Mothers Day: Faith of Our Mothers

Introduction

On this day that we honor mothers, its good for us to think about how much you really do. Being a mother is not a walk in the park...

By the time a child reaches 18, a mother has had to handle some extra 18,000 hours of child-generated work. In fact, women who never have children enjoy the equivalent of an extra three months a year in leisure time!

A Junior High science teacher lectured on the properties of magnets for an entire class. The next day he gave his students a quiz. The first question read like this: "My name begins with an "M," has six letters, and I pick things up. What am I?" Half the kids in the class wrote, "Mother."

There was this father who was trying to explain the concept of marriage to his 4-year-old daughter. He got out their wedding album, thinking visual images would help, and explained the entire wedding service to her. When he was finished, he asked if she had any questions. She pointed to a picture of the wedding party and asked, "Daddy, is that when mommy came to work for us?

There are some great portraits of motherhood in Scripture.

We see a picture of the mother of Moses who cared so much for her son that she broke the law in order to teach him the faith of his people.

We see the sacrificial love of the mother who appeared before King Solomon and told him that she was willing to have her son taken away by another woman rather than see any harm come to him.

TEXT

2 Timothy 1:1–7 NLT

1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 I am writing to Timothy, my dear son. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace. 3 Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again. 5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 3:12–17 NLT

12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. 14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

MOMS WHO SHAPE/INFLUENCE/MOMS OF FAITH

I. QUESTION WAS ASKED WHAT IS A MOLDING MOM?

A. Someone commented- you mean like when oranges go bad?

B. Of course not - it is about moms who make a difference.

1) For good or ill, mothers tend to make a lasting impression.

C. Motherhood may be in danger of decline.

1) A San Diego State University report indicates marriage satisfaction after a first baby's birth is 42% lower among younger parents than in preceding generations.

INFLUENTIAL MOTHERS IN BIBLE

A. Influence comes in different varieties.

1) Micah's mother in Judges 17:1-3.

Judges 17:1–3 (NLT) 1 There was a man named Micah, who lived in the hill country of Ephraim. 2 One day he said to his mother, “I heard you place a curse on the person who stole 1,100 pieces of silver from you. Well, I have the money. I was the one who took it.” “The Lord bless you for admitting it,” his mother replied. 3 He returned the money to her, and she said, “I now dedicate these silver coins to the Lord. In honor of my son, I will have an image carved and an idol cast.”

a) Lived during corrupt days in Israel.

b) Son stole silver from her and she gave a curse.

1> She probably knew he was culprit.

c) When he fesses up, she makes an idol out of it.

d) Her son later spreads bad religion throughout the land.

BAD INFLUENCE

2) Mother of John and James. Matthew 20:21

a) The ultimate "stage mother."

b) She wanted her sons to sit next to Jesus in heaven.

B. A better kind of influence.

1) Moses and his mother.

a) She is unnamed, though all her children were influential in Israel's early history.

b) She had the faith to put her baby in a floating basket.

c) She had the brains to become his nurse, serving the Pharaoh's princess.

2) Samuel and Hannah.

a) Hannah wanted to be a mother desperately.

b) When she got her wish, she committed her son to the Lord and had him brought up in Israel's sanctuary.

c) Samuel had visions as a young boy, and became a great prophet and judge.

3) Jesus and his mother Mary.

a) She obeyed God from time of angel's visit.

1> She treasured many things in her heart.

2> She must have passed on these messages and experiences to Jesus.

b) She gave her son a religious upbringing, and regularly took him to celebrations in Jerusalem.

c) One of his final concerns was for her care, and he committed her to Apostle John.

C. Everybody is an influence.

1) What kind are you?

a) Most of us are probably a mixed-bag.

2) Reflect on your impact.

FACTORS TO FOCUS ON.

A. The beliefs you teach.

1) Tell your kids what is truly important to you.

2) Especially what you believe about Jesus, the Bible, and so on.

Shakespeare wrote some of the most poetic verses in the English language. However, if you translate those passages into French, German or Russian, they lose their rhythm and poetic beauty. This holds true for most of what the world calls the sacred writings. Most followers of Islamic, Hindu or Buddhist writings tend not to be in a hurry to see these writings translated. Yet there's one Book which stands alone in human history as the most translated of books, the Bible. No matter what language the Bible is translated into, it still retains its power, beauty, resonance, and its ability to touch the deepest part of man's heart and change the darkest lives. The Bible stands alone in human history as the most translatable Book because the Bible is the Word of God. It must go to all people. There are a few languages into which it hasn't yet been translated, the language of your loved ones, co-workers, and unbelievers. It's your job to do this translation. Translate His love, joy, mercy, compassion, His presence, into a language they can understand. The next translation must come through you.

3) Are your beliefs informed, correctly based on scripture? Or is it a "hodge- podge" of what ever?

B. The values you pass on.

1) What moral values will you be remembered for?

a) Integrity, humility, having the character of Jesus...

b) Teach them into your kids!

2) Grandparents can be an important influence here.

C. The example you set.

1) It is unfortunate that actions speak louder than words.

a) Words are easier!

2) Display the fruit of the Spirit in your family.

a) Love, joy, patience...

3) If you want your kids to be honest, be honest yourself.

D. The faith you are committed to.

1) Pass on a faith that is solid and the impact will last for generations.

Henry J. Heinz was the wealthy distributor of the famous "57 Varieties."

“57 Varieties.” This catch phrase had nothing to do with the actual number of varieties produced by H. J. Heinz, though, which by then totaled over 60 (including plum pudding, strawberry preserve, India relish, olive oil, spaghetti, euchred pickle, currant jelly, chili sauce, peanut butter, and celery soup).

When his will was read, it was found to contain the following confession:

"Looking forward to the time when my earthly career will end, I desire to set forth at the very beginning of this will, as the most important item in it, a confession of my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior.

I also desire to bear witness to the fact that throughout my life, in which there were unusual joys and sorrows, I have been wonderfully sustained by my faith in God through Jesus Christ.

This legacy was left me by my consecrated mother, a woman of strong faith, and to it I attribute any success I have attained."

A Mother’s Faith Has Convicting Power

Timothy and Eunice.

a) Timothy was born to a mixed family.

Acts 16:1 NLT

1 Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek.

1> His father was a Greek - not Jewish.

2> But his mother and grandmother seemed to be the biggest influence in his life.

b) Lois the grandmother taught her daughter Eunice the Holy Word

Passed on the faith

c) Eunice in turn taught her son Timothy the Holy Scriptures.

Passed on the Faith

c) Children remember what your mother teaches you

2 Timothy 3:14 NLT

14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.

c) When Paul preached in their town, Grandmother Lois and her daughter Eunice believed in Jesus and were converted.

d) They passed on an authentic faith. 2 Timothy 1:5

2 Timothy 1:5 (NLT) 5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.

e) They allowed him to serve with Paul. Acts 16:3

Paul tells Timothy later "I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that... dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice" (2 Tim. 1:5).

Writing of Timothy, his son in the faith, Paul could say with unaffected frankness, "I have no man like–minded"

Philippians 2:20 NLT

20 I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare.

or, as another translation reads, "There is no one like Timothy." What in Timothy justified such a commendation?

d) Times may change and fashions may alter, but mothers are never out of date! There is a living relevance in a mother’s faith because no one in all the world adapts herself to the day in which she lives like a mother with her little children.

Someone has said that "a space–age mother needs to keep her feet on the ground and her heart in the heavens. The man on the moon will never replace the man in the home with a dedicated wife working with him to raise a Christian family."

Illustration

William McKinley, as a lawyer, congressman, Governor of Ohio, and President of the United States, kept in touch with his mother every day. When he didn’t see her, he wrote or telegraphed. In mid–October of 1897, he quietly left the White House and took a train to Canton just so he could walk to church with her again. When she became ill, he arranged to have a special train standing by at full steam, ready to take him to her bedside. Then one night she did call for him. Immediately he wired, "Tell mother I’ll be there." Mrs. McKinley died December 12, 1897, in the arms of her 54–year–old son. Her gentle, Christian virtues helped mold the President’s character, for when he was gunned down in Buffalo, New York, about four years later, he showed no bitterness toward his assassin. With Christian courage he said, "God’s will be done." Before he died, he asked to hear once again the hymn, "Nearer, My God, to Thee," which his mother had taught him.

Scriptures makes it plain that these two women enjoyed a faith in God through our Lord Jesus Christ which was both scriptural and saving, a good example of the nature of faithful conviction.

It Is a Faith Which Is Soundly Based on Scripture

So how do we get faith?

Romans 10:17 (NLT)17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

Amplification

Mothers are faced with day to day decision which takes faith

Show how important it is for a wife and mother to live in the Scriptures day by day. Explain the necessity of a daily quiet time.

It Is a Faith Which Saves with Surety

They taught Timothy "the holy scriptures which are able to make... wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 3:15).

From Acts 16:1 it appears that both Timothy’s mother and grandmother were introduced to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ on Paul’s second missionary journey.

Eunice is there described as a Jewish woman who "believed." Their background of scriptural knowledge had wonderfully prepared them for the message of salvation through Paul the apostle.

Here, then, were two mothers who had a conviction-al faith, grounded in the Word of God and related to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Nothing is needed more in our land today than women who have this quality of faith.

Illustration

For example, an African chief wanted to know the secret of Britain’s greatness. Queen Victoria, holding a Bible in her hand, said, "Tell the chief that this book, the Bible, is the secret of our greatness."

A Mother’s Faith Is Communicable

"Call to remembrance the unfeigned faith... which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice.... But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them" (1:5; 3:14).

There is no one who can communicate the deep things of life on a daily basis like a godly mother.

The father certainly has a responsibility of leadership, both by way of example and instruction, but invariably it is the mother who makes the deepest impression on a child, especially in the years of infancy.

Faith Is Communicated by Personal Education

"But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them" (3:14).

From his earliest days, Timothy was taught the Holy Scriptures. This sense of duty to communicate the Word of God was rooted in God’s instruction to his ancient people. In other words, the devout Israelite taught his children because Jehovah commanded him to do so.

Amplification

Show how religious education is not only the privilege, but the responsibility of every godly home

Deuteronomy 4:9–10 NLT

9 “But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren. 10 Never forget the day when you stood before the Lord your God at Mount Sinai, where he told me, ‘Summon the people before me, and I will personally instruct them. Then they will learn to fear me as long as they live, and they will teach their children to fear me also.’

Deuteronomy 11:18–21 NLT

18 “So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 19 Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 20 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, 21 so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors.

phylacteries

Proverbs 22:6 NLT

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Faith Is Communicated by Practical Demonstration

"But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them" (3:14).

While Paul undoubtedly includes himself in that expression, "knowing of whom thou hast learned them," his primary thought is that of Lois and Eunice.

Timothy had seen something in their lives that demonstrated the reality of the faith they taught.

Amplification

Expound

Fathers are not exempt from teaching as well

Ephesians 6:4 NLT

Fathers,* do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

Colossians 3:21 NLT

Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.

Illustration

John Newton, in his most profligate days, could never forget his mother at whose knees he had learned to pray, but who was taken to heaven when he was only eight years old. "My mother’s God, the God of mercy, have mercy upon me!" was often his agonizing prayer when in danger or in trouble. That prayer was gloriously answered—not only in Newton’s life, but also in his subsequent ministry.

In another family, such was the impression that Susannah Wesley made on her son, John, that she has been called "The mother of Methodism."

A Mother’s Faith Is Commendable

Paul says, "I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith... which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice" (1:5).

Some have suggested that Paul actually stayed in Timothy’s home during the second missionary journey. If that was so, then quite obviously he was impressed with what he saw in the lives of both Lois and Eunice. While it was his privilege to bring to consummation their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and master, he could never forget the religious faith and piety which were already evident in their lives.

The Lasting Influence of a Mother’s Faith

"I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith... which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother, Eunice" (1:5).

Has it ever occurred to you that the most priceless treasure a man or woman can have is faith?

The world may cry, "What is a man without money?" but the Christian replies, "What is a man without faith?"

Remember, the only thing by which all the heroes of the Old Testament are remembered, in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, is their faith. Like a refrain, we read it in verse after verse: "By faith Abel" (Heb. 11:4), "By faith Enoch" (11:5), "Through faith... Sara" (11:11), "By faith... Rahab" (11:31), and so on.

Illustration

Show the preciousness and power of a living faith.

F. B. Meyer once said: "It is not the quantity of faith, but the quality of faith, that is important. A grain of mustard seed and a pellet of dust are similar in appearance, but the difference is immense. The one has no life burning at the heart of it, while the other contains life as God kindled it. Faith that has in it the principle of life is a faith with God in it."

Conclusion

Let us see to it that the mothers of our generation know a faith in God’s Word and in his Son Jesus Christ which is convicting, communicates, and one that is commendable. Only then can we sing:

(Tune: Faith of Our Fathers)

Faith of our mothers! living still,

In spite of dark’ning days of doubt;

O how our beings glow and thrill,

When that word "faith" is sounded out!

Faith of our mothers! gift of grace,

Born of the Spirit from on high;

Nourished by Scripture, strong to face,

Forces of evil when they’re nigh.

Faith of our mothers! Lord preserve,

This priceless treasure to us all;

That through our families we may serve

Duty or danger when they call.

So bless our mothers! every one,

Bless them for holy faith and love;

God bless them now for work well done,

Then honor them in realms above.

THE UNSEEN HAND.

A. Influence is subtle.

1) It arises from numerous small acts and interactions.

2) Most of the time it is not a deliberate activity of ours.

The great missionary doctor, Albert Schweitzer, said this:

I look back upon my youth and realize how so many people gave me help, understanding, courage - very important things to me - and they never knew it. They entered into my life and became powers within me.

All of us live spiritually by what others have given us, often unwittingly, in the significant hours of our life. At the time these significant hours may not even be perceived. We may not recognize them until years later when we look back, as one remembers some long-ago music or a boyhood landscape.

We all owe to others much of the gentleness and wisdom that we have made our own…

And we may well ask ourselves what will others owe to us.

B. What will your legacy be?