SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE FROM MAY 10, 2020

RAISING TIMOTHY // Acts 16:1-3, 2 Timothy 1:5

What kind of child will this be? For the spiritual success of our children we must pursue God’s best, striving to make his desires our desires and our child’s desires. How does a mother raise a Timothy? 1. She places herself in a positive Christian context. “Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra.” Acts 16:1a Lois and Eunice came to saving faith in midlife. Paul came to them, but we can also “pursue Paul” by actively looking for a positive Christian environment, a community that will shape and encourage our spiritual development. 2. She submits herself under the lordship of Jesus Christ. “a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek.” Acts 16:1b Timothy’s mother became a Christian. She is now caught up in what God is doing in her life and her children cannot escape the hand of God. The answer to the question, “Who is in charge of my home?” begins to shift—Christ is now king. 3. She gives herself to making disciples in the home. “A disciple was there, named Timothy” Acts 16:1c The text indicates that Paul is meeting Timothy for the first time and finds him already a Christian. How did Timothy become a Christ-follower? Most likely: because his mother led him to Christ. “and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings” 2 Timothy 3:15a Biblical Goals for Every Mother: 1. Bible exposure 3. A gospel encounter 2. Church experience 4. A Godly environment 4. She devotes herself to a life of spiritual maturity. “He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium” Acts 16:2 Timothy had a rich, deep faith about him. The implication is that his mother was in the wings encouraging him. His mother and grandmother led him in a life of spiritual growth. Parents must walk the journey to maturity with their child. “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 5. She takes herself out of God’s way. “Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek” Acts 16:3 There is no resistance from his mother when Timothy leaves to be a missionary. She has the humility and spiritual maturity to bow out, recognizing the child is the Lord’s before he is hers. Don’t sabotage what God is doing in your child’s life.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. How has the influence of our mothers impacted our spiritual development? What elements of their example can we implement in our own lives? 2. What are some ways our homes show our submission to the lordship of Christ? What are some practical ways this submission can be communicated to the younger generation? 3. What does it look like to “get out of God’s way”? How might we be tempted to sabotage God’s work in the lives of our children?