1. Transforming Legacy to Life of Faith
2nd Timothy 1:3-7

2. 2nd Timothy 1:3-7
 3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers in a pure conscience, how unceasing is my remembrance of thee in my supplications, night and day 4 longing to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee; which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and, I am persuaded, in thee also. 6 For which cause I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.

3. Benefit of Faithful Parents…
Instruction of faithful parents provides greatest opportunity to know & obey Lord
Eph. 6:4 Bring up in training & admonition of Lord
Prov. 22:6 Train in way should go &… (proverb)
Timothy’s mother & grandmother taught him the word of God
2 Tim. 3: Taught Scripture from childhood
Children of faithful often take it for granted or even resent their training
Should be thankful for that great blessing

4. Need to Establish One’s Own Faith
Not enough for Timothy to just depend on faith of mother & grandmother
Jews seen doing this with Abraham’s faith
Path of life necessary to develop depth of faith was instructed by Paul (1 Tim. 4:10-16)
Timothy clearly grew to be a man of his own faith, not just heritage (Phil. 2:19-22)
Each generation must acquire personal faith by individual study & growth (Rom. 10:17)

5. Stir Up the Flame of Truth
Paul commanded Timothy to stir up flame
Not a result of direct operation of Spirit imposed on Timothy, but something he must do
Flame was the word revealed, not the means
1 Tim. 1: “Prophecies which led the way…”
Jer. 20:7-11 Word like burning fire shut up in bones
2 Tim. 2: Diligence needed in handling word
May require difficult things we do not desire
Paul had to withstand Peter to the face (Gal. 2:11-14)
We must also stir up the flame of truth in us

6. Transformation from Legacy to Personal Faith Requires Change Within
Context makes clear how change occurs (v. 7)
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (NASB)
Fearfulness or timidity is product of improper esteem for worldly ways, thoughts & people
Boldness come from confidence in God
Proper disposition is summarized as:
Power Rom. 1:16-17
Love 1 Tim. 1:3-6
Discipline 1 Tim. 5:20-21