the world’s ideas vs. what the bible says women are under increasing pressure to think they can...

The World’s Ideas vs. What the Bible Says

Women are under increasing pressure to think they can only succeed in life if they pursue a career, are financially

independent, or have status.

In 2003, 77.8% of mothers were in the In 2003, 77.8% of mothers were in the labor force with children ages 6-17 (up labor force with children ages 6-17 (up

from 55% in 1975), while 62.8% of those from 55% in 1975), while 62.8% of those with preschool children under age 6 with preschool children under age 6

were employed. (up from 39% in 1975) were employed. (up from 39% in 1975) ( (Bureau of Labor Bureau of Labor

Statistics- 2004Statistics- 2004))

The world praises the “career” woman while mothers who stay home are put

down.


Therefore the world considers children to be an inconvenience and get in the way of a mother’s dreams, ambitions, and

goals.

Consequently mothers may neglect their God given responsibilities to teach them

or may even abort them.

But what does the Bible say about children?

Children are not to be considered a burden but a blessing of the Lord.


“Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are

the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies in the gate.”

(Psalms 127:3-4)

Younger women need to learn their responsibilities from godly mothers

rather than conforming to this world’s ideas. (Romans 12:2)


“The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not

given to much wine, teachers of good things-- that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God

may not be blasphemed.” (Titus 2:3-5)

In our study this morning, we will examine Bible examples of godly mothers that

we should imitate and put into practice in our lives.

Mothers- Set Godly Examples for Them to Imitate

Hannah prayed for a son when she was barren, devoted him to God, and kept

her promise.

She made a vow and said, "O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your

maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a son, then I will give him

to the LORD all the days of his life, and a razor shall never come on his head." (1

Samuel 1:11)


"So I have also dedicated him to the LORD; as long as he lives he is dedicated to the

LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there.” (1 Samuel 1:28)


“Now Samuel was ministering before the LORD, as a boy wearing a linen ephod. And his mother would make him a little

robe and bring it to him from year to year when she would come up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife and say, "May the LORD give you

children from this woman in place of the one she dedicated to the LORD." And

they went to their own home.” (1 Samuel 2:18-20)


Samuel became a great prophet, priest, and judge of God’s people which began

because of a woman’s devotion to humble herself before God rather than

cursing him for her plight in life!

Truly the hand that rocks the cradle can be a powerful influence for good in a

godless world.


Eunice and Lois taught Timothy from his youth the Old Testament Scriptures

which gave him the wisdom leading to salvation.

“For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your

grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as

well.” (2 Timothy 1:5)

“From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is

in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15)


The apostle Paul took the godly young man Timothy with him to preach.

“Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And a disciple was there, named

Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a

Greek, and he was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and

Iconium. Paul wanted this man to go with him; and he took him and

circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts, for they all

knew that his father was a Greek.” (Acts 16:1-3)


The apostle Paul commends Timothy to the brethren at Philippi,

“But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also

may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be

concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those

of Christ Jesus. But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.” (Philippians 2:19-23)


The apostle Paul also commends him to the church at Corinth,

“For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach

everywhere in every church.” (1 Corinthians 4:17)


How many souls have obeyed the gospel and/or stayed faithful to the Lord

because of their mother and grandmother’s godliness?

This can happen even without the influence of godly father or grandmother as is

testified by the Scriptures.

Mothers and grandmothers, please realize the powerful influence that you can

have upon your children and grandchildren for their eternal good without preaching from the pulpit or

being a career woman!


But mothers may contend,“I have so many responsibilities” (wife, housekeeper,

cook, nurse, counselor, taxi)

So how can she do it all?

She must be unselfish having the mind of Christ. (Philippians 2:3ff)


“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard

one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your

own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in

yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, ho, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being

made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled

Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

(Philippians 2:3-8)


What kind of example do you set for your children or grandchildren?

Do you talk to them about God?

"These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you

rise up. (Deut. 6:6-7)


Do your children see you fulfilling your daily responsibilities or neglecting

them? “She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not

eat the bread of idleness.” (Proverbs 31:27)

Do your children see you helping others in their time of need? “She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to

the needy.” (Proverbs 31:20)


The example that you set before your children in their youth will likely be

imitated in their life when they raise their children.

If you have failed, all you can do is repent and confess your sins to them and to God and get forgiveness. (James 5:16;

Acts 8:22)

If your mother has failed in her God given responsibilities, don’t hold a grudge

against her but set the right example. God will bless you with other godly

mothers. (Mark 10:30)

ConclusionMothers- set godly examples for your

children.

Time is passing swiftly into eternity and we will be judged by our deeds. (2 Cor.

5:10)

Be a Hannah, Lois, or Eunice in this generation.

Jesus said, “Who is My mother and My brothers! And stretching out His hand

toward His disciples, He said, Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever

does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:48-50)

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