourage them to read, mark, learn, recite, inwardly digest, and meditate upon the holy Scripture, day by day, as they grow into adulthood so that they in turn will become instrumental in teaching the next generation the wisdom of God.

Let every Christian man and woman who loves the Lord follow the godly example of these two women, and let us play our part in educating a new generation in the things of God, in Jesus' name who died for us all.

Thank You, Father, for the privilege and opportunity we have to instruct the children you have placed in our care, in the ways of the Lord. Help us to be diligent in training up our young people in the way they should go, and bring them to a saving faith. In Jesus' name, AMEN.