Why Mothers are Special

INTRODUCTION.

A.        There are those who think that mothers have it easy.

1.         "It is the man's responsibility to support and take care of the family. All the mother does it clean house and see after the kids."

2.         How many times have husband come home at the end of the day and ask their wife, "What all did you do today?"

B.        Unfortunately, mothers are, quite often, not appreciated. Our country has decided to choose this one day of the year to honor mothers. I suggest that we need to be honoring our mothers every day. Consider why.

I.         THE LIFE OF A MOTHER.

            A.        Mothers Bear Children. (Genesis 3:16)

                        1.         Children can bring joy to the mother. (Proverbs 23:19-25)

                        2.         Children can also bring sorrow. (Proverbs 10:1; 15:20; 29:15)

            B.        Mothers Give Instructions.

                        1.         The book of Proverbs shows that mothers are to be teachers. (Proverbs 1:8; 6:20)

                        2.         Quite often mothers will teach by good examples. Consider the following mothers who taught by example.

                                    a.         Jochebed, the mother of Moses. This mother instilled faith in her child, enabling him to make wise choices later in his life. (cf. Hebrews 11:23-26)

                                    b.         Hannah encouraged her son to excel in good things. (1 Samuel 1:24-28; 2:18-29)

                                    c.         Consider King Lemuel's mother. (Proverbs 31:1) Take notice of what she taught him. (Proverbs 31:3-5,8-9)

                                    d.         Eunice and Lois were the good mother and grandmother of Timothy. (Acts 16:1b; 2 Timothy 1:3-5; 3:15; Philippians 2:19-21)

            C.        Mothers are to Manage the Home. (1 Timothy 5:14)

                        1.         God's instructions for women are to marry, bear children, and guide the home. (Titus 2:4-5) Notice the order.

                        2.         Consider the mother who looks after her family. (Proverbs 31:27-28)

                        3.         Mothers who are like the "worthy woman" are examples of a domestic manager. (Proverbs 31:15-25)

II.       MOTHERS ARE TO BE RESPECTED AND HONORED.

            A.        We can see respect for mothers taught both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament.

                        1.         Old Testament: Exodus 20:12; Leviticus 19:3; Proverbs 31:28

                        2.         New Testament: Ephesians 6:2-3

            B.        No disrespectful children allowed.

                        1.         Proverbs 19:26; 20:20; 30:17

                        2.         The solution: Proverbs 22:15; 23:13

CONCLUSION.

A.        While much more could be said on the subject of why mothers are special, this is enough to give some idea as to what mothers go through.

B.        Let us all determine to respect our mothers for who they are and for what they have done.

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Why Mothers are Special - May 11, 2003 -- File # 2596 - Mothers

by John M. Duvall (modified using a sermon by David Riggs)-- Lawton, OK