A Belated Mother's Day Sermon

Introduction:

Here are some inside information on mom’s that you may not have known about moms:

Good moms let their kids lick the beaters. Great moms turn them off first.

Ever heard of a job that requires no experience, gives no training, pays nothing, and you can’t quit? That’s motherhood. Oh, and people’s lives are on the line.

They love all my children equally. Except for the one who sleeps. They love that one more.

They hate it when they waiting for Mom to cook dinner—and then I remember they are Mom.

They don’t want to sleep like a baby. They want to sleep like their husband.

Your nickname is Mom. But your real name is Mooooooooom!

One mom siad, “Why do my kids never appreciate that I stayed up all night overthinking for them?”

Read Proverbs 31:10-31

The title of the sermon may lead us all to believe that this is a sermon specifically for wives & mothers. And it is. However, just like last week when I preached on husbands and fathers I’m almost positive that there is something here for everyone.

1. The Virtuous Woman: A Model of Strength and Dignity

Proverbs 31:10–12 NIV

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

A woman of virtue is more precious than jewels. Her value is in her strength of character, her integrity, and her unwavering commitment to doing good.

-What does the world value?

What can I get from you?

What benefit do I get?

Wives and mothers are called to be pillars of strength and dignity in their homes.

-Dignity can be defined as poise and self-respect

-Where does this strength come from?

-What does self-respect look like?

The trust and respect they receive from their families are not given lightly but are a result of their steadfast faithfulness and love.

-Loving is not something that most women have to learn. It is hardwired into their DNA.

-This is why Paul said, “Husbands love wives and wives respect your husbands.”

2. The Industrious Woman: A Model of Diligence and Stewardship

Proverbs 31:13-15

Proverbs 31:13–15 NIV

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.

The Proverbs 31 woman is not idle. She works diligently, managing her household with wisdom and care.

-Now culturally speaking the wife at the time of this writing would have been the one responsible for all the goings on in the home. American culture today is a little different. We are seeing more shared responsibilities.

-But what are the underlying principles… Idleness, diligence, wisdom and care.

Mothers and wives today must be industrious, taking their responsibilities seriously. Whether they are working outside the home or managing the household, their diligence is a testimony to their commitment to their families and their God.

1 Peter 2:12 NIV

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Side Bar Concerning Wives/Mothers who work outside the home and those that do not.

-Every once in a while I’ll run across a video of a wife/mother who posts something about the joy she has in being one who stays home and cares for her husband and children. Often times the comments are harsh and cruel. She is viewed as a victim and her husband as a tyrant. But what I’ve noticed is that she finds joy in doing this. I’m not saying that every wife and mother should stay home and serve her man. Kim has worked outside the home our entire marriage and for us that arrangement has worked out fine. What I am saying is that if a wife/mother decides to stay home that’s wonderful and should be celebrated.

3. The Compassionate Woman: A Model of Generosity and Kindness

*Proverbs 31:20 (ESV): "She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy."*

Compassion is at the heart of godly womanhood. The Proverbs 31 woman extends her hand to the poor and needy.

-Jesus modeled compassion

Matthew 9:35–36 NIV

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

-Paul lists compassion as quality all of God’s people should have

Colossians 3:12–14 NIV

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

In a world that often values self-interest, godly wives and mothers must exemplify generosity and kindness.

-Model this for your children. Model this in your home and in your community.

Their homes should be places of refuge and love, not only for their families but also for those in need.

4. The Wise Woman: A Model of Godly Fear and Teaching

*Proverbs 31:26

Proverbs 31:26 NIV

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

How does the Bible define wisdom?

*Proverbs 1:7 (ESV): "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."*

The foundation of a godly woman’s life is her fear of the Lord. Her wisdom and teachings are rooted in her reverence for God.

Hebrews 12:28 NIV

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,

Mothers and wives have the profound responsibility of imparting godly wisdom to their children and families.

2 Timothy 1:5 NIV

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

In a culture that often disregards godly principles, their role in teaching and exemplifying godly fear is critical.

Conclusion:

Today, we face a cultural crisis where the roles of mothers and wives are often undervalued and misunderstood. The urgency for women of noble character, as described in Proverbs 31, has never been greater. Let us encourage and support the wives and mothers among us to rise to this high calling. May they be women of strength, diligence, compassion, and wisdom, who fear the Lord and teach their families to do the same.

Real-World Applications:

1. Intentional Family Time:

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in work, activities, and distractions. Mothers and wives can prioritize intentional family time, creating moments of connection and teaching opportunities. This could mean setting aside one night a week for a family dinner without devices, reading the Bible together, or simply talking about each other's days. By doing so, they instill values and build strong, supportive family bonds.

2. Serving the Community:

Proverbs 31 highlights the importance of reaching out to the needy. Wives and mothers can lead their families in serving the community, whether through volunteering at a local food bank, helping a neighbor in need, or participating in church outreach programs. These acts of service not only bless others but also teach children the importance of generosity and compassion.

3. Cultivating Personal Spiritual Growth:

A godly woman is rooted in her fear of the Lord and wisdom. Wives and mothers should prioritize their own spiritual growth through regular Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. By cultivating a deep, personal relationship with God, they are better equipped to lead and teach their families. This could involve joining a women's Bible study group, setting aside quiet time each day for prayer, or attending church regularly.

Next week I will address the the singleness and what that looks like in the family portrait.

But right now I want to give everyone to moment to reflect on what has been said here this morning.