5 Steps to Raising Kids of Faith Without the Help of a Father

A Bible Study on the Life of Timothy

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It’s not easy, in this generation, to raise a child who loves the Lord with their heart, mind, soul, and strength. It’s even harder when you’re doing it without the help of the father. God is not silent on the issue. In fact, He gives us a great example in the story of Timothy. Pick up a journal and study it with me:

Acts 16: 1–3 ESV

Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

II Timothy 1: 3–7 ESV

I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 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. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

II Timothy 3: 14–15

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

What’s it say?

1. List everything written about Timothy’s family from these verses.
2. List everything it says about Timothy.
3. List everything written about Timothy’s relationship to Paul.

What’s it mean?

1. Was his dad a believer (Jew/ Christ follower)?
2. Who were the people of faith in Timothy’s life?
3. Who did Timothy learn his faith from?
4. When did Timothy first learn “the sacred writings” (the Word of God)?
5. What type of character was built into Timothy from his mom?
6. Other than his mom, who else supported Timothy in his spiritual life?

What’s it got to do with me?

1. Realize you CAN raise children who are “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” without the support of a father.
2. Be an example of sincere faith for your child.
3. Teach your child the Word of God from an early age.
4. Enlist others to help you. (Timothy had his grandmother, and a mentor — Paul)
5. Don’t get discouraged — God can use you to raise a child that impacts others with His gospel!

Galatians 6:9

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.