Please turn with me to 2 Timothy chapter 1, and let’s take a closer look at verse 5. Paul is writing to Timothy from prison in this second letter, awaiting his imminent death. He mentions in verse 3 how he remembers Timothy in his frequent prayers and expresses in verse 4 his longing to see Timothy, which would bring him great joy. Paul’s love for Timothy stems from the genuine faith he recognizes in him, which first dwelt in Timothy’s grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice.
In verse 5, Paul writes, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” Timothy’s genuine faith is described as sincere, implying that not all faith is genuine.
So today, let me ask you: How about your faith? What kind of faith do you have? Not all faith is genuine, and some forms of faith displease God. Turn to Matthew 6:30, where Jesus speaks on the Sermon on the Mount. He rebukes the crowd for their little faith, saying, “O you of little faith!” People often fail to fully trust God’s providence, focusing on their own worries instead of seeking God’s kingdom first.
In Matthew 8:26, during a fierce storm at sea, the disciples cried out to Jesus for help. He replied, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” He then calmed the winds and the waves. Little faith is often plagued by fear and doubt, preventing us from trusting God’s promises.
James 2:17 and 20 reveal that faith without works is dead, and such faith displeases God. Our faith should be active, producing good works that reflect God’s love. Even demons believe in God but lack the commitment to live according to His will (James 2:19). This “demonic” faith knows who God is but desires to be left alone.
In Mark 1:24, a demon acknowledges Jesus, calling Him the Holy One of God, but wants nothing to do with Him. This kind of unconfessing faith, as described in John 12:42-43, seeks the praise of man rather than the praise of God.
Romans 10:9 emphasizes the necessity of confessing Jesus for salvation: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Confession is essential for genuine faith.
True faith, which pleases God, is defined in Hebrews 11:1 as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Romans 1:18-20 reminds us that God’s invisible attributes are evident through His creation, leaving people without excuse. We are to believe wholeheartedly in God’s promises and His power.
A faith that works through love is the faith that justifies (James 2:24). Faith and works go hand in hand, demonstrating a heart that is fully aligned with God’s will. Paul’s writing in 2 Timothy 1:5 shows us that sincere faith is genuine and flows from a heart of love.
So, how can we develop this genuine faith that pleases God? We can do so through God’s Word, designed to produce faith (Romans 10:17). We can also cultivate faith through the family of God, as Timothy’s faith was nurtured by his grandmother and mother. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to stir one another up to love and good works, not forsaking the assembly of believers.
Walking with God strengthens our faith. Like Abraham, who walked faithfully with God and trusted His promises, our faith deepens through continuous, obedient fellowship with the Lord.
In conclusion, God provides everything we need to develop a faith that pleases Him. His Word creates faith, His family nurtures faith, and His companionship strengthens faith. Let us all strive for that genuine faith, which flows from sincere love and pleases God.
If you’re not a member of the Lord’s Church, the steps to join are simple. Hear the gospel, believe in it, repent of your sins, confess Jesus as Lord, and be baptized for the remission of your sins. Once baptized, remain faithful until the end to receive the crown of life. For those who are already members but have stumbled, you can always pray to God and ask for forgiveness.
