Introduction: 1. The second Sunday in May is set aside for paying special tribute to mothers. 2. God’s people have always been instructed to honor their mothers. a. (Exodus 20:12) The Jews were told, "Honor thy father and thy mother . . ." b. (Ephesians 6:2) Christians are told, "Honor thy father and mother . . ." 3. In our lesson we are: a. paying tribute to mothers b. considering a number of principles that relate to motherhood. 4. Let us begin by pointing out that . . .
Discussion:
I. FROM THE BEGINNING, MOTHERS HAVE PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN ACCOMPLISHING GOD’S WILL
A. (Genesis 3:20) "Adam called his wife's name Eve [life, living]; because she was the mother of all living." B. (1 Samuel 1-2) God used Hannah to give Israel one of its greatest leaders, Samuel. C. (Matthew 1) Several mothers are specifically mentioned in the genealogy of Christ. 1. (vs.1-6) Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba are listed. 2. (vs.16) Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of His Son. D. (2 Timothy 1:5) The evangelist Timothy was greatly influenced by his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois. E. God has used mothers in accomplishing His will in the past, and He still needs a certain kind of mother to accomplish His will today.
II. GOD HAS GIVEN CHRISTIAN MOTHERS SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES (Titus 2:3-5)
A. (vs.3-4a) Older women (including mothers) are: 1. to "be in behavior as becometh holiness" [reverent in behavior] 2. not to be "false accusers" [slanderers] 3. not to be "given to much wine" [slaves to alcohol] 4. to be "teachers of good things" [to teach what is good] 5. to "teach [train, encourage] the young women." B. (vs.4b-5) Young women (including mothers) are: 1. "to love their husbands" [fulfill their duties as wives] 2. "to love their children" [fulfill their duties to their children] 3. "to be discreet" [sensible, sober-minded] 4. "to be chaste" [pure] 5. to be "keepers at home" [keepers of the home] 6. to be "good" [kind] 7. to be "obedient [submissive] to their own husbands." C. The reason why mothers must fulfill these responsibilities is so God’s Word may not be blasphemed. 1. God shows in His Word how He wants mothers to conduct their lives. 2. Mothers who fulfill these responsibilities please God. 3. Such mothers deserve to be praised (Proverbs 31:30-31).
III. CHRISTIANS HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES CONCERNING OUR MOTHERS
A. We have already seen that Christians are to honor their mothers. B. Children and grandchildren are to provide for their widows (1 Timothy 5:4, 16). C. One who fails to do this is described in 1 Timothy 5:8. D. (John 19:25-27) Jesus gave us an example by caring for His mother.
Conclusion:
1. The value of a godly woman is revealed in Proverbs 31:10. 2. May God bless all virtuous women, especially mothers!
