I come from a long line of farmers on my father’s side, yet I lack the green-thumb-gene in my DNA. Despite trying over and over, I cannot get houseplants to grow, except for orchids. Currently, I am exceeding expectations as my orchids have all the signs of life. Hope abounds as new buds signal the promise of blossoms.
This month at Do Not Depart we are looking at the transforming power of Jesus in New Testament people. Today’s encouragement comes from Lois and Eunice. We read about theses ladies by name in 2 Timothy 1:5:
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.
It is likely that Lois, Eunice and young Timothy heard the Good News during Paul’s first missionary journey. We know from Acts 16:1 that Eunice’s Jewish faith created an opening for the Gospel. So, when Paul returns to Lystra, he meets a family of committed disciples. God used Lois and Eunice like master gardeners in Timothy’s life. They provided the right growing conditions for Timothy to develop into a person God used to transform and multiply the church.
New Creations Create Conditions for Faith to Take Root
Good soil is necessary to create strong roots in a plant. Lois and Eunice cultivated an environment where Timothy’s faith could take root in the fertile soil of love, faith and truth. Paul recalls this fact when he reminds Timothy,
. . . from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15, NIV)
And so, Lois and Eunice prepared Timothy for a life a faith anchored to God’s Word. Who are the new Christians in your life? What can you do to enrich the environment in which their faith is forming? I encourage you to engage them in Bible-centered conversations.
New Creations Foster Spiritual Growth through Discipleship
Needing more than good soil, plants need water to grow. Like water to a plant, Christians need the counsel of God’s Word and the Holy Spirit and training in righteousness to become Christlike. Fostered under Lois and Eunice, Timothy grows in faith and knowledge of God, becoming an example for others. Acknowledging Timothy’s faithfulness, fellow believers encourage Paul to make Timothy a ministry partner (Acts 16:2). Paul affirms Timothy’s discipleship, writing,
But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. (2 Timothy 3:14, NLT)
“Trust those who taught you.” Wow! What an affirmation of Lois and Eunice’s work in in Timothy’s life. Their transformed lives are evidenced in Timothy’s life and faith. Who do you know who needs someone to guide them into a deeper relationship with Christ? Is there someone in you family who needs you to disciple them? Make yourself available to the Holy Spirit to be used to train others in the faith.
New Creations Encourage Each Other to Follow the Holy Spirit’s Lead
As important as soil and water are to plants, sunlight is equally important. Sunlight gives plants the energy needed to make food and grow, just as the Holy Spirit empowers believers to accomplish God’s purpose. Paul wrote to Timothy,
. . .I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God. . . . (2 Timothy 1:6)
I believe Lois and Eunice added their, “Amen” to Paul’s encouragement. I imagine they cheered as Timothy joined Paul on the mission field (Acts 16:3). He was ready for the next step— relying wholly on the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. God blessed Timothy’s obedience: “the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers” (Acts 16:5). Who needs your support and inspiration to follow the Holy Spirit’s call? A note of encouragement or a phone call, may be just what he/she needs to take the next step of faith.
Take Heart
Are your garden gloves ready? If you are a new creation in Jesus, God is ready to use you to nurture faith, disciple believers, and spur on others as they follow God’s call.
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