This is an excerpt from the Devoted Bible Study book.
Lois and Eunice, Timothy’s mother and grandmother, are described in 2 Timothy 1:5. These two women were known for a faith that was genuine, true, authentic. Most English translations use the word sincere to describe their devotion to the Lord.
Faith is not just the affirmation of a set of beliefs; it’s something that lives in us. When faith in Jesus Christ takes up residence in our souls, it transforms every part of our being, every aspect of our lives. And faith that is living is not static. Like all living things, it grows and matures over time. Like a tree planted by streams of water, it bears fruit in our lives and in the lives of others.
Lois was faithful in passing on her devotion to the Lord to Eunice. And then both women shared the faith that lived in them with Timothy. A living faith is not a private faith. Our belief in Christ is too precious to hide; it isn’t something to keep to ourselves. And that’s especially true as we relate to those within our own families, most notably those who are young, impressionable, and trying to make sense of the world.
"Like a tree planted by streams of water, it bears fruit in our lives and in the lives of others."
Tina Boesch
You may not have benefitted from growing up with a grandmother or mother who cultivated faith in you. But you can become the sort of woman who nurtures faith in others. Our children, nieces, nephews, friends, students, and the children in our churches need to see the sincere faith that lives in us. They need to hear us talk about what we’re learning from the Lord, how Scripture is challenging us and changing us, and how the Holy Spirit is working in us to conform us to the image of Christ.
Paul didn’t tell us much about Lois and Eunice, but we can glean a little bit more from one other passing reference to Eunice in Acts 16:1.
Lois and Eunice were Jewish women who believed that Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promises to their ancestors Abraham and Sarah. In Genesis 18:19 we read that God said, “I have chosen [Abraham] so that he will command his children and his house after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just.” From the very beginning of God’s relationship with the people He called to follow Him, He expressed the expectation that parents in the faith would teach the ways of the Lord to their children and grandchildren. As women devoted to the Lord, we bear a responsibility to encourage the generations that come after us in the same way. Our lives should reflect the values of the kingdom Jesus came to establish and display the fruit of God’s Spirit living in us.
"As women devoted to the Lord, we bear a responsibility to encourage the generations that come after us in the same way. "
Tina Boesch
In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he encourages this young man to a life of devotion. Today, let’s consider Paul’s inspiring challenge because it applies equally to women whose lives are committed to the Lord.
Friend, God is at work in you. I hope you know that your devotion isn’t a result of your effort, hard work, or striving; rather, it’s a testimony to God’s grace in your life. And just as Lois and Eunice’s lives drew Timothy into a relationship with God, this grace dwells in you so that you can share it with others.
The Bible mentions countless women who bear witness to the faithfulness and love of God. While each woman is unique, they all have one thing in common—a life interwoven with God's story of redemption.