Outline of 2 Timothy

Dear Brother:

Just a note with regard to the coming Conference of brethren at Guelph and your participation in it. The following outline is based upon some suggestions made by the committee and is merely intended as a guide in assisting each of you brethren in your respective responsibilities. The guidance of the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential in our endeavors to se that the wide variety of need is met (as only our God can) and we will be in prayer for and with you that this may be especially so in 1984.

The man of God and his resources chapter 1:

v. 1. Grace, mercy and peace.

3. The prayers of others.

5. Genuine faith.

6. A gift from God.

7. A sound mind.

8. The testimony of the Lord. God’s power seen in affliction.

13. What he has been taught.

14. The indwelling Spirit of God.

The Man of God and his responsibilities. Chapter 2:

verses 1 & 2 Son – be strong – be diligent to – remember Paul’s teaching – select faithful men – pass it on.

3 & 4 Soldier – endurance, separation, dedication.

5 Athlete – obey rules.

6 Farmer – toil and reap.

15 Workman – competent – diligent.

21 Vessel – clean, set apart, prepared for use.

24 Servant – gentle, skilled in teaching, patient.

The man of God – His surroundings and safeguards chapter 3:

verse 1. Difficult times.

2 to 4. Ungodly men.

5. False professors.

12. Persecution.

13. Worsening conditions

His Safeguards:

10. Example of a Godly leader.

14 and 15. A good home.

16 and 17. The Holy Scriptures.

The man of God and his service chapter 4:

verse 1. The Lord will be his judge.

2. Preach the word – always ready – reprove – rebuke – exhort.

5. Watch (sober alertness) – endure – tell out – be thorough in service.

9 to 13. Be useful to fellow workers.

15. Watch out for evil doers.

May God’s richest blessing be yours as you prepare,

Bill Coffey

Overview of 2 Timothy

Theologians are calling the virgin birth of Christ a biological impossibility and a theological superfluity.

Be ye transformed – changed-by the renewing of your mind.

Satan’s plan is to completely alienate men from God. He has organized the media to capture the thought-life of man=the mind. He has liberalized morals – glamorized music. He has taken control of men’s minds, and has ruined the unguarded life.

Metamorphosis.

Sequence in Romans – Consecration. (Keswick story.) The tragedy of so few young men answering the call of God. Warning – Annanias and Saphira – they promised to give all, but kept back a part – God took their lives in judgment.

Apply this to ourselves.

This epistle was written from a dungeon death-cell. It is the last of Paul’s letters. 1 Thessalonians is the first.

Chapter 2. In this first section the subject dealt with is that of service and rewards. The believer is seen as “a son” Verse 1. – “a soldier” Verse 3. – “an athlete” Verse 5. – “a farmer” Verse 6.

The soldier. The first duty of the Christian soldier is “obedience.” In contrast to the military, the Christian soldier gets his instructions at “Jesus’ feet”.

Describe the secret of God’s presence. “The still small voice”.

No man is greater than his prayer life. Success in the pulpit depends on the travail in the closet.

Verse 15. Study etc. Approved unto God – not men. Ishmael – “he shall dwell in the presence of his brethren.” (Genesis 10:12) “He died in the presence of his brethren.” (Genesis 15:18) Ishmael was a man who never was in the presence of God. He was a man’s man – he was admired – he enjoyed the great open spaces – he was a daring warrior – a great hunter. He certainly had the approval of his brethren, but he did not have the approval of God.

The Christian’s resources in the day of declension and departure.

1. Faith – chapter 1 verse 5

2. The Spirit – chapter 1 verse 6 and 7

3. The Word of God – chapter 1 verse 13; 3 verses 1 to 17; 4 verses 3 and 4

4. The grace of Christ – chapter 2 verse 1

5. Separation from the vessels of dishonor – chapter 2 verse 4, 20 and 21

6. The Lord’s sure reward – chapter 4 verse 7 and 8

7. The Lord’s faithfulness and power – chapter 2 verse 13 to 19

From the book of Acts we learn that Paul was sent to prison in Rome. For two years he remained a prisoner under guard in his own hired house. Eventually he was set free by Caesar.

He took up his work at preaching the Gospel. And went to Spain and preached there for a while.

On his return he continued to preach as vigorously as ever.

A great persecution broke out against the Christians, and he with many others was imprisoned.

Around this time the city of Rome was burned down, many believed that Caesar ordered his men to do this. In order to turn suspicion from himself he blamed the Christians, and ordered that they should be put to death.

Paul was imprisoned in a dungeon. The dungeon is there to this day. There is just a little hole in the roof from which Paul’s food was dropped. There is no window. There is a hole in the floor which exposes a river running underneath.

How cold and damp it must have been, especially in winter.

It was from this place that Paul was led to the place of execution, and there he laid down his white head. Upon a great stone, and in a moment the executioner’s axe had decapitated him, and Paul was absent from the body and present with the Lord.

Survey of 2 Timothy

When Paul wrote this epistle he was not only a preacher but also a prophet. In this letter to Timothy he gives the most comprehensive details of conditions that will develop and be evident during the last days.

The truths of the epistle are particularly applicable to us today. In these days of difficulty, declension, and departure we need an anchor to safeguard us from moral, spiritual and apostate drift of contemporary thought.

Paul provides us with spiritual resources to stand firm in the evil day – the day of apostasy.

1. Faith 1:5

2. The Spirit 1:6-7

3. The Word of God 1:13; 3:1-17; 4:3-4

4. The grace of Christ. Strength. 2:1

5. Separation from vessels of dishonor 2:4, 20-21

6. The Lord’s sure reward 4:7-8

7. The Lord’s faithfulness and power 2:13-19

The theme of the letter is faithfulness in the face of hardship. Paul prayed night and day (v. 3). The source of Timothy’s faith, has grandmother Lois, and mother Eunice. Be not ashamed to testify to the Lord – and of Paul.

Note the description of the Gospel.

Victims of the apostasy Phygelius and Hermogenes. Nothing is known of these two brethren. To be mentioned especially, they must have been influential brethren. There evidently were many more defectors. These two may have been leaders. The many mentioned cracked under pressure and refused to stand firm in the Word of God to support the apostle in his personal time of need.

In verse 16-18 Paul turns from their sad example of unfaithfulness to the shining example of Onesiphorus. He had supported Paul in Ephesus and now in Rome. Despite the dangers and the stigma attached to associating with the criminal Paul, Onesiphorus sought Paul out and ministered to him. For his Christian conduct and bravery Paul commended him twice invoking God’s mercy on the faithful servant and his household.

Note the contrast between the faithful and the unfaithful, the strong and the weak, the trustworthy and the unreliable.

“The many in Asia.” (verse 15) Portray the characteristics of which Paul had warned Timothy; cowardice – shame – infidelity. Onesiphorus, on the other hand demonstrated the characteristics Paul had been recommending to Timothy; courage – love – self-discipline – boldness – and faithfulness.

The negative-positive examples given by Paul were designed to strengthen Timothy’s resolve to stand for the Lord, and to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Apostle.

Enduring hardship for Christ (Chapter 2 verses 1 to 7)

In ch.1 Paul had reminded Timothy of his sincere faith (verse 5) and that the Holy Spirit of God indwelt him (verse 6). Paul mentions himself as enduring the hardness of men and demons. Finally, he mentions Onesiphorus ass the steadfast one despite many difficulties.

In chapter 2 he exhorts timid, fearful, Timothy, “be strong” – “be empowered.” (See Ephesians 6:10) “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” His strength would come from Christ Jesus. (See 2 Corinthians 12) The Lord’s grace and strength is made perfect in human weakness.

Paul’s message, like his life, had not changed, despite the difficulties and hardships. To diverse audiences and to Timothy, Paul had fearlessly taught the whole counsel of God. Now Paul exhorts Timothy to impart this same message to reliable men, who, are qualified to teach others. This method has come to be called the “ministry of multiplication,” and is God’s way of spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Verse. 3 and 4 Such faithfulness would inevitably bring suffering upon Timothy, so Paul exhorts him to “endure suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”

To emphasize his point Paul introduces there illustrations. The soldier – the athlete – the farmer.

1. A Roman soldier, single-minded purpose, rigorous discipline, and unquestioning obedience to his commanding officer combine to make the figure of a soldier an accurate one. For a servant of Christ Jesus

2. Paul switches to the metaphor of the athlete. There is the athlete – the rules – the prize. The athlete must know the rules and he must keep them. Even though he might win an event is he disobeys the rules he is disqualified. Every athlete must keep the rules, he must discipline himself to keep them. If he fails to observe these rules – he is disqualified. Paul wanted Timothy to know and keep the rules so as to win the crown. As in the first century so in the twentieth; for the believers to obtain the crown he must show strong qualities of discipline, self-control, and endurance.

3. The Farmer (verse 6). The final image is that of the farmer. The emphasis here is on hardworking – in contrast to idle, lazy workers.

Paul has emphasized in each case the reward. A good soldier gains approval of his commanding officer. A diligent athlete wins the prize. A diligent farmer wins the first share of the crops.

The truth here seems to be that success is achieved through discipline – single-mindedness – and hard work.

Verse 7- “reflect on these things.” Meditate – contemplate. The principles involved here are vital to fighting the good fight – keeping the rules and the course – and working hard at keeping the faith.

In not in this life then in a day to come at the Judgment Seat of Christ we will receive our just reward.

Two other defectors are mentioned in this chapter: Philetus, about whom we know nothing, and (1 Timothy 1:26) Hymenaeus, whom Paul had delivered to Satan “for chastisement”. These two had “wandered away from the truth” their error was to promote the idea that the resurrection was already past. The bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus is the keystone of Christian doctrine. In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul shows that without the physical resurrection of Christ the entire edifice of Christian faith collapses. Their teaching had destroyed the faith of some.

Verses 20 and 21. The vessels of gold and silver would refer to the faithful in the body. The vessels of wood and clay would refer to the unfaithful in the body. In order to be a vessel suited to be used of God, one must separate himself not only from the evil doctrine, but also from the evil teachers.

Stress the point of holiness, purity of life, and separation from all evil.

Chapter 3

Paul predicts conditions that can be expected as we approach the rapture. There are nineteen general characterizations that believers should expect. Perilous times – terrible times – times difficult to handle. Both within and without the Church. These characteristics were beginning in the early church, but they will intensify in the last days.

Note God’s own words regarding the Scriptures. They are God inspired words – God breathed. “All Scripture.” God’s words were given through men superintended by the Holy Spirit, so that their writings were without error. Paul next gives the usefulness of the word in the ministry. It would be useful in “teaching” – “rebuking” – “correcting” – and training in righteousness.

With the Word in his heart the man of God is complete – capable – proficient. Equipped unto every good work. All our spiritual needs can be met through the Word.

Chapter 4

Paul’s charge. Paul could not have made his charge more weighty. “I charge you,” etc. “Preach the Word,” all the emphasis of the charge is on the command.

The reason why Paul’s charge to Timothy is so solemn is that “the time will come” etc. Men will not put up with sound or healthy doctrine. Instead they will seek teachers who tickle their ears. They will turn men away from the truth.

Verse 5- Despite this trend Timothy must remain steadfast – endure hardship – do the work of an evangelist – fulfill his ministry.

Verse 6- To encourage Timothy Paul reminds him of his own struggle. He is being poured out as a drink offering. The time of his departure to be with the Lord had come. Looking back over his life he reminds Timothy that:

1. He had fought a good fight.

2. He had finished the race.

3. He had kept the faith.

Paul had been faithful amid unfaithfulness. He had been a good steward of divine truth.

Verse 8- He had no fear of facing the righteous Judge. He would receive the crown of righteousness. On that day of His appearing (judgment Seat). Moreover, all who live faithfully in the expectation of the Lord’s return will also receive this crown.

Verse 10- Paul’s need for Timothy at this critical time in his life is apparent. Twice he asked him to come and to come quickly. Paul’s need of him was intensified by the defection of Demas. Demas, instead of loving the Lord’s appearing, loved the world. He defected or deserted Paul to embrace the safety, freedom, and comfort of Thessalonica.

Verse 16- The deserted warrior. At his trial no one came forward to support him.

Introduction to 2 Timothy and Chapter 1

After writing his first letter to Timothy, Paul left Corinth, and set sail with Titus for Crete. He left Titus in Crete to set the church in order (Titus 1:5). On his return to the mainland, he wrote his letter to Titus.

Paul intended to spend the winter in Nicapolis (Titus 3:12). While there he visited Troas, where he was arrested in the house of Carpus, and horridly taken to Rome.

His arrest was so sudden that he had no time to gather his precious books and parchments, or even his cloak to warp himself (2 Timothy 4:3).

This was the beginning of Paul’s second imprisonment. It was different from the first imprisonment.

1. Then he had is own hired house – now he is kept in close confinement.

2. Then he was accessible to all – now he could only be found with difficulty and great risk – Onesiphorous; 1:16-17

3. Then he was the center of a large circle of friends – now he is almost alone – 4:10-12

4. Then he hoped for speedy liberation – now he was expecting to die

Paul’s object in writing this letter (4:16-17)

Paul had appeared before Nero once, but his case had been adjourned. He expected to appear before Nero during the winter season. He wrote, urging Timothy (who had been liberated from prison, Hebrews 13:23) to come at once with Mark and bring the cloak, books, and parchments, that had been left at Troas in the house of Carpus. (4:9-11, 13-21)

Uncertain as to whether Timothy would arrive in time (he did not fore the trial and death of Paul took place in June) he wrote this letter giving him a last warning as to the coming heresies and heretics and sought to encourage him to greater zeal, courage, and steadfastness.

This epistle is unique in many ways. Apart from it being the last letter written by Paul, it is of an extremely personal character – references are made of 23 persons.

The style is strongly emotional – calling vividly to remembrance the past, and expressing some anxious thoughts of others and forgetting himself.

It is also the only epistle that gives us the names of Timothy’s relatives, and the opponents of Moses (1:5, 3:8)

During the interim period between his first and second imprisonments, Paul traveled widely. Some believe that he took the Gospel to Spain at this time. Paul labored to the end as an “Evangelist” (Anyone who preaches the Gospel). Finally, he was roughly arrested in Troas, during the last years of the dreadful reign of Nero. The reason for this outbreak of persecution (fire). At this time Christians were being martyred – the Church was being besieged by the forces of evil. It was a day of crises for Christianity.

In such circumstances, shy, sensitive, timid, anxious. Timothy stood at the darkest hour of his life. (uncertain about the future) His spiritual father – Paul – was about to be removed from the scene – hundreds of his brethren were being killed – many others were going back into the word.

During this period the Christian Church was experiencing its greatest trial in its 35 years of existence. Despite the progress, it was still a “little flock”. Humanity speaking it seemed on the verge of extinction. There were invasions into it from the world without – confusions and strifes within. There were also doubts – heresies and indifferences.

As Timothy contemplated these conditions his heart was well nigh broken – his spirit was being crushed – his whole being erupted in tears. At such a time and in such conditions, the aged apostle wrote to Timothy, His son in the faith.

Go back to the thought of being an “Evangelist”

1 Corinthians 10 “There has no testing taken you, but such as is common to man.”

Hebrews 12:11 “No chastening for the present seemeth joyous” etc.

Numbers 15 “The blue ribbon.”

Chapter 1

Come with me in spirit and visualize two men in a dimly lit dungeon of a Roman prison. Paul and Luke the beloved physician. Paul is dedicating – Luke is writing. In the words that follows we detect the outbreathing of a sensitive yet sustained soul, being inspired and supported by the Holy Spirit. We can almost see the tears in the apostles tired eyes.

In his great physical weakness he appears strong; the power of Christ was undergirding him. (2 Cor. 12 “My strength is made perfect in weakness”) Though surrounded by agonizing distress, and bitter disappointment one can sense the indwelling and outshining of the peace of God. (“And the peace of God which passeth understanding etc. Phil. 4) In short, it was evident that the indefinable, yet real sense of the presence of Christ turned the chamber of death into the palace of Christ.

Note Samuel Rutherfords experience in the dungeon at St. Andrews.

Verses 1 and 2 contain the usual apostolic salutation: Christ Jesus, Respect, Reverence, awe, adoration, worship – (three times in 2 verses)

Verses 3 and 4. Note the intense spiritual ties that bound these two men together.

1. I recall your tears “Tears” (see sheet) – explain Timothy’s tears

2. I long to see you “Yearn” homesick yearning – greatly desiring

3. I pray for you night and day without ceasing. “Prayer” (see sheet)

4. I am filled with joy when I remember your sincere and unqualified faith. “Joy” weeping may endure for a night etc. This sincere and unqualified faith, says Paul, first lived in Timothy’s grandmother and mother.

They expressed their faith in their lives. They taught Timothy from the Word (ch. 3:15). And that from a child etc. The result of this godly example and teaching was that Timothy believed and exhibited identical faith. (see Deuteronomy 6)

Verse 6- Wherefore, because you are a true believer and have established sincere faith. Because you have the special energy of the Holy Spirit given you by the laying on of my hands. (see Acts 19:6, Paul at Ephesus). Stir up that gift – use Him in all His fullness and power. Paul says to a rather timid and sensitive Timothy and to all believers in every age.

1. God has not given us the spirit of timidity…but of courage – fearlessness

2. He has given us the spirit of power…power to cope with every soul-searing sorrow and crippling disappointment. To pass breaking-point and not break.

3. He gave us the spirit of love…power to love the unlovable.

4. He gave us the spirit of a sound mind…self control…control of our self in the face of panic or passion – well balanced mind. When a believer becomes a true servant of Christ, and master of himself, the Lord can use him mightily.

Preach the Word…do the work of an evangelist – 2 Timothy 4:2-5

The evangelist is a man of prayer. He realizes that the work is all of God, and that methods are of little worth.

He is also a man of faith. He relies wholly on the living God.

He is a student of Scripture, His only desire is to present the truth.

He is a man of courage, fearing not the hosts of evil – nor bonds or imprisonment.

He is a man of energy, constantly in touch with God and man; instant in season and out of season.

He is a man of perseverance, not discouraged if he fails to see immediate fruit for his labor.

Lastly, he is a man of humility, saying “not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”

John Hyde, missionary to India, was an evangelist after God’s own heart. His prayer time was sacred and holy. One could hear the sighing and groaning coming from the room. The tears coursed down his cheeks. His body was weakened by foodless days and sleepless nights. Shaking and sobbing he pleads with God. “O God give me souls or I die.”

John Hyde’s prayed for one soul a day. God answered his prayer, 400 souls were saved the first year. In subsequent years of his life 800 – 1,200 – 1,600 souls were saved. Was he satisfied? Never. He had an unsatisfied longing and an undying passion for lost souls.

Rachel said to Jacob “give me children or I die”

Prayer

Daily communion with God would find us: subdued by His Omnipresence, staggered by His Omnipotence, silenced by His Omniscience, solemnized by His Holiness, subdued by His glory. —John G. Paton

This man of God knelt at the grave of his young wife in the far off islands of the New Hebrides and claimed them for Christ. – Oh that God would give us the zeal that burns like fire within us and drives us to seek men for Christ.

What did the disciples ask the Lord to teach them? Did they ask Him to teach them to cast out demons – heal the sick – still the storm – how to perform miracles? No! They asked Him to teach them to pray. When they saw and heard Him pray, they realized that His life of power was the product of His life of prayer.

It was said that the Queen of England trembled when John Knox went to his knees. He prayed with such power that Scotland was awakened and kept from Roman Catholicism. He prayed with such intensity and power – “Lord give me Scotland or I die”, that God answered.

There is a deplorable lack of intense prayer today. (20-30 mins per week) There is little real waiting upon God. The time has come when we must see prayer as fundamental and foundational or we will continue to drift. To avoid this drift many assemblies are trying all kinds of programs. God does not bless through programs, He blesses through holy men of prayer.

The gold-silver-costly stones refer to the enduring quality of the builders work. The wood-hay-stubble suggest what is temporary and valueless.

The three expensive materials suggest the sound doctrine which the builder “builds” into people’s lives. The valueless materials are false or negative things.

The first three materials refer to the builders worthy motives. The other three point to his unworthy motives.

Hebrews 9:27 – It is appointed unto man once to die – judgment. 1 Peter 5:8 – Roaring lion. 2 Cor. 11-14 Angel of light. James 4:7 Submit yourselves to God; resist the devil and he will flee from you. 1 Corinthians 11 – “Let a man examine himself. If we judge ourselves, we will not be judges.” Philippians 1 – For me to live is Christ. Galatians 6:7-8 – “Be not deceived etc. Whatever a man sows that shall he reap.”

Romans 14:11-12 As I live saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, every tongue shall confess to God, every one shall give an account of himself to God.”

The Judgment Seat

Believers will be judged by their Lord in respect of their stewardship of the spiritual gifts given them. What “sort” (kind of quality) it is. Quality will predetermine the reward, not quantity (1 Corinthians 3:13). There are no differences between the Lords sheep; but there are differences among the Lord’s servants.

Saved through fire – The thought here is of one rushing through the fire to safety as the building crumbles. Snatched as a burning stick from a fire.

A Broken Vessel

“A broken vessel and a contrite heart Thou wilt receive” (Psalm 51:17). God can only use broken things. A little boys lunch – Mary’s box of ointment – the Lord’s body. The breaking of the earthen vessels by Gideons men (32,000 – 22,000 went back: 10,000. Judges 7 – 300 who lapped the water). – Saul of Tarsus.

The secret of Murry McCheyne’s ministry. “Behold the Lamb of God.”

“Thy tears” said General Booth of the salvation army. The old time evangelist, broken in spirit, soaked his pillows as he pled for souls. “They that go forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again rejoicing bringing their sheaves with them.”

Andrew Bonar wept and cried, “O God they perish, they perish.”

God said to Hezekiah, “I have heard thy prayers – and seen they tears” (Isaiah 38:5)

Job said, “Mine eyes poureth out tears.” (Job 16:20)

David said, “I make my bed to swim, I water my couch with tears.” (Psalm 6:6)Jeremiah said, “O that my eyes were a fountain of tears” (Jeremiah 9:1)

Stop Pretending

Are you for real? Are you what you appear to be? Are you putting on a show, and masquerading as a spiritual Christian? Many are hiding under s façade. Many are acting their part well. “They honor God with their lips, but their heart is far from Him.”

The Word admonishes us to drop the façade, take off the mask. Stop trying to impress others. Stop covering up your coldness, lethargy, and sin. Stop pretending to be spiritual and ‘victorious.’

Let us demonstrate unfeigned faith, sincere, genuine faith and walk among men as a prince of God.

Tears

Luke 7 “and began to wash His feet with tears”

Acts 20 “Paul warned everyone for three years with tears night and day.”

Hebrews 5:7 “With strong crying and tears.”

Tearless hearts can never be the heralds of the passion of Christ.

2 Timothy 1:3-5

Mother’s Day May 9th, 1982

Read 2 Timothy 1:3-5; 3:14-17.

Parenthood, and in particular, motherhood, is the most sacred of privileges.

With the privilege there comes the accompanying responsibility, because Motherhood not only involves the present, but embraces the future.

Henry Ward Beecher once wrote, “The mother’s heart is the child’s schoolroom.”

Abraham Lincoln wrote, “All that I am or hope to be, I owe it to my angel mother.”

Napoleon Bonaparte said, “The future destiny of the child is always the work of the mother.”

Psychologists believe that the first seven years of a child’s life are the most important for the development of character.

These are the years when the child comes mostly under the influence of the mother. To be a mother and raise a child for God is one of the highest privileges given in God’s economy.

1. Raising a child for God

2. Protecting the child

Proverbs 22:6-”Train up a child in the way he should go and he will not depart from it when he is old.”

The Scriptures are clear on how children are to be raised. They are to be instructed in the ways of the Lord. There is also the thought of dedication and of discipline. Paul says children should be raised in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.” That is, they should be brought up with Christian discipline and godly counsel.

Solomon says, “Withhold not correction from the child.” Proverbs 23:13. Spare the rod—spoil the child.

A Mother’s Love

A real mother is unusual in that her love for her child goes far beyond the call of duty. The baby carried away by the eagle. Some mothers have even given their life for the child.

The Covenant of Scotland—The Brothers of Greenack.

Despite these heroic actions, a mother’s live can be measured. She did those deeds to protect her own flesh and blood, whom she had conceived and nurtured in her own body.

Let us for a few minutes compare with the highest form of human love. Divine love. God’s love reached us when we were unlovable—without strength—ungodly—sinners—enemies—Christ died for us. Romans 5.

God’s love is incomparable in that Christ died for his enemies. God’s love is inexplicable, incomprehensible, unfathomable, immeasurable—it is beyond all human thought.

“This is love that no tongue can teach—love that no thought can reach—no love like His—God it its blessed source—death never can stop its course. Nothing can stay its force—matchless it is.”

A Mother’s Responsibility

Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. Exodus 2:9

Mephibosheth was lame for life because of faulty nursing. Elizabeth—John the Baptist’s mother—He became the greatest of all prophets. Hannah, the mother of Samuel, is an example of good nursing. She gave Samuel to God before he was born. She dedicated Samuel. She nursed and trained him for God. God recognized this and later took him into His service, and he became on of Israel’s greatest prophets.

Mother, it is your privilege and responsibility to teach your children the great truths of the Word. Deuteronomy 6:6-9-read. (Australian officers)

“All we like sheep have gone astray.” Isaiah 53:6

The lost sheep found. Luke 15

Timothy was the product of spiritual training by his godly grandmother and mother. “And that from a child thou has known the Scriptures.” Quote verse 16-17. The result of their devotion to their child—a man of God.

Lord Shaftsbury said, “Give me a generation of Christian mothers and I will change the face of society.”

Present the Gospel and appeal for decisions at this point.