April 29, 2020
Brothers and Sisters,
As the Apostle Paul is nearing the end of his life on earth, he writes the second epistle (letter) to his dear friend and fellow servant, Timothy. Paul was especially close to Timothy, so much so that he referred to him as his dearly beloved son. (2 Timothy 1:2) To Timothy, my dearly beloved son…
For our morning devotions today, I would like for us to look in this epistle where Paul is called back to remembrance the unfeigned faith that he had witnessed in Timothy’s life. (2 Timothy 1:5) 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.
“Unfeigned” faith means a “sincere” faith. Evidently, Timothy had proven to be sincere in his faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a great testimony for anyone to have “sincere” faith. So many in our day can talk a good talk, however, their walk with Christ does not line up with their talk. This is the definition of a “hypocrite”. I would dare say that none of us want to have the testimony of being a “hypocrite”.
Where did this “unfeigned faith” begin in Timothy’s life? Paul had witnessed that it first began in Timothy’s grandmother Lois and then it was passed down to his mother Eunice and Paul was persuaded (convinced) that this “unfeigned faith” was now in Timothy also. This shows us the importance of a family legacy.
If you have had the privilege of being raised in a home with a Christian heritage, you should thank God every day for the family legacy that you have been blessed with. There are so many that have been raised in homes where they have not been afforded the opportunity to attend church, have a Bible of their own to read or have never had anyone to teach them about the things of God.
Each of us no matter our background have been given the opportunity and ultimately the responsibility to pass this “unfeigned faith” on to the next generation. I’m forever grateful for those who lived out their faith before me over the years. They set a tremendous example of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for me to follow. It is my personal desire to pass on my faith to my children and grandchildren.
(Romans 1:17) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
During these dark days that we have been navigating through over the past 6 weeks, one thing that should stand out as a beacon to the next generation is our “FAITH”. Therefore, let us run with patience the race that is set before us always looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
Bro. Rick
