Faith That Lives On

The message was brought on May 10, 2026  by Rev. Tim Powers.

II 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. 

We first hear of these women in Acts. Because of them Timothy knew the scriptures. His father was a Greek who didn’t believe in God. His mother was a Jewish woman who did and became the spiritual head. Paul saw the influence Lois and Eunice had on Timothy. I have memories of my older relatives singing and teaching scriptures.  Grandmothers. Mothers.  You must keep doing this. If it has been up to Timothy’s father, this boy may have not believed in God. The name “Lois” means better. Timothy had a better education in the Lord.  “Eunice” means happy victory.  She put that in Timothy.  He was taught about Jesus. The foundation a mother lays has more influence than we realize. That’s where kids go for nurturing. Women have a great influence in their children’s lives.

Let’s look at Timothy’s faith. It was real (unfeigned). Without hypocrisy.  Authentic.  Firm. Grounded in truth. God honors authenticity.  Live by scripture in and out of the church. When David was anointed King, it was because God looked at his heart. The book of James tells us to not just be hearers of the Word but to be doers of it as well.  That’s what Timothy had.  We can fool others, but we will never fool God.  You can’t fool your kids either. Be careful what you say and do because they see it.  They know how you live.

The faith we’re speaking of reproduces:  We see if first in the grandmother and second in the mother.  Then we see it in Timothy. A chain of events.  And look who all Timothy handed it down to. Christianity is always one generation away from extinction. Pass it down through the generations by having a faith that reproduces.  The Bible says to teach the Word. That is what forms a godly foundation in life. Show them the things of the Lord. Hand down the baton of faith to the next generation.  Because of Lois and Eunice handing it down, Timothy preached to countless people.  Are you passing on your faith or just holding it in?

The faith we’re speaking of holds in hard circumstances. Timothy’s household wasn’t easy because of one believer and one unbeliever. Don’t let a situation stop you.  Pass your faith on. The influence of a believing parent is tremendous. Train your child in the way they should go. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. There will always be hard times. Pray. Show your kids how to live.  Timothy was taught from his infancy.  Build a life on the Word of God. Faith comes by hearing and hearing through the Word. The root system of a large tree is its nourishment.  The Word of God is the root system of life.

The faith we’re speaking of is a faith that leaves a legacy.  First given by the grandmother.  Then the mother.  Then Timothy.  He became a pastor and missionary. Paul was getting ready to be killed and he thought of Timothy.  People pray for the next great preacher, the next great revival.  It won’t come if we don’t teach the Word of God. Something is going to influence your kids.  Make sure it’s a godly influence. Every woman is a preacher to their children. Live your life based on the Word. Talk about Jesus. Live for Him.

Fathers and mothers, are you proclaiming Jesus to your household? The best sermon is lived at home. Be a Lois or a Eunice. Give your children and grandchildren the influence of God.