The Divine Influence of Godly Motherhood

 

Summary

In today's sermon, I explored the profound significance of motherhood from a biblical perspective, emphasizing the role of mothers as pivotal influencers in the lives of their children and in the broader context of God's kingdom. I drew inspiration from the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel chapter 1, a woman of deep faith and dedication to God, to illustrate the essence of godly motherhood.

I began by challenging the prevalent sense of entitlement in our society, where many believe they have inherent rights to possessions or control over others. Instead, I urged us to recognize everything we have, including our children, as gifts from God. I used the example of money to illustrate this point, reminding us that our abilities to work and earn are blessings from God.

I then delved into the story of Hannah, who understood that her son Samuel was a gift from God and was willing to commit him to God's service, despite the personal cost. This act of surrender exemplifies the heart of a godly mother—one who places God's will above her own desires for her child.

I also addressed the importance of motherhood as created by God, highlighting that it is not merely a biological function but a critical role with eternal implications. I shared personal anecdotes about my family's journey with faith and the unwavering prayers of my mother, which played a crucial role in our spiritual formation.

Furthermore, I acknowledged the diverse experiences of motherhood within our congregation, recognizing that Mother's Day can be a difficult time for some. I extended gratitude to all women—biological mothers, future mothers, spiritual mothers, and those who take up the mantle of spiritual motherhood—for their invaluable contribution to our lives and the church.

I concluded by calling on mothers to share their love and influence beyond their biological children, to become mothers to the motherless, and to be a godly influence on the next generation. I emphasized that being a godly mother involves a focus on God, faith, prayer, intercession, and placing God's will above their own.

Key Takeaways:

- Recognizing everything we have as a gift from God, including our children, is a fundamental shift from a sense of entitlement to a posture of gratitude and stewardship. This perspective allows us to align our desires with God's will and to use our resources, including our parental influence, in a way that honors Him. [22:41 ]

- The story of Hannah teaches us that godly motherhood involves a deep commitment to God and a willingness to submit even our most precious gifts back to Him. This surrender is a powerful act of faith that acknowledges God's sovereignty and ultimate goodness in our lives and the lives of our children. [24:07 ]

- A godly mother's prayers have the potential to shape the destiny of her children and even generations to come. Persistent, humble, and trusting prayer is a hallmark of a mother who understands her critical role in her children's spiritual development and the power of intercession. [22:01 ]

- Motherhood is not defined by biology alone but by the spiritual and emotional investment in the lives of others. Women in the church are called to extend their maternal love and guidance to those who need a spiritual mother's touch, thereby fulfilling a vital role in the community of faith. [27:43 ]

- The influence of a mother is immeasurable and often underappreciated in today's society. Yet, as we see through the examples of influential figures shaped by their mothers, the role of a mother is indispensable in molding character and nurturing faith in the next generation. [15:42 ]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1 Samuel 1:1-28

#### Observation Questions
1. What was Hannah's initial reaction to her inability to have children, and how did she express her anguish? [19:06 ]
2. How did Hannah demonstrate her commitment to God despite her personal struggles? [19:49 ]
3. What did Hannah do once God answered her prayers and gave her a son? [24:07 ]
4. How did the pastor describe the role of mothers in shaping the spiritual lives of their children? [21:17 ]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Hannah's story teach us about the nature of godly motherhood and the importance of prayer? [22:01 ]
2. How does recognizing everything we have as a gift from God, including our children, change our perspective on parenting and stewardship? [22:41 ]
3. In what ways can the prayers of a godly mother influence the spiritual development of her children and future generations? [13:22 ]
4. How can women in the church extend their maternal love and guidance to those who need a spiritual mother's touch? [27:43 ]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a sense of entitlement. How can you shift your perspective to see everything, including your children, as gifts from God? [22:41 ]
2. Hannah was willing to surrender her most precious gift back to God. Is there something in your life that you need to surrender to God? How can you take steps to do that this week? [24:07 ]
3. Persistent prayer was a hallmark of Hannah's faith. How can you incorporate more consistent and heartfelt prayer into your daily routine, especially for your children or those you mentor? [22:01 ]
4. Think of a woman in your church or community who might need a spiritual mother's touch. How can you reach out to her and offer support, guidance, or prayer this week? [27:43 ]
5. The pastor shared personal anecdotes about his family's journey with faith and the impact of his mother's prayers. How has your own mother's faith or the faith of a spiritual mother figure influenced your life? [21:17 ]
6. How can you, as a mother or a spiritual mother, ensure that your influence is godly and aligns with God's will for the next generation? What specific actions can you take to be a positive influence? [26:09 ]
7. Mother's Day can be a difficult time for some. How can you offer support and encouragement to those who may be struggling with motherhood or the absence of it? [28:24 ]

Devotional

Day 1: Gratitude Over Entitlement
Gratitude is the heart's response to God's generosity, recognizing that all we have is a gift from Him. This perspective is transformative, shifting one's focus from a sense of entitlement to a posture of thankfulness and stewardship. When it comes to parenting, this means viewing children not as possessions to control but as blessings to nurture and guide according to God's will. It challenges parents to align their desires for their children with God's purposes, understanding that their role is to steward these young lives towards a path that honors Him. This approach fosters a home environment where gratitude prevails, and God's love is the foundation of family life. [22:41]

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." (James 1:17 ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a spirit of gratitude in your family, especially regarding the gifts God has given you, including your children?

Day 2: Surrendering Our Gifts to God
True godliness in motherhood is exemplified by a willingness to surrender our most precious gifts back to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and trusting in His goodness. The story of Hannah is a poignant reminder of this surrender. She dedicated her long-awaited son, Samuel, to the Lord, displaying profound faith and understanding of God's ownership over all life. This act of surrender is not limited to biblical times but is a call to modern-day parents to trust God with their children's futures, to pray fervently for them, and to commit their upbringing to the Lord's guidance and wisdom. It is a powerful declaration that God's plans are superior to our own. [24:07]

"And she vowed a vow and said, 'O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.'" (1 Samuel 1:11 ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life or in your family that you need to surrender to God, and what practical steps can you take to do so?

Day 3: The Power of a Mother's Prayer
The prayers of a mother hold immense potential to shape the destiny of her children and future generations. Persistent, humble, and trusting prayer is a hallmark of a mother who understands her critical role in her children's spiritual development. Through prayer, a mother intercedes for her children, seeking God's protection, guidance, and wisdom for them. This commitment to prayer is not a passive act but a powerful force that can lead to transformation and breakthroughs in the lives of her children. It is through these prayers that a mother contributes to building a legacy of faith that can endure for generations. [22:01]

"I have been 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." (2 Timothy 1:5 ESV)

Reflection: How can you be more intentional in your prayer life for your children or for the younger generation in your community?

Day 4: Motherhood Beyond Biology
Motherhood extends far beyond the biological connection; it encompasses the spiritual and emotional investment in the lives of others. Women are called to nurture, mentor, and guide not only their own children but also those who need a mother's love and wisdom. This spiritual motherhood is a calling within the church to provide support, encouragement, and discipleship to those who may be motherless or in need of guidance. It is a role that reflects the nurturing heart of God and fulfills a vital function in the community of believers, fostering growth and spiritual maturity. [27:43]

"Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.'" (Matthew 25:34-35 ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community could benefit from your spiritual motherhood, and what is one way you can begin to invest in their life this week?

Day 5: The Indispensable Influence of a Mother
The influence of a mother is profound and often underappreciated. Mothers play an indispensable role in molding character and nurturing faith in the next generation. Their impact can be seen in the lives of influential figures throughout history and in the everyday stories of faith and character development within the family. The role of a mother is multifaceted, involving love, discipline, teaching, and modeling a life of faith. It is through these daily acts of love and guidance that mothers leave an indelible mark on their children and on society as a whole. [15:42]

"Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.'" (Proverbs 31:28-29 ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you, as a mother or mentor, actively work to leave a positive and godly influence on the younger generation starting today?

Quotes

"To put your trust in God and put his desires for our children above ours is an incredibly hard thing to do and takes faith that God's will is better than ours. How many times have we prayed The Lord's Prayer 'Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done'? Do we really mean that when it will cost us the most? Hannah did, and that is why the second thing that makes a Godly mom is that a Godly mom commits her children to the Lord." [26:09 ] ( | | )

"Being a mother is far more than just having a baby, and that's why I can speak this to every lady in this room because you may not have your own biological child with you right now. But there is a sea of children in front of you that need spiritual moms, that need that spiritual mom to pray over them, to offer them advice, to encourage them, to support them, to walk alongside them." [26:53 ] ( | | )

"The Bible teaches us to see all good things as gifts to us from God, and that we should submit to God's will in how we live and how we determine how that thing or someone is to be used. A simple example is the money we have; we're called to see that every penny we have is given to us is a gift from God." [22:41 ] ( | | )

"Hannah knew this; she recognized that Samuel was not hers but that he belonged to God. He was on loan to her from God. Samuel was a gift from God. The Lord's will for Samuel took precedence over her own desires for her child, and I'm sure this was a struggle for her. It was costly; she would miss out on so much." [24:07 ] ( | | )

"Being a mother is to be a major influencer in the world. A mother plays a primary role in molding and shaping the lives of countless people. Yet it seems in this day and age, motherhood is considered by many to be something unfashionable. To be a mother is less important than a career or finding out who you are in the world." [15:42 ] ( | | )

"Motherhood is something massively important; God created it and saw that it was good. Mothers are important; it's not an inconvenience, it's an important critical role that needs to be played. And Hannah was such a mother. What can we learn about Godly motherhood from Hannah? Even in her deepest anguish, Hannah was committed to God in prayer." [19:06 ] ( | | )

"A Godly mother takes time to pray for her children. We live in a world where people think they have the right to all sorts of things, where many have this sense of entitlement. We like to believe it is our right to have or own something, and then determine how that something or someone is to be used." [22:41 ] ( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?