Mothers - Disciple-makers

Psalm 127:3 NASB95

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

READ Proverbs 31:26-30

FIRST - Mothers, remain standing, please

Let’s make sure we understand - women, mothers, not “person who gives birth” or “birthing person/parent”

God created man and woman, male and female

And mothers, job and role divinely given by God Himself

(seated)

ILLUST: Some humor for moms

Image - Hobby Lobby

Jokes

Three R’s

(the basics, not just for school)

I’m no mother - God has revealed His truth about Godly mothers

TODAY - This is for those serious about doing this His way

1) The Role of Mothers

God’s amazing design

Point children to Christ - The Word

See Eunice, Timothy’s mother

2 Timothy 1:5 NASB95

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.

No matter what, in all you do, with regard to your children, point them to Christ

See Titus 2:4-5

Titus 2:4–5 NASB95

so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

Your marriage, start there

Love and honor husband, let your children see and experience that - reflection of relation to Christ

Parenting - you are teaching future parents, potentially

Your children experience how you parent with regard to your love for Christ

Mothers, point your children to Christ

Grandmothers - help the mothers in your life point their children to Christ

2) The Responsibility of Mothers

Pray - 1 Thess 5:17

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB95

pray without ceasing;

First, thank the Lord for your family

Second, pray for strength to deal with your family

Bible mothers praying

Moses’, Samson’s, Samuel’s – Hannah

John the Baptist’s, Jesus’

Many others

Train and teach – you are making disciples

Proverbs 1:8 NASB95

Hear, my son, your father’s instruction And do not forsake your mother’s teaching;

e.g. – amazingly beautiful churches, devoid of Christ

I’d rather build disciples than buildings, given the choice

Discipline children

(Jesus corrects you, loves you)

Love children

Titus 2:4 NASB95

so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,

Ever feel you need the reminder? :)

3) The Reality of Motherhood

This is hard work - if you are tired from mothering, you’re doing a lot right!

The Godly, disciple-making mother:

Not perfect

Apologizes often – shows reliance on God and confession to Him

1 John 1:9-10 is good example

Puts Self first (clarify) – with regard to relationship to Christ (over children)

If you want children to have strong relationship with Christ, start with yours

Truth is, then…you’ll find yourself the most selfless person

Prioritizes marriage over children

Self-disciplined

Holy Spirit is in control of your self

Dependent on God - leans hard on Him

Especially when you’re not sure the work is worth it

Proverbs 31:25 NASB95

Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.

Simple steps

(I’ve watched a Godly, not perfect, mother do this)

Simple, not easy...

Take lots of deep breaths

Read with your children, show them your reliance on His Word for direction

Make sure they see you read, so they know it’s a priority

Pray WITH your children – show them your reliance on Him for strength

Pray FOR your children

To trust Jesus

Physical and spiritual protection

Wisdom in life decisions

Career – to love and serve Lord

Godly spouse

To show people Christ

DO church with your children

Not just GO

Service, with them – show them

Yes, you’ll get tired, other things get set aside

Be busy for the Lord with your children

Have fun with your children

Most of all - Let them SEE that you are serious about Jesus - model that faith

MOMS, God has blessed you with a difficult job:

Trust that the hard work will be worth it

Matthew 25:23 NASB95

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’

“faithful with a few things” - including raising your children for God, to give them back to Him, disciples ready for His service