24/08/2026
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR ADULTS AND YOUNG ADULTS 2026
SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2026
TIMOTHY: THE INFLUENCE OF HOME TRAINING
Devotional Reading: Matthew 12:46-50
Background Scriptures: Acts 16:1-3; Philippians 2:19-22
Lesson Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-6; 3:14-16
GOLDEN TEXT
I am reminded your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 2 Timothy 1:5
Objectives: By the end of this lesson, class members should be able to:
Discuss what attracted them in their parents to be Christians.
Appreciate the impact of home training received from their Christian parents.
Suggest ways they can help their children grow in Christian virtues.
INTRODUCTION
Kudus is the first son but the third of his parents' five children. His Father, an unbeliever, lives far away from home. Kudus and his siblings have never enjoyed paternal care because their father comes home once or twice in four months. He just comes home only to spend not more than two nights. But their mother provided the children with maternal care and brought them up in the way and fear of the Lord. As a devout Christian who was highly respected in their church and in the community, she had an opportunity to train her children with good virtues. She ensured that her children loved the Lord and they were active in the Choir, Lydia, Girls Auxiliary and the Royal Ambassadors.
Their father was an unbeliever who did not have time for God. Irrespective of this, Kudus and his siblings did well in school as they passed all their subjects excellently. What a worthy commendation to a virtuous woman for the parental training, spiritual upbringing, and home influence that she impacted her children! God severally instructed the Jews to train their children (Deuteronomy. 6:4-7; 11:19). Hence, children's training is not handled carelessly in Jewish Christian homes (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4). Today's lesson focuses on the parental influence and home training that Timothy received which later became evident to all the people around him.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED
A. Godly Parental Influence
2 Timothy 1:1-6
Paul met Timothy in Lystra where he lived with his mother and grandmother. His Father, whose name is unknown, was a Greek, but his mother and grandmother were Jewesses and believers. Timothy's devotion, lifestyle and virtues became evident to the believers in Lystra and Iconium. The people in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him and recommended him to Paul as a worthy disciple who would be helpful to him in his missionary journey. Therefore, Paul circumcised him to be
accepted by the Jews, who knew that his father was a Greek (Acts 16:1-3). Paul consistently prayed for Timothy, his spiritual son. He was concerned about his state when he was facing opposition and persecution. However, he was always encouraged each time he remembered the sincere faith bequeathed by his mother and grandmother, Eunice and Lois, respectively. His mother and grandmother were devout and committed believers. They feared and served the Lord and transferred the same to Timothy. He had an excellent parental upbringing, home training, and morals. Apostle Paul, therefore, exhorted him because of God's gift in his life.
You cannot give what you do not have. So, parents are expected to exemplify godly virtues in raising godly seeds and worthy ambassadors for the Lord (Malachi. 2:15; 2 Corinthians. 5:20). Indeed, parental care, home training and the nurture of children cannot be taken for granted if we shall eliminate the vices of this time and create a better society.
DISCUSSION TIME
Comment on Paul's and people's commendations about Timothy as recorded in Acts 16:1-3 and 2 Timothy 1:5.
Discuss the influence of good parenting and home training on raising godly children for a healthy society.
2. Paul's Admonition to Timothy
2 Timothy 3:14-16
In his closing charge to Timothy, Apostle Paul reminded him of his teaching, way of life, purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecution, suffering and how God rescued him from all he went through in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra. He then emphasised that living right and maintaining a godly life will always attract opposition and persecution (vv. 10-12). In addition, Paul said that many would be deceived by deceivers and impostors (v. 13). However, he said to Timothy, "But as for you," that is, he should continue in what he had learned and had been convinced of, and he should not forget the Holy Scripture with which he was brought up from infancy. He emphasised that the Scriptures alone have been the basis for his wisdom and salvation (have made him wise for salvation) through faith in Christ Jesus. More so, "all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (v. 16).
Believers should note that when they choose to live a life that is pleasing God, there is a tendency to face opposition and persecution. Many deceivers and impostors use different kinds of philosophies and heresies to deceive people these days. Christians must not fall prey to their tricks. Instead, we must tenaciously hold on to our faith in Christ Jesus and obey the teaching of the Holy Scripture, which is sufficient to carry us through our Christian journey.
DISCUSSION TIME
How can parents help their children to become worthy ambassadors of Christ wherever they find themselves?
Discuss ways to exercise patience, discipline, hope and vision.
Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity
Allow class members to point out areas where some parents have failed to provide their children with good parenting care and home training and suggest the best ways to make amends. Tell them also to share how they can represent Christ well.
Take Home: Write down three lessons you are taking home from today's lesson.
Prayer Points
1. Pray that God will help you to raise godly children who will love and serve Him in obedience.
2. Pray that your life will reflect Christ, point men to the cross and bring them to His saving grace and power for Kingdom expansion.
Commitment: Based on today's lesson, make a personal commitment to raise godly children who will be good ambassadors of Jesus Christ wherever they find themselves.
