Introduction: Evidently, Timothy had a Christian mother. Besides that, his grandmother was a godly woman as well. Do you think that having a Christian mother or grandmother makes a difference? Listen to the inspired words of Paul to Timothy.

“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.” (2Tim 1:5)

 

The word “unfeigned” is ἀνυπόκριτος: (an-oo-pok’-ree-tos), which means sincere, genuine. More importantly, it has to do without hypocrisy. In other words, both his mother and grandmother were real. They were not pretenders or actors. No masks were worn. Apparently, their motives were pure. Their heart was genuine. God saw and was pleased because they were not playing games (Church). Are you sincere? Do you check your motives? What would the Lord say about you?

 

By the way, the name Eunice is an equivalent of the Latin Victoria. Interesting huh? Putting the two words together “unfeigned faith” explains the Holy Spirit’s approval for Timothy’s mother and grandmother. In other words, they had a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. Their faith was in the God of the Bible! Is your faith based on the Word of God? See Rom 10:17.

Furthermore, Luke wrote this concerning Timothy’s parents: “Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek.” (Acts 16:1) Did you catch that? Timothy’s mother was Jewish but she was a believer. Her pure faith in Jesus Christ made her a believer, which she used to influence her son, Timothy. Are you using your God given influence?

 

While it is clear that Timothy’s mother believed in Jesus, there is debate about his Greek father’s faith. Nonetheless, Paul revealed their unfeigned faith which perhaps began through his preaching during first missionary journey

 

Conclusion: So how did God use Timothy’s mother to lay a solid foundation for him?

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2Tim 3:15)

So regardless of your situation, use your GOD GIVEN INFLUENCE!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese