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2 Timothy 1:3-5 - Homilies By T. Croskery

Thankful declaration of love and remembrance of Timothy's faith.

I. THE APOSTLE 'S AFFECTIONATE INTEREST IN HIS YOUNG DISCIPLE . "I give thanks to God, whom I serve from my forefathers in a pure conscience, as unceasing is the remembrance I have of thee in my prayers night and day; greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy."

1 . The apostle begins all Epistles with the language of thanksgiving. God is the Object of thanksgiving, both as God of nature and as God of grace, and there is no blessing we have received that ought not to be thankfully acknowledged.

2 . It is allowable for a good man to take pleasure in the thought of a consistently conscientious career. His service of God was according to the principles and feelings he inherited from his ancestors "in a pure conscience" ( Acts 23:1 ; Acts 24:14 ).

3 . Ministers ought to be much engaged in prayer for one another so as to strengthen each other ' s hands.

4 . The thought of approaching death makes us long to see the friends who have been most endeared to us in life.

II. THE APOSTLE 'S THANKSGIVING FOR TIMOTHY 'S FAITH . "Being put in remembrance of the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that also in thee."

1 . The quality of this faith. "Unfeigned." Timothy was "an Israelite indeed," who believed with the heart unto righteousness, his faith working by love to God and man, and accompanied by good works.

2 . its permanent character. "It dwelt in him." Faith is an abiding grace; Christ, who is its Author, is also its Finisher; and salvation is inseparably connected with it.

3 . The subjects of this faith. "First in thy grandmother Lois, and in thy mother Eunice."

(a) It is pleasant to see faith transmitted through three generations. It is sin, and not grace, that is easily transmitted by blood. But when we are "born, not of blood, but of God," we have reason to be thankful, like the apostle, for such a display of rich family mercy.

(b) We see here the advantages of a pious education, for it was from the persons named he obtained in his youth that knowledge of the Scriptures which made him wise unto salvation ( 2 Timothy 3:15 ).

(c) How often Christian mothers have given remarkable sons to the ministry of God's Church!

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