Scripture Reading: Proverbs 31:25-31

Mothers are a Gift from God

Intro.
1. Motherhood a God-given role exclusively given women, 1 Tim. 2:15.

a. Having children is viewed by many as a problem, inconvenience, unwanted (abortion, child neglect, etc.); God’s blessing, Psa. 127:3.

b. Motherhood is honorable and vital for the home to succeed and thrive.

2. Motherhood is not “inbred” – It must be learned, Tit. 2:4.

a. Learn love (child abuse shows motherhood is learned, not inbred).

b. Learn to remove selfishness (child’s interests come before yours).

c. Learn how to meet the responsibilities of wife and mother (Tit. 2:4).

3. Bible mothers teach good lessons for mothers today and teach children to appreciate their mothers every day.

I. BLESSINGS TO GIVE YOUR CHILDREN.

A. Jochebed: The Blessing of Life and Safety, Exo. 2:1-10.

1. Mothers give life (2:2). cf. Abortion (~1.37 million/yr; 3,700/day).

2. Mothers protect life (2:2-3). Faith in God’s provisions, Heb. 11:23.

3. Mothers sustain life (2:8-9), Prov. 31:27 (1 Tim. 5:14); 29:15.

4. Mothers give, protect and sustain the spiritual life of children.

B. Hannah: The Blessing of Devotion to God, 1 Sam. 1:9-11.

1. What did you pray for when you wanted / expecting children? (Healthy? Boy or girl? Devoted to God?)

2. “I will give him to the Lord all the day of his life” – Not only obligated the child, but also the mother. 1:11, 20

a. Hannah attended to helping Samuel be devoted to God (she didn’t forget her vow) 1:24-28; 2:18-20.

b. Mothers: You love your children by helping them be devoted to God. Set the example of faithful worship, godly living, humble service, Bible teaching, etc.

C. Eunice and Lois: The Blessing of Teaching God’s Word, 2 Tim. 1:5.

1. Timothy had “genuine faith” because of mother and grandmother's faith!

2. They taught him the word of God from infancy, 2 Tim. 3:14-15.

3. Mothers have great opportunity to teach God’s word to children: Bible stories about God, Jesus, prayer, love, obedience, values, honesty… (Ex. Make story time Bible story time.)

4. Teach your children faith in God (His word), not the values of the world. Prov. 1:8-9; 31:26

II. SOME CHALLENGES OF MOTHERHOOD.

A. The Challenge of Time: Use it Wisely, 1 Pet. 4:7; Eph. 5:16.

1. Many things compete for your time each day: Prioritize.

a. Make time to talk, listen, nurture, play with, teach children.

b. In the kitchen, the bedroom, the park, the car…Deut. 6:7.

2. If God is not a priority in your life He will not be in your children’s life, either! (Prayer and practice)

B. The Challenge of Patience: Develop Self-control, 1 Cor. 9:25.

1. You must be the calm in the midst of chaos, the level head in moments of crisis, the disciplinarian without being angry.

2. Overcome impatience with prayer, Phil. 4:6.

C. The Challenge of Multi-Tasking: Managing Household, 1 Tim. 5:14.

1. oikodespoteo: Rule or guide the house; “the management and direction of household affairs” (Vine).

a. Wife, mother, housekeeper, cook, counselor, doctor, transportation director… Mother is a demanding job!

b. Requires the mind of Christ, Phil. 2:3-5 (humility, unselfish…)

c. Husband and children: Honor her. Prov. 31:28-29

III. GOD’S ADVICE ON MOTHERHOOD.

A. Avoid Favoritism and Comparisons of Children, Gen. 25:27-28.

1. Led to deception, hatred, bitterness in children, heartache.

2. Each child is special and unique; thankfully accept the child God gives you. Bless that child with life, devotion to God and knowledge of God’s word.

B. Set Godly Examples for Your Children, Ezek. 16:44-45.

1. Your children will learn from you and often follow your example.

2. Examples of godliness, purity, modesty, respect for men / women, Daughter (kind of woman/wife to be); as mother and father (kind for your son to look for). (cf. 1 Pet. 3:1-2)

C. Be Thankful for your Children, 1 Ths. 5:18.

1. Thank God…your husband…your children.

2. Children are great blessings with eternal implications, Jug. 13:8.

Conclusion

1. “A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother.” (Prov. 15:20)

2. The calling of motherhood is honorable and demanding. Keep faith in God for your strength, guidance and comfort, and share your faith with your children.