Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction:

Writing of Timothy, his son in the faith, Paul could say, with unaffected frankness, “I have no man likeminded (Philippians 2:20), or, as another translation reads, “There is no one like Timothy.”

What in Timothy justified such a commendation?

Part of the answer is given in our text; recalling Timothy’s sterling qualities, Paul singles out his “unfeigned faith” for special mention (2 Timothy 1:5), and then immediately affirms that this faith dwelt first in Timothy’s grandmother Lois, and in his mother Eunice.

Paul implies that but for the faith found in Lois and Eunice it is unlikely that there would have been any faith found in Timothy!

We have here, then, the faith of three generations—Lois, Eunice and Timothy.

What a commentary this is on the faith of our mothers!

[Stephen F. Olford, Institutes of Biblical Preaching, Volume One (Memphis, TN: Olford Ministries International, 1980).]

Body:

I.

An Assured Faith (2 Tim.

1:5)

A. Assured in the Scriptures

Note - show the importance of how a daily devotional time impacts the heart

B. Assured in the Savior

Note - Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey - he brought the fulness of the knowledge of Christ to their Scripture-saturated home.

Illustration-

e.g.

An African chief wanted to know the secret of Britain’s greatness.

Queen Victoria, holding a Bible in her hand, said, “Tell the chief that this book, the Bible, is the secret of our greatness.”

[Stephen F. Olford, Institutes of Biblical Preaching, Volume One (Memphis, TN: Olford Ministries International, 1980).]

II.

An Authentic Faith (2 Tim.

3:14-15)

Note - No one can communicate the deep things of life on a daily basis like mom.

A. Personal Education

Note - “…thou hast learned...” Discuss the importance of communicating God’s truth from the parents to the children in the OT.

B. Practical Example

Note - “…been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them...”

There was a reality in their lives that showed and backed up the faith that they taught Timothy.

Illustration-

e.g.

John Newton, in his most profligate days, could never forget his mother at whose knees he had learned to pray, but who was, taken to heaven when he was only eight years old.

My mother’s God, the God of mercy, have mercy upon me!” was often his agonizing prayer when in danger or in trouble.

That prayer was gloriously answered—not only in Newton’s life, but also in his subsequent ministry.

In another family, such was the impression that Susannah Wesley made on her son, John, that she has been called “The mother of Methodism.”

[Olford]

III.

A Faith to Be Admired (2 Tim.

1:5)

Note - Paul stated when I call to remembrance...

A. An Abiding Faith

Note - “…first in thy grandmother… mother...” The most priceless treasure any person can gain is to have faith.

See Hebrews 11:4; 5; 11; 31.

Illustration-

… the preciousness and power of a living faith.

F. B. Meyer once said: “It is not the quantity of faith, but the quality of faith, that is important.

A grain of mustard seed and a pellet of dust are similar in appearance, but the difference is immense.

The one has no life burning at the heart of it, while the other contains life as God kindled it.

Faith that has in it the principle of life is a faith with God in it.”

[Olford]

B. An Ageless Faith

Note - “…the unfeigned faith...” Seasons may come and go, but a mother’s heart is never out of date.

Illustration-

… e.g.

William McKinley, as a lawyer, congressman, Governor of Ohio, and President of the United States, kept in touch with his mother every day.

When he didn’t see her, he wrote or telegraphed.

In mid-October of 1897, he quietly left the White House and took a train to Canton just so he could walk to church with her again.

When she became ill, he arranged to have a special train standing by at full steam, ready to take him to her bedside.

Then one night she did call for him.

Immediately he wired, ‘Tell Mother I’ll be there.’

Mrs. McKinley died December 12, 1897, in the arms of her 54-year-old son.

Her gentle, Christian virtues helped mold the President’s character, for when he was gunned down in Buffalo, New York, about 4 years later, he showed no bitterness toward his assassin.

With Christian courage he said, ‘God’s will be done.’

Before he died, he asked to hear once again the hymn, ‘Nearer, My God, to Thee,’ which his mother had taught him.

Our Daily Bread (Dennis J. DeHaan) [Olford]

Conclusion:

a

Faith of our mothers!

living still,

In spite of dark’ning days of doubt;

O how our beings glow and thrill,

When that word “faith” is sounded out!

Faith of our mothers!

gift of grace,

Born of the Spirit from on high;

Nourished by Scripture, strong to face,

Forces of evil when they re nigh.

Faith of our mothers!

Lord preserve,

This priceless treasure to us all;

That through our families we may serve

Duty or danger when they call.

So bless our mothers!

every one,

Bless them for holy faith and love;

God bless them now for work well done,

Then honor them in realms above.

S. F. O. (Tune: Faith of our Fathers)

Stephen F. Olford, Institutes of Biblical Preaching, Volume One (Memphis, TN: Olford Ministries International, 1980).