A. INTRODUCTION
1. Most women have 2 or 3 outstanding traits.
2. A godly woman should have both heavenly and earthly traits.
3. The aim is well-roundedness. “That you may be well-rounded and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:4, ELT).
4. What does a well-rounded mother produce?
Hannah, a praying mother – Samuel
Eunice, a Bible teacher mother – Timothy
Mary, a godly example – Jesus
An industrious woman – Sons of Israel
B. HANNAH, A PRAYING MOTHER: 1 SAMUEL
1. Pray before birth. “Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb” (Ps. 139:13).
2. Interceded intently. “She spoke in her heart; only her lips moved” (1 Sam. 1:13). “I . . . have poured out my soul before the Lord” (1 Sam. 1:15).
3. Made prayer vow. “She vowed a vow” (1 Sam. 1:11).
4. Surrendered her children to God. “I will give him unto the Lord, all the days of his life” (1 Sam. 1:11).
5. Followed through on her convictions. “I have lent him to the Lord” (1 Sam. 1:28). “Samuel ministered before the Lord, even as a child” (1 Sam. 2:18).
C. EUNICE, A BIBLE TEACHING MOTHER: 2 TIM. 1:5; 3:15
1. Must believe what she does makes a difference. “The genuine faith . . . which dwelt first in your . . . mother Eunice” (2 Tim. 1:5).
2. Teaching Bible early. “From childhood you have known the Holy “Scriptures” (2 Tim. 3:15). Word “child” means “newly born.”
3. Teach them by writing. “Scriptures” means “writings.”
4. Go beyond rote memory. “Knowing . . . thou hast learned” (3:15). Knowing is innate knowledge or intrinsic understanding.
5. Learning leads to assurance. “Continue in the things which you have learned and been assured” (3:14).
D. MARY A GODLY EXAMPLE
1. Chosen because of her testimony to God. “Greetings, young lady who has impressed God” (Luke 1:28, ELT).
2. Meditated on the things of God. “Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). “As he (she) thinks in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7).
3. Guided the total life of her children. “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).
Four-fold Growth
Wisdom – mental
Status – physical
God favor – spiritual
Man favor – social
E. THE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN WAS INDUSTRIOUS*: (PROVERBS 31:10-31)
1. *To be habitually involved in meaningful activity.
2. Provides clothes for her family. “Seeks wool and flax” (v. 13).
3. Provides food for her family. “Provides food for her household” (v. 15).
4. Dresses well. “Her clothing is fine linen” (v. 22).
5. Supervises the household. “Watches over the ways of her household” (v. 27).
6. Business ability. “Considers a field and buys it” (v. 16).
7. Understands money. “Willingly works” (v. 13). “Considers a field and buys it, from her profits, she plants a vineyard” (v. 16).
8. Financially prosperous. “Makes linen garments and sells them” (v. 24).
9. Trustworthy. “Her husband safely trusts her” (v. 11).
10. Considerate. “Extends her hand to the poor” (v. 20).
11. Charitable. “She reaches out her hands to the needy” (v. 20).
12. Tirelessly dependable. “Rises while it is yet night” (v. 15).
13. Wise in speech. “Opens her mouth with wisdom” (v. 26).
14. Honest. “She perceives that her merchandise is good” (v. 18).
15. Energetic (not lazy). “Does not eat the bread of idleness” (v. 27).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord,
I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
For more information on the TRBC Pastor’s Bible Class, log on to the Internet www.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-elmer-towns .
