Motherhood

Crete is the largest and most populated island in Greece. It was used to send exiles from Rome. The people in Crete according to their own documents, were liars, lazy gluttons, and brute beasts.

This letter shows the power of God to transform the hearts of people like this into who He wants them to be. Paul begins chapter 2 with explaining the type of people God desires for them to be. We will pick up where he talks about the women of the church.

Older Women

Not just older in age, but older in discipleship. Paul believed that at a certain point in your christian walk, you should be exhibiting specific characteristics that are essential to following Christ.

English Standard Version Chapter 2

Older women likewise are to be

Respectable

You are above reproach. Don’t give anyone room for anyone to hold anything against you and therefore defame your ministry.

It’s not people pleasing, it’s living above reproach.

Not false accusers

Comes from the root of diabollo which means “to accuse falsely” or “to throw down”. It comes from the root word meaning “devil”.

Do not with your very words tear down the younger women (or anyone) especially if it’s not true.

Accountability, yes. Gossip and false accusations (limited knowledge accusations), no.

Not Enslaved to Much Wine

This is the opposite of self-controlled and sober-minded.

“You should be seeking comfort from nearer communion with God, not from any undue indulgence.” - Matthew Henry

Teachers

This doesn’t mean that you should always know what to say. This means that you are always teaching with your words and actions.

Trainers

The word here can also say admonish. Admonish means to encourage, or train. Did you know that encouragement is a form of training. It’s an urging someone into the direction they ought to go.

I’m not saying you have to be this super wise life-coach for all of the women in your life, but what this is saying is that it’s as easy as simply encouraging someone to do what you know is right and good in the eyes of the Lord.

English Standard Version Chapter 2

4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,

5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

Young Women

Self-Controlled

Pure is to not have alternative motives and that everything you do is good in the eyes of God.

Working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands

Mothers, your greatest influence is in the home. Your most important influence is in the home. The reason we have lost this is because the older women don’t teach or train the younger women in this train of thought anymore.

We have down played the role of raising children. The world belittles those that don’t have a job and bring in money. It doesn’t want you to be devoted to your home life which is your most sacred ministry.

I’m going to give you a couple quotes that really struck a chord with me.

3895 The greatest benefits God has conferred on human life, fatherhood, motherhood, childhood, home, become the greatest curse if Jesus Christ is not the head.

Oswald Chambers (Lecturer and Missionary)

“Men may have the authority in the home, but women have the influence.” - John McArthur

Jess and I have talked about this and she told me that her greatest evangelistic tool is to support me to do what it is God has called me to do. This comes in many forms, but mostly in taking care of home life.

If your home life is in chaos, your whole life is in chaos.

The word for revile or blaspheme here means to be treated angrily and with contempt.

You may feel overwhelmed by the expectations of motherhood and often doubt if you are 'doing it right.' To combat this, take time each week to meet with other mothers in the church for a supportive coffee gathering.

Share your struggles and joys, pray together, and discuss practical tips. This community can serve as a reminder that every mother's journey is unique and that mutual support can help you bring your authentic self into your parenting while also strengthening your relationship with God.

Big Idea: The essence of godly motherhood is found in mentoring the next generation with love and integrity, reflecting Christ's heart toward them.